Since 2000, an extensive programme of research interests in health and well being has been developed. Such research has focused particularly on health inequality and participation within health prevention programmes both for individuals and communities.

This has included engaged research and partnerships with service providers within longitudinal projects, often engaging hard to reach groups and beneficiaries in evaluating and understanding the value of programmes and the barriers and enablers to change within health lifestyles. There is an emphasis within the programme on continually developing research interests within communities and partnerships, as represented in the selection of previous and present projects represented below.

Current Research

Community Gardens Project – Green Synergy in Lincoln’s Abbey Ward 2012-14

Research into Green Synergy and its work within Lincoln’s Abbey Ward has examined the value of community garden projects in an urban context. The project has built on the existing evidence base of research into community gardens and city farms determining the inter-connected benefits at a community and individual level.   These outcomes and benefits have included effects in terms of health and well-being, the environment, community and social interaction. It has also increased understanding of what we mean by ‘community’ behind the bland statistics of ‘disadvantaged’ communities.

The participants of Green Synergy and its project leader were involved in the research process as active partners and there has been co-learning about research processes and what we mean by research within communities.

Past Research

Qualitative Evaluation of Fit Kids and Exercise Referral Staying Healthy Projects
For NHS Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire Sports Partnership (2011-2012)
This research, building on previous evaluation (2009-2011) within Exercise Referral and Fit Kids programmes across Lincolnshire, analysed the long term impact of structured schemes in increasing participation in physical activity. It was undertaken to determine factors that engage participants in long-term changes in physical activity and healthier lifestyle patterns. The study found that breaking down barriers to participation and supporting motivation to change was one of the main factors for continuing engagement in physical activity and long term impact.

Evaluation of Choosing Health Physical Activity Projects 2009-2011 Final Report
For NHS Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire Sports Partnership (2009-2011)
During 2009-2011, extensive evaluation was undertaken into six Choosing Health Physical Activity Projects including Exercise Referral, Fit Kids, Healthy Walks, Over 45’s Activators Projects, Vitality, New Age Kurling and New Age Bowls. This encompassed researching approaches and interventions to engage different age groups and participants with varying levels of fitness/health in increasing levels of participation in physical activity and changing attitudes to exercise across Lincolnshire. The research increased understanding of how communities and individuals can be more involved in physical activity programmes and activities, the barriers and enablers to change.

Health of Offenders in the Community: The Forgotten Inequality?
For Lincolnshire Probation (2003-2008)
An extensive and longitudinal 5-year research study was undertaken into the health needs of offenders in the community through the provision of a Healthy Living Centre within Lincolnshire Probation. This research encompassed researching the nature of specific health interventions for marginalised groups. It reviewed how the role of services and access impacts on health behaviour and the ability of the individual to change and benefit from health services. As a study in health inequality, the research found how attitudes to health/health messages and socioeconomic factors interact in health outcomes and poor health profiles.

Evaluation of the Role of the Oasis Family Resilience Worker For the Lincolnshire Oasis Project. (2007-2008 and 2009-2010) Evaluation of the role of the Oasis Family Resilience worker and the impact and effectiveness of the Oasis Project researching the service provision and needs of families affected by alcohol and drug misuse.

Review of the Effectiveness and Impact of the Oasis Project 

The effect on families of drug and alcohol misuse is under-researched compared to the impact on individual lives. The research undertaken into the Oasis project (2007-2008 and 2009-10) which supports families who are affected by the impact of problem drug and alcohol use consequently builds on understanding both of the organisational support required for families and the total effect on family life. The impact on the family was found to be considerable in terms of family dynamics and relationships including children and grandparents, health, economic and social consequences.

Analysis of service requirements and needs of drug users in North and North East Lincolnshire for service development
For North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire Drug Action Teams (2002)
The principal outcome of this study was to obtain the views of users on the services for drug misuse in North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire. As research has largely concentrated on research on drug users than with them, it was therefore important  to reflect local needs and ‘voices’ in service development. Whilst issues such as waiting times, choice and flexibility in service provision and the need for more ‘shared’ care within GP practices was highlighted the needs of drug users were found to be much more holistic than the provision of medication, with the role of counselling and support services of equal importance.

National evaluation and survey of the processes of consultation and participation for people with disabilities
For the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (2000-1)
The study undertook a national survey of the views of disability groups on the process of consultation and its effects. The study was presented to the All Party Disability Group at Westminster and found that the process of consultation although valued by those who take part is often considered to be tokenistic not having a real potential for impact or change in decision making. The study therefore proposed more robust models of participation in the consultation process.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Jackson, Research Fellow.