Research

HDRC Sandwell wanted to decide which health and wellbeing topics it should focus its research on. There are many things that affect people’s health, but there is not enough time or money to study everything. So, the team created a fair and clear way to choose priorities, based on both data and what local people say matters to them.

First, the team spoke with community groups, charities, council staff, health workers and researchers to agree why this work was needed and how to do it properly. They then looked at local and national data to see where Sandwell is doing worse than other areas. This helped create a long list of issues that affect health, such as education, safety, money, and the environment.

Next, this long list was grouped into themes and turned into a simple, easy-to-read survey. Health words were rewritten in plain language so everyone could understand them. The survey was tested with local residents at community events before being shared more widely, both online and on paper. Young people were also asked to share their views at a local youth festival.

Over 150 people completed the survey. The main areas people felt were most important were community life, education, crime and safety, the economy, physical and mental health, and the local environment. Within these, people highlighted concerns such as the cost of living, feeling safe where they live, depression, access to maternity care, children doing well at school, keeping fit, managing weight, strong communities, and litter on local streets.

The results were used to shape HDRC Sandwell’s future research plans and policies. The findings were also shared back with local residents, community groups, the council and research partners, so everyone could see how their views helped guide decisions.

HDRC Sandwell used local data and community voices together to decide what health research matters most for the area, and how to focus its efforts where they can make the biggest difference.

To read the full research paper please click here.