We’re delighted to have been chosen by the British Science Association to provide strategic communications support for a new grants programme aimed at engaging underserved communities in health research.
This is an exciting new business win – and proof that pitching by Zoom is possible in the ‘new normal’!
Working with global research foundation, Wellcome, the BSA is co-designing the delivery and promotion of the new programme this summer with community stakeholders, supported by The Social Innovation Partnership, Hypen8, the creative team at Red Stone and our founder, Martha.
This is a timely project, as the Coronavirus pandemic has shown us how health crises can impact disproportionately and negatively on groups and communities that are traditionally less likely to be engaged with health research – men, people with long-term health conditions, those from lower income groups and people from a BAME background. COVID-19 is a strong reminder for the future of the importance of ensuring diverse public engagement with health research.
As Yvonne Campbell, Interim Head of Grants for the BSA, explains in her blog about the new programme, it is vital that those most affected by health issues are engaged in relevant research. If not, their voices and needs will not be represented appropriately within the design of services, policy, legislation or resource allocation, and they won’t be a strong, contributing voice in safeguarding and improving their own health and the future health of their communities.
We’re looking forward to supporting Yvonne and the BSA in delivering on their ambition to reach underserved communities, while continuing to be a catalyst for change within the public engagement sector.
"The new grants programme aspires to be flexible, responsive and relational where decisions take place closer to the communities they serve."
Yvonne Campbell, Interim Head of Grants, British Science Association
