Read Anna’s blog which explore the meaning behind research using the example of selecting where to go on holiday! Isla Graciosa or the Canary Islands, which would you choose? Wherever you plan to go, always do your research first.
What is ‘Research’?
Action Hampshire is part of a partnership of organisations that deliver ‘Raising Voices in Research’ and who has recently announced their latest project which focuses on ‘Research Mentoring’. The focus of this project is to increase VCSE and communities’ knowledge of research and to understand what mental health related research communities want to see, but why should communities get involved? There is a £3000 grant available for successful applicants but really understanding the importance of research and shaping research priorities are the real motivators.
What does ‘research’ really mean?
Other words for ‘research’ include ‘investigate’, ‘study’, ‘explore’ and ‘examine’ but these all still have a ring of the academic which to some no doubt makes the idea of ‘research’ sound out of reach, something that doesn’t apply to them or that they wouldn’t be interested in. In its simplest term ‘research’ is about finding out new things and gaining understanding. Everyone carries out research in their day to day lives, this could be reading the tv guide to help decide what you want to watch, looking up a recipe before going to the shops to buy ingredients or using the internet to decide where to go on your next holiday. Taking this last example can give a clear understanding of how research works:
Identify the topic or issue I want to take a holiday in the Canary Islands but don’t know which island to choose
Design the project and set parameters
- It should be warm but not too hot
- I want to avoid crowds and will be travelling alone
- I like the beach but not the sea
- I want to go for a week, I work Mon-Fri
Collect Data
- My cousin recommended Gran Canaria due to the vibrant city and cultural experiences, my neighbour suggested Lanzarote for the dramatic volcanoes and wineries, and my colleague loves Isla Graciosa as its so quiet and peaceful.
- My local airport offers direct flights to Gran Canaria on a Wednesday and Lanzarote on a Saturday but does not fly to Isla Graciosa.
- Isla Graciosa requires a flight to Lanzarote and then boat travel.
- I watched a travel show about the Canary Islands and it showed all had lots of beaches and that the weather is warm all year round but hottest months are July and August.
- The local council website shows school holidays are from mid-July to early-September.
Interpret the data
- I should go in June or late September to avoid crowds and avoid the very hot temperatures of the summer.
- I don’t want to travel by boat so will not go to Isla Graciosa.
- Flying on a Saturday means I need to take one less day off work than if I flew on a Wednesday
Conclusion I shall book a holiday to Lanzarote!
In reality ‘research’ is part of our everyday lives, but we perhaps call it other things like ‘planning’, ‘finding out’, ‘asking questions’ or simply ‘google’! Ideally the concept of taking part in a research project will seem less intimidating to someone once they understand what it actually means. A key part of getting to that point is engaging with people who wouldn’t normally think of being part of a research project so that their insight can pave the way for others to get involved in the future.
In the context of the ‘Raising Voices in Research Mentoring’ project ‘research’ just means finding out the opinions of people. They are looking for views and opinions on how health and social care research can be made more accessible so by getting involved individuals are paving the way for others to get involved in the future. The people they are most interested in finding out opinions from are those whose thoughts and views are most often underrepresented in this field of work which is why for this project they are most interested in connecting with groups who work with children and young people who are neurodiverse and/or have a mental health condition, older adults in coastal communities, men with a mental health condition, and military personnel/veterans. any group who has not previously taken part and works with at least one of these communities is encouraged to apply.
If you would like to apply to take part in Raising Voices in Research Mentoring follow this link
Do get in touch if you’d like to discuss this opportunity further by calling 01962857383 or email anna.miles@actionhampshire.org
Follow this link to find out more about Raising Voices in Research
