Family Hub team awarded for support and contribution to health and social care research
On Monday 17 June, the University of Southampton’s new Community Partner Recognition Awards honoured the staff and volunteers from Family Hubs for their support of primary care research projects
Since 2022, Family Hub staff have worked closely with the University’s Finding Out Together team to host listening cafes.
The cafes have covered research topics such as mental distress, digital intervention for parents of very unsettled infants, living with multiple long term health conditions and childhood constipation. The results of these cafes have been shared in publications with health professionals and has resulted in further funding applications.
Alongside the listening cafes, monthly Community Parent and Carer Forums were set up at Pickles Coppice to promote interest in health and social care research. Since 2023, Community Forum members have shared their lived experiences and views on a range of topics. The findings have been invaluable to the researchers and members have benefited from peer support, opportunities to learn and make friends.
The members of the team who were awarded the recognition awards by the University include:
- Tina Ayres, Practice Co-ordinator West Locality
- Sarah Newman, Family Hub Support Worker
- Kerry Stala, Family Hub Lead Play Practitioner
- Sharon Allcroft, Neighbourhood Warden (previously Family Hub Senior Play and Training Practitioner)
- Nadine Crew, Family Hub Volunteer
- Daisy Richardson, Family Hub Volunteer
The team were praised for their dedication to the project and for providing a safe space for parents and carers to share their thoughts.
Lesley Weeks, Child and Young Peoples Development Lead said:
“The Family Hub team work relentlessly to support our local communities alongside local organisations such the University of Southampton, so I am delighted they are being recognised for this award. Involving the local community in research is incredibly important due to the knowledge gained from sharing lived experiences.”
Dan Buckle, Head of Children and Families First said:
“I am incredibly proud of the team receiving this award from the University of Southampton which celebrates their work to supporting health and social care research. The team work closely with the local community, and they are dedicated to supporting and championing the support available.”
Learn more about the work of the Finding Out Together team on the University of Southampton’s website.
Find out more about Family Hubs.
