REN Voices
Making sure research reflects the people it’s meant to help, particularly in underserved communities.
What is REN Voices?
Born from the NHS England Research Engagement Network (REN) programme, REN Voices brings together the Humber and North Yorkshire (HNY) Integrated Care Board (ICB), the Academy of Primary Care at Hull York Medical School, and a network of trusted voluntary and community sector (VCSE) partners to tackle one of the biggest challenges in modern healthcare: making sure research reflects the people it’s meant to help, particularly in underserved communities. Since 2023, the REN programme has recruited over 120 Community Research Champions from coastal and rural communities across the region – people who bridge the gap between academic research and everyday life. In 2025/26, this work was extended to address specific barriers to engagement: making research more visible, more suitable, and more inclusive.
Why this matters
Health research saves lives. But if the people taking part in studies don’t reflect the diversity of our communities, the results won’t work for everyone. We believe that everyone’s voice matters in shaping the research that affects their lives – especially those who have historically been left out of the conversation. In the UK, the areas with the highest rates of disease are often the same areas with the lowest participation in research. Coastal and rural communities – like those across Humber and North Yorkshire – face particular challenges: health inequalities, deprivation, geographic isolation, and limited access to research infrastructure. At the same time, research engagement in primary care has been declining. The HNY REN programme exists to reverse that trend – not by asking communities to fit into research, but by reshaping research to fit communities.
What we did
In early 2026, we ran a programme of workshops co-designed with our champions, VCSE partners, and primary care teams. Topics included: • Understanding research language – demystifying jargon so everyone can take part in the conversation • What is PPI and how to get started – a practical introduction to Patient and Public Involvement in research • How to sign up for research opportunities – hands-on support to join studies • Publishing your research priorities – helping communities share what matters to them through medical journals and online platforms • Migrant health and myth busting – addressing misconceptions and building trust • Patient support groups and research – understanding how support networks can feed into and benefit from research These workshops were delivered using creative and accessible approaches to engage people who might not see themselves in traditional research settings.
Who we work with
REN Voices is built on partnership. Our core collaborators include: • Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) • Academy of Primary Care, Hull York Medical School • VCSE Collaborative and REN Leads, particularly: Health Gospel, Flash Arts Company, and Mindful Photography UK This work has been funded by NHS England through the ICS Research Engagement Network Development Programme, with academic oversight from the University of Hull.
REN Voices
Our impact so far
120+
Community Research Champions recruited from underserved communities across coastal and rural Humber and North Yorkshire
7+
Engagement workshops delivered in early 2026, co-designed with champions and partners
9
VCSE lead organisations working across the region to connect communities with research
OUR IMPACT
But impact is not only measured in numbers…
Our academic evaluation found that involvement in research has a positive impact on VCSE champions and community contributors, with increased research confidence, strengthened collaborative links, and a sense of meaning, empowerment and connectivity.
My voice is important and it's more than important.
It's because I live this life. If you listen to what I've got to say, then you can do your job better and you can improve. Indirectly, you can improve that life for me, but I can also improve your life for you, because I can make your research a whole lot easier, a whole lot better, a whole lot more valuable by you listening to what I've got to say.
My voice is important.
But not only my voice, my colleagues' voices, the people I work with, their voices, it's one voice speaking through me. And it is… it's invaluable. I stood up, in the House of Lords, and I said, “Listen to what I've got to say”, and people sat there and listened to me. Research gave me the power to say that. Is that not something to be proud of?
To make a difference to other people… if I can make a difference, and somebody else doesn't have to go through what I’ve been through, then I've achieved something, haven't I?
– REN research interviews testimonials
REN Voices
Get in touch
For community members
Interested in having your say about the health research that matters to you? Whether you want to become a Research Champion, attend a workshop, or simply learn more about what research is and how to take part – we’d love to hear from you.
For researchers
Looking to connect your research with diverse communities? Our Research Brokers and Champions can help you reach participants, gather insights, and help you make sure your work is relevant to the people it’s designed to help.
For primary care teams
We offer CPD opportunities, tailored newsletters, and practical support to help your practice engage with research – even when time and resources are tight.
Contact us
To discuss a research opportunity or find out more about the programme, get in touch:
VCSE Research Partners:
Rebecca Denniff: rebecca@flashcompany.art
Emmanuel Uduh: emmanueluduh@thehealthgospel.co.uk
Academy of Primary Care: APC@hyms.ac.uk
