REND 2: Research Engagement with People Who Have Experienced Homelessness – “I Am More Than…” Stakeholder Event

On 07 October 2024, stakeholders from the health and voluntary sectors gathered at The Spire in Poole for a crucial event focused on fostering inclusive community-engaged research. Organised in partnership with Bournemouth University, Lantern Trust, HealthBus, NIHR and NHS Dorset, the event aimed to co-design approaches for developing research collaborations with individuals who are homeless or vulnerably housed.

The “I Am More Than…” project has been working to create inclusive spaces where people with lived experiences of homelessness, alongside staff and volunteers who support them, can share their perspectives with health and social care researchers. By bringing these voices to the forefront, the project seeks to influence policy, research, and health interventions. This particular event marked the transition from “why” to “how” — focusing on practical strategies for co-creating inclusive opportunities in research.

Purpose: The primary aim of the event was to understand the barriers and enablers to involve homeless communities in research and to co-design inclusive methods to overcome those challenges. The insights gained are essential for creating meaningful opportunities for homeless individuals to contribute to health and social care research.

Methods: The event featured a combination of presentations showcasing key learnings so far and an interactive workshop grounded in co-design methods. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the values behind co-production, the Co-production Collective’s approach provides a solid foundation (see here).

Feel: The spirit of the event was designed to be inclusive and welcoming. Organisers aimed to make every participant feel valued, ensuring that each person had the opportunity to be heard and contribute. Participants were encouraged to bring their whole selves, beyond just their professional roles, to foster authentic connections and meaningful discussions. The removal of formal identifiers like lanyards helped participants feel at ease, encouraging personal engagement and collaboration.

This event continued to push forward the mission of the “I Am More Than…” project, ensuring that the voices of people who have experienced homelessness are central in shaping the future of research, policy, and interventions.