“tune in” to hear communities leading research
Join us (online) for our informal ‘conversation station’ sessions, for a chance to hear first-hand from community voices about their experience of community-led research and why it’s so important for tackling systemic issues around mental health & wellbeing across the Highlands & Islands. You are welcome to engage as you’d like, including bringing your lunch or a cup of coffee and listening in, before we open up to wider discussion with a chance to ask questions and connect with peers.
Who is this for? All are welcome, whether you're a network member or just interested in community-led research and/or mental health and wellbeing.
If you are keen to share your own experiences of community-led research, please complete a short expression of interest form via the link below.
Conversation Station with The Discovery College
Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 1 - 2PM
For this conversation, peer support workers at the Discovery College shared how are they using their lived experience and skills in peer support work and research to support mental health across the Highlands. The session included a short sharing of the project learnings and approaches so far from peer support workers/researchers Debbi, Sarah and Jodi as well as community researcher Noreen.
*Discussion includes sharing of sensitive personal experiences around mental health.
The Discovery College is part of Centred, Highlands leading mental health charity, and this project has been supported by the Ideas Fund which funds communities directly to lead research which matters to them.
Conversation Station with LEAP Sports Scotland
Tuesday, 17 december, 1 - 2PM
Last December, Gavin Hosie and Dr Rebecah MacGilleeathain shared the Out and About in the Highlands project led by LEAP Sports Scotland and funded by the Ideas Fund. The presentation explored what LGBTIQ+ inclusive sports across the Highlands looks like and how this supports mental wellbeing.
You can find more about their project here.
Conversation Station with the GRAB Trust
For this conversation station, Kerry Mackay from the GRAB Trust shared their experience of a community-led research project creating an evidence base for the reduction of single use plastic cups in Oban.
Conversation Station with Deepness
This session featured the work, reflections and learning so far of Deepness, based in the Western Isles, who are coordinating people-living-with-dementia-led peer research exploring the impact of participation in creative activities on experiences of agency, autonomy and mental wellbeing.
All are welcome to join our informal lunchtime discussion, hearing first-hand about the value of peer-led research from a grassroots community group.
The Conversation Stations include a short presentation by community voices and their research partners. You are welcome to engage as you’d like, including bringing your lunch or a cup of coffee and listening in, before we open up to wider discussion with a chance to ask questions and connect with peers.