Building research partnerships on wellbeing, health and locale

A diverse group of researchers, public sector leaders, charities, and policymakers gathered at the University of Essex to explore solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in public health.

The Research Partnership Event, supported by the Health and Wellbeing Care Hub, generated huge interest and provided a dynamic day of insightful research and networking. Now organisers are looking forward to organising further events to build on its success.

Dr Maria Laura Filippetti, co-organiser of the event alongside Professor David O’Mahony and Laura Brookes, explained: “Our goal was to foster dialogue and collaboration by linking academic expertise with real-world public health challenges. The event served as a platform for building strategic partnerships, especially between the University of Essex’s research community and key external stakeholders in health and social care.”

Representatives from different sectors discussed innovative approaches to addressing health inequalities and mental health issues. The opening session featured an overview of impactful pathways, highlighting numerous opportunities for partnership and collaboration across the University. This session featured insightful presentations from Dean of Integrated Health and Care Partnerships Professor Victoria Joffe and Director of the Research and Enterprise Office Dr Robert Singh. After this talks from both academic and external partners emphasised how collaborative research can lead to actionable solutions that benefit communities across England.

Professor Joffe said: “The power of partnerships and collaboration were brought to life at our event. Delegates shared research on key challenges of healthcare, and showcased examples of impactful and effective partnership working addressing health inequalities and supporting mental health. It was inspiring to be in the room with such a group of committed and passionate people exploring how best we can work together, drawing on the University as an anchor institution, to address the needs of the community. This is a first step for us all and I am already looking forward to the follow-up event where we can chart our progress and move even further forward.”

Professor O’Mahony said: “Stimulating really impactful research is one of the tangible benefits of developing and growing our university partnerships with organisations delivering services to the community. The fact that the event was sold out within a few days of being advertised is a testament to the appetite for research partnership working.”

More about the sessions

Session One: Addressing Health Inequalities

The first session opened with a focus on health inequalities, which continue to be a persistent challenge in public health. Professor Mariachiara Di Cesare presented research highlighting the work carried out by the Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing to reduce inequalities at local, national, and global levels. Professor Sheina Orbell introduced the innovative collaborative research carried out by the Essex ESNEFT Psychological Research Unit for Behaviour, Health and Wellbeing (EEPRU).

Dr Richard Smith and Dr Ben Marlow, external NHS partners with vast experience in community health, contributed their insights, focusing on the benefits of fostering research with NHS partners. Examples included the collaborative research on early intervention and developmental trajectories undertaken between the Synapse Centre for Neurodevelopment at ESNEFT and our Department of Psychology through co-funded PhD scholarships.

Session Two: Tackling Mental Health Challenges

The second session turned its attention to mental health, another area where research and public-sector collaboration are essential. Professor Susan McPherson and Dr Emily Murray led the academic discussions, presenting recent research on the links between mental health and community well-being. Professor McPherson’s talk focused on the importance of stakeholder engagement to generate service recommendations and foster inclusivity of mental health services. Dr Murray introduced the ongoing work of the Centre for Coastal Communities, highlighting the importance of addressing youth mental health.

External partners Provide and Healthwatch Essex, offered insights into current health service provision and discussed their experience in delivering integrated health services, which combine physical and mental health care to provide more comprehensive support.

The Bigger Picture: Localised Strategies for National Impact

A recurring theme throughout the day was the importance of place-based strategies in addressing public health issues. These strategies are essential for ensuring that health interventions are adapted to the unique challenges of specific locales, allowing for greater relevance and effectiveness. As highlighted by the Chief Medical Officer's 2023 annual report, place-based approaches are crucial for tackling the social determinants of health and enhancing health equity.

The afternoon networking session led by Laura Brookes offered participants a platform to collaboratively explore key themes such as mental health, chronic disease, and aging. Through discussions, attendees identified the challenges and pressures faced by both the public and the health and social care systems. Together, they worked to transform these challenges into partnership opportunities, ultimately aiming to develop practical solutions.