Researchers at the ARC East of England have developed the Carer Research Network (ACORN) to raise awareness of the breadth and depth of unpaid/family carer research and to promote carer research and implementation priorities. The Network includes unpaid carers, care providers, primary care and social care professionals, health and social care advocates, and researchers.
Formed in 2024 by ARC East of England researchers and theme leads, Professor Morag Farquhar, Dr Lisa Franks, Dr Louise Lafortune, Dr Elspeth Mathie, Professor Fiona Poland and Professor Kristy Sanderson, ACORN aims to promote the inclusion of carers and carer perspectives in health research and to develop impactful carer and carer-inclusive research in the East of England.
At its inaugural meeting in February 2024, the Network’s discussion focused on how to support carers not only in their role but also with their own health and wellbeing, how to support the workforce to support carers, deciding research priorities, and how to promote and diversify participation in research.
Research examples from ARC East of England-based researchers:
- Supporting Breathlessness website for carers of patients with breathlessness.
- IACT4CARERS, a therapeutic approach to help family members support a person with dementia.
- The MiNDToolkit for management of non-motor symptoms in Motor Neurone Disease.
- The Carer Support Nurse pilot, which supported carers with complex health and wellbeing needs in a dedicated nursing role.
Previous Meetings
Inaugural Meeting, Wednesday 14 February 2024
The first meeting discussed the aims of this group and potential areas of research interest.
Click here for the summary of this meeting
'What Outcomes Matter?' Meeting, Thursday 20 June 2024
The second meeting discussed what outcomes are the most valued from the different stakeholders perspective.
Click here for the summary of this meeting
If you are interested in learning more about ACORN or attending any future meetings, please contact Professor Kristy Sanderson (Kristy.Sanderson@uea.ac.uk) for more information.