Researchers at the ARC East of England have developed the Carer Research Network 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, the Carer Research Network 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 video for individuals who experience 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 to address their own health needs in a dedicated nursing role.
If you are interested in learning more about the Carer Research Network or attending any future meetings, please contact Professor Kristy Sanderson (Kristy.Sanderson@uea.ac.uk) for more information.