Undercliffe voices

2004 Conference

This paper reports on the involvement of members of the public in the design of a survey on health needs. Participatory approaches to needs assessment are well recognised in the current UK context but the design of the research is often professionally led. The Undercliffe Voices project was carried out in an ethnically diverse area of Bradford. The aim was to engage local people in looking at health needs, local services, and the potential for community action. A group of young Asian women were recruited and trained as community researchers. As part of their training the women designed and implemented their own questionnaire. This paper examines the local context and why previous experiences led to giving the participants greater control over the research design. Key features of the process are identified including aspects of training and support given to the researchers. Drawing on later interviews with the community researchers, the paper discusses the merits and constraints of facilitating greater public engagement in the research process and design.