Learning Disabilities
Research Network
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What is the Learning Disabilities Research Network?
What is the Learning Disabilities Research Network?
West Midlands Learning Disabilities Research Network
is a collaborative initiative between services for people with Learning Disabilities across the region and your local Research Delivery Network (RDN) the NIHR West Midlands RRDN.
People with learning disabilities often experience inequalities when accessing services including health and social care services. Evidence further shows that people with learning disabilities often fare less well in a range of outcome measures demonstrated in shorter life expectancies and a range of quality of life indicators. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted disproportionate high death rates among people with learning disabilities.
We also know that people with learning disabilities are not always offered the same opportunities to participate in research studies as other groups. It is in this context that the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) West Midlands Regional Research Deliver Network (RRDN) wishes to expand opportunities for involvement in UK-wide high quality research studies focusing on the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities.
What is the RDN?
What is the RDN?
We are part of the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) which has been supporting research delivery in a range of settings across our region since 2006, and more recently expanding its support into wider care settings, such as Learning Disabilities services, schools and local authorities. Last year almost 1.4 million people in England participated in NIHR studies.
We are funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and work in partnership with the NHS, social care, universities, other research funders, participants, and the public. We are able to provide advice, support, and assistance to enable your participation in high-quality Learning Disabilities research.
The aims of the Learning Disabilities Research Network
The aims of the Learning Disabilities Research Network
The aim of this initiative is to improve the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities through developing a Learning Disabilities Research Network.
Taking part in high quality research studies supports the development of new knowledge, identifies and bridges gaps in research and supports learning into practice, leading to improvements in the health and well-being of people with learning disabilities. This will not only help services contribute to shaping the health of the nation but also will give them the chance to take advantage of new innovative treatments or screening programmes that are not yet available to the general population.
We would like to invite organisations and services for people with learning disabilities to sign up to hear more about high quality research and in turn, share information about opportunities for involvement in research with people who use services and staff within organisations. The research studies we will share with you will have all gone through all the correct ethical and regulatory procedures.
Together, we can be part of and influence, exploring health and care research for people with learning disabilities.
How can we support your organisation
How can we support your organisation
Inform you of opportunities to take part in high-quality research
Support your service with study setup and delivery of research (most studies will require minimal resources from services)
Offer advice and support with research governance
Provide support from trained research staff
Provide support throughout the duration of the study
Provide access to free research training
Our offer to Learning Disabilities services
Our offer to Learning Disabilities services
In developing a Learning Disabilities Research Network, we hope that in working together we will be able to influence, be part of and explore together health and care research and want those who sign up to feel like active members who shape the Research Network.
High-quality research opportunities and for Learning Disabilities professionals to input into research study design
Identifying the key areas of need, we will work with academic partners to develop learning disabilities focussed resarch studies to inform change.
We will also promote opportunities for participation in local and national studies.
Remuneration
Support Cost
If there are any additional costs related to undertaking the research these will come directly from the study team and are called ‘Research Costs’ (research activity is almost always undertaken directly by the research team).
When we circulate research opportunities each study will clearly state the total remuneration for services and individuals taking part in the research study.
Support with health and wellbeing initiatives/training
Depending on the needs identified, we can facilitate support from clinicians and academics within partner organisations.
The sharing of research findings to inform evidence based policy and practice.
We will ensure the dissemination of all findings of research where you have assisted. This will include publications and recommendations for policy and practice change.
Quality Mark for CQC Inspection & NIHR accredited certificate
All organisations that join the Learning Disabilities Research Network will be given an accreditation certificate as part of them being a research-active organisation.
Advice on career development in research
We support learning disabilities-focussed research projects through our funding programmes and support training and career development for researchers.
Offer organisations and people who use services the opportunity to be involved in research (as specified in the NHS Constitution)
Research offers a range of benefits. Helping to understand more about Learning disabilities and the effects of health and care on individuals. Provides a place to share experiences for people with a learning disability and those who provide care and support
Studies Open to Learning Disabilities Organisations
Studies Open to Learning Disabilities Organisations
Quality of Life in People with Learning Disabilities and Dementia
What will happen if my organisation decides to take part?
This is a PhD study
Organisations are being asked identify suitable participants for study involvement
Please contact the study researcher, Winnie Tsang by email: wt66@kent.ac.uk
You will have the opportunity to discuss the study and ask questions about involvement in the study
Interested participants will be asked to take part in an interview that will take no longer than 45 minutes
Click below for full image
Join the Learning Disabilities Research Network
Join the Learning Disabilities Research Network
We are seeking expressions of interest from forward-thinking organisations who would like to join the Learning Disabilities Research Network. This will provide you the opportunity to be the first to find out about high profile research studies taking place in your area.
Joining the Learning Disabilities Research Network
does not commit you to taking part in a particular study and is free.
We will keep you updated on:
New studies
Resources and research results
Training and opportunities for the whole team.
Event - careLeD tool
Event - careLeD tool
The UCAN Team would like to invite you to join us for the launch of the new careLeD tool. It will take place online on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 1st July 2025 from 12 noon.
At the event we will share the tool that we have been co-creating. It has been designed to help people with a learning disability access urgent and emergency care.
Get your free ticket from: https://t.ly/tAoUX and please share the details with everyone you think will be interested.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research:
"Involving people with learning disabilities in research on learning disability would help make sure that the research addresses the most pressing and relevant issues. Inclusive research would respect this group’s views and represent their needs."
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