Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement

I was first involved in health research as a PPIE for a long Covid study, led by DERA (Deep End Research Alliance, at the University of Sheffield) in 2022 and since, I have been involved in many health research projects because I wanted to represent my community, voices from the South Asian community that are often marginalised for social and economic reasons. 

In 2023, I was trained as a CHRLW (Community Health Research Link Worker) by DERA, to support researchers more strategically with developing inclusive PPIE, steering groups and advisory boards.  

In 2024, with the mentorship of DERA, I have taken an additional role as Project Manager for Deep End Leeds – a research alliance, NIHR funded, committed to diverse and representative health research, with a collaborative PPIE focus, at the Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (LIHS), School of Medicine at The University of Leeds. 

I am also delighted to be part of REMAP, as a co PPIE Lead, which I supported previously, in its first stage before receiving this current 3-year funding. I have contributed to developing a very representative, quality PPIE groups of 5 people, from very diverse social and economic backgrounds, two of whom have agreed to be part of the Steering Group and the Advisory Board for REMAP. 

Raith has over 30 years’ experience as an environmental consultant and is a Research Community Link Worker based in South Yorkshire. 

Since 2022, he has been actively involved in PPIE, mental health research, and community engagement. Raith has worked with organisations including the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - contributing to cultural competence training, reverse mentoring, and PCREF projects. His work has been recognised with an award for impact, and he currently serves on the REMAP Steering Group, supporting diverse and representative public involvement in research.

Originally from Alexandria in Egypt, Dhalia was a French teacher before marrying. 

Dhalia was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus in 1998 - "I often go to hospital - it's like my second home."  

Dhalia is interested in the REMAP project because it highlights the importance of APs which she has seen regularly throughout the treatment of her health condition.

Michael Opoku Kwarteng is a Business Intelligence Specialist, Data Analyst, AI Agent Builder and Community Research worker based in Sheffield. Over the past four years, his work has focused on using research, data and digital tools to generate meaningful insights that support better decision-making for organisations, stakeholders and communities.

Michael has been actively involved in community research link work in Sheffield and has contributed to several research and engagement projects focused on improving outcomes for underserved communities. His literature review work for the Ethnic Minority Research Institute was formally acknowledged, and he received an award in recognition of his contribution to the project.

He has worked with the University of Sheffield, Sheffield African Caribbean Mental Health Association, and Sheffield Hallam University, where he is currently a Data Research Associate. In this role, Michael has supported research and evaluation work, including providing data analysis for a Type 2 diabetes project delivered by Voluntary Action Sheffield. His analysis helped stakeholders identify key areas requiring intervention and supported more informed decision-making around community health needs.

Michael has also undertaken personal data projects focused on health inequalities, including an NHS A&E benchmarking project and an NHS postcode lottery mental health project. These projects reflect his strong interest in using data to highlight service variation, identify gaps, and support fairer access to health and social care services.

His wider experience spans business intelligence, advanced data analysis, data modelling, research analytics, AI-enabled workflows, and the design of data products that help organisations move from fragmented information to clear, evidence-based decision-making. He has developed digital and analytical solutions that transform raw data into actionable insight, support strategic planning, improve reporting processes, and enable stakeholders to identify patterns, measure impact, and make better decisions across health, community, research and organisational settings.

As part of the REMAP Advanced Practice in Primary Care PPIE Research Team, Michael brings a strong combination of lived community insight, research experience, data analysis, digital innovation and IT expertise. His value lies in helping patient and public involvement and engagement become more evidence-informed, inclusive and impactful. He is passionate about contributing ideas, data skills and community understanding to support excellent outcomes for patients, social care users, healthcare professionals and communities across Sheffield and the wider UK.

Working as a Community Research Link Worker, I focus on ensuring health research is inclusive, community-led, and grounded in lived experience. I have contributed to a range of projects by involving patients and the public in the design, delivery, and evaluation of research, helping to make studies more relevant and impactful.

Alongside this, I bring experience of serving on steering groups, offering a thoughtful, community-informed perspective to decision-making and project direction. My work has spanned areas such as contraception, PCOS, perinatal mental well-being, and maternity services, among others.

I am passionate about building meaningful relationships, facilitating accessible engagement, and ensuring diverse voices are heard. This approach is rooted in collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and a strong commitment to improving outcomes through genuine co-production.