What are we working on?

Research into health and social care has the potential to benefit everyone. However, for a number of reasons, some groups do not take part in research projects. In Somerset, a Research Engagement Network has been formed to understand why some people and communities are underserved by research that could make their lives better. We are working on a framework that will help all the partners and stakeholders - including individual researchers, the voluntary sector, communities, and those working across the health and care system - to embed, support, promote, enhance, and contribute to research engagement in Somerset.

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Shared Prosperity Fund evaluation

Spark Somerset is the main infrastructure organisation in the county providing support to the VCFSE sector. In 2024, Spark was awarded funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) for a range of activities designed to enhance the sector and amplify its voice in the system. We are evaluating these activities, which include amongst other things the creation of an Insights Hub, a skills sharing platform, and leadership training. We are also thinking through how these activities can be sustained after SPF funding has ended, and how future projects can be evaluated.

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Would your organisation benefit from similar insights? To find out more about what we do and our discretionary rates for voluntary sector organisations, get in touch here.

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As academics, we also publish research papers on the topics close to our hearts. Our recent publications include:

1. Esmene, S., Leyshon, M. & Leyshon, C. Ethnic Minority Inclusion in Well-Being Research: Beyond Widening Participation. Int. Journal of Com. WB (2024). Read this paper here.

2. Esmene S, Leyshon M, DeBraal P, DeBruin H, Leyshon C (2024). ‘Where’ is the evidence? a starting point for the development of place-based research reviews and their implications for wellbeing-related policymaking. The Geographical Journal. Abstract.

3. Mittal R, Rowse E, Leyshon M, Leyshon C (2023). Improving health and wellbeing through social prescribing. British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 84(7), 1-4. Read this paper here.

4. Williams AJ, Menneer T, Sidana M, Walker T, Maguire K, Mueller M, Paterson C, Leyshon M, Leyshon C, Seymour E, et al (2021). Fostering Engagement with Health and Housing Innovation: Development of Participant Personas in a Social Housing Cohort. JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, 7(2), e25037-e25037. Abstract.

5. Leyshon M, Leyshon C, Walker T, Fish R (2021). More than sweat equity: Young people as volunteers in conservation work. Journal of Rural Studies, 81, 78-88. Abstract.

6. Colebrooke L, Leyshon C, Leyshon M, Walker T (2021). ‘We’re on the edge’: Cultures of care and Universal Credit. Social & Cultural Geography, 24(1), 86-103. Abstract.

7. Esmene DS, Leyshon PC, Leyshon DM (2020). Beyond adherence to social prescriptions: How places, social acquaintances and stories help walking group members to thrive. Health & Place, 64, 102394-102394. Abstract.

8. Walker T, Menneer T, Leyshon C, Leyshon M, Williams AJ, Mueller M, Taylor T (2020). Determinants of Volunteering Within a Social Housing Community. VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 33(1), 188-200. Abstract.

9. Walker T, Esmene S, Colebrooke L, Leyshon C, Leyshon M (2020). Digital possibilities and social mission in the voluntary sector: the case of a community transport organisation in the UK. Voluntary Sector Review, 11(1), 59-77. Abstract.

10. Williams AJ, Menneer T, Sidana M, Walker T, Maguire K, Mueller M, Paterson C, Leyshon M, Leyshon C, Seymour E, et al (2020). Fostering Engagement with Health and Housing Innovation: Development of Participant Personas in a Social Housing Cohort (Preprint). Abstract.