This paper was produced by our research leads based in Glasgow Caledonian University, in collaboration with a team across the UK, including Queen’s University Belfast.  The protocol focuses on and describes the Common Health Assets project which investigates the impact of community-led approaches on health and wellbeing in areas facing significant health and social inequalities.

Fifteen community led organisations (CLOs) based in disadvantaged communities in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland have been recruited to the study (including Innovation Zones community partner organisations).  Previous research indicates that an assets-based approach can result in positive change to health and wellbeing; however little is known about which approaches lead to which outcomes and how different contexts may affect success.  This realist study design builds on theory and practice to generate understanding of what works, for whom, how and in what circumstances. This project uses various methods including a realist synthesis of review papers, a policy analysis in different contexts, qualitative interviews, and workshops with stakeholders.  Participants' experiences are also being explored using a Q methodology study; participatory photography workshops, qualitative interviews, and a longitudinal survey to measure outcomes.  Additionally, an economic analysis will estimate costs and benefits to participants for different contexts and mechanisms.  A ‘Lived Experience Panel’ of people connected to the CLOs will ensure the appropriateness of the research, interpretation, and reporting of the findings.

This research is important and will help focus attention on the significant role ‘community’ has in improving public health.  The community led organisations, linked to the Innovation Zones, partnering with the research team in Northern Ireland are Colin Neighbourhood Partnership in Belfast, Oak Healthy living Centre in Lisnaskea and Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum in Derry.  Dr Karen Galway, Senior Lecturer leads the study in Northern Ireland with a team including Dr Liam O’Hare, Dr Aideen Gildea, Dr Julie Mullan and Ms Jill Mulholland.  Dr Galway reflected on the publication of the protocol saying, “Our partnership approach has been essential to get the study established, and we are very grateful to our partner organisations for supporting the research team with recruitment and data collection. The project uses truly innovative methodologies and we expect the findings will be of great interest to government and policy makers across the UK

Liam O’Hare, Director of the innovation Zones and member of the Common Health Assets team stated, “It is fantastic that the research being conducted with our Innovation Zones partners is producing world class publication like this.”  

The published protocol can be read here and you can keep up to date on the study via the study website