ENRICH Cymru network expands to enable more research

A growing network of ‘research ready’ care homes across Wales is helping researchers to carry out key social care studies.

The Enabling Research in Care Homes network (ENRICH Cymru) – co-hosted by the Wales School for Social Care Research and the Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research at Swansea University – was launched in 2018.

The network aims to encourage and enable more research to take place in care homes, a sector where research isn’t as well developed as other healthcare settings.

“The network promotes the exchange of research ideas and knowledge, and fosters the co-creation of research relevant to the current issues in the care home sector,” said Stephanie Watts, ENRICH Cymru coordinator.

“Awareness of and interest in the network is expanding rapidly. There are 20 homes registered across north and south Wales, with growing interest in mid Wales.”

Care homes across Wales are currently taking part in a number of ongoing research projects, including an evaluation of the impact of intergenerational activities on residents, staff and visitors.

The study is being led by PhD student Kate Howson who describes ENRICH Cymru as “a crucial link”.

“ENRICH Cymru has enabled me to disseminate my research advert on various platforms resulting in numerous enquiries and care homes keen to be involved with the research,” added Kate.

“Stephanie Watts has kept in regular contact, liaising and informing me of potential interests and leads. Further to this, being able to accompany ENRICH Cymru at conferences, I have gained invaluable networking opportunities. Without the help of the ENRICH Cymru network I don’t believe my research would be where it is now.”

Health and Care Research Wales is providing additional resources over the next year to further develop the ENRICH Cymru network, to extend its reach across care homes in Wales and to develop a sustainable model for the future.

The Health and Care Research Wales ‘Research Aware’ training developed specifically for care homes, is also being rolled out across care homes within the ENRICH Cymru network.

First published: @ResearchWales Issue 6, June 2019