An exciting future with the appointment of new ENRICH Cymru research manager

Dr Deborah Morgan has been appointed as the new research manager for ENRICH Cymru.

New face for ENRICH Cymru team

Deborah joins the team of two facilitators dedicated to developing the network, encouraging the exchange of ideas and fostering the co-creation of research bringing together researchers, care home staff, residents and families

Background in loneliness research

Deborah is also a senior research officer in the Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research at Swansea University and specialises in loneliness and social isolation in later life. Her research has explored transitions into and out of loneliness, and social connections.

She has a background in health and social care research, disability, and chronic illness, across the life-course. She has a track record undertaking social care research with care homes including commissions from Welsh Government to revisit the Escalating Concerns with, and around care home closures.

Dr Deborah Morgan said:

“When I saw this opportunity, I thought it was the perfect fit. It brings together all my previous work with care homes and allows me to continue to professionally champion social care research.”

Deborah works closely with the Campaign to End Loneliness, the Mental Health Foundation and the Older People’s Commissioner on issues around loneliness and Social Isolation. She sits on the Welsh Government Loneliness and Isolation Strategy Board and is a member of the Cross-Party Intergenerational Solidarity group.

Research resulting in policy change

Deborah, who is a carer for her daughter and her parents, continued: “A lot of people think research is only conducted in universities and at the end you produce a document that sits on a shelf getting dusty but from my work, I know real impact comes from those with lived experience whether that’s carers, care home managers or residents themselves.

“I’m a strong believer in talking to those in the know to make sure the research has true meaning and facilitates change. I’m so excited to work with the team to help expand the network and support some truly life-changing research to help those people in care homes in Wales.”

Deborah proceeds former ENRICH Cymru coordinator, Stephanie Green who is taking a reduced, more advisory role with ENRICH Cymru as the vice chair of the Advisory Group.

More care homes conducting research - ENRICH Cymru

The ENRICH Cymru Network is co-hosted by the pan-Wales Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research (CADR) and Health and Care Research Wales Support & Delivery Centre, both part of the Health and Care Research Wales community.

Helen Grindell said: “We’re looking forward to working with Deborah as ENRICH Cymru continues to grow. We can’t wait for her to join us in our endeavours to expand support for care home research as more and more care homes conduct truly amazing research with real impact for their residents.”