Let’s Talk Research

Establishing a University-community partnership in the Rhymney Valley.

Building on the success of Talking Trials project, which improved inclusion and involvement  of ethnic minority communities in health research in Cardiff, this project expanded on participatory approaches to engage underserved communities in health research in Abertysswg, a small village in the Cardiff Capital Region.

Abertysswg in the Rhymney Valley faces multiple and intersecting disadvantages, including high economic inactivity (twice the average), low qualification levels (four times more likely to have none), and high rates of overcrowded housing.

In partnership with Abertysswg Community Centre and a local artist, the project created opportunities for an established parenting group to explore health research, share local priorities, and shape study design. Participants engaged in three workshops:

• What is Research?: Challenged the perception that health research is only about clinical trials, connecting it instead to everyday wellbeing, place, and access to services. Painting historic images of the village prompted discussion of nostalgia, decline, and a sense of being overlooked.
• Healthy Communities: Explored practical barriers (transport, childcare, GP access) and deeper emotional barriers (feeling unheard or unvalued). The group suggested peer-to-peer recruitment, linking with existing clubs, and making research responsive to local needs.
• Next Steps: A collaborative art installation in the community centre spelling out “Abertysswg,” to reinforce community identity. Discussions revealed a lack of connection to local history but strong pride in social cohesion: “We do look out for each other”.

The group valued being informed and involved; “It is nice to hear about things that are happening and ways that we can make a difference”,  and saw the process as a way of “giving back” and setting a positive example for future generations.

Achieving meaningful community impact

Let’s Talk Research achieved the following outcomes and impact:

• Understanding of research improved. Participants left with clearer ideas about the scope and purpose of health research, and how their lived experiences could influence it.
• Barriers were uncovered and articulated. The group shared practical, social, and emotional factors that influence engagement, providing valuable insights for future research design.
• Relationships and trust were built. Being the “first people to come to them directly” was a powerful statement of respect and recognition.
• Creative methods proved effective. Art activities created a relaxed environment that encouraged participation; “having the art means you have a conversation without even knowing it.”
• Local priorities were voiced. These included the need for more community facilities, better transport, and activities for children, alongside the recognition that “the community is good for young children” and “we do come together as a community.”

Developing a framework to engage with disadvantaged communities

Having used this approach successfully with people from minority ethnic backgrounds underrepresented in research in Talking Trials, the team now have a deeper understanding of how to engage with socio-economically disadvantaged communities.

Let’s Talk Research generated awareness of the limits of existing engagement frameworks that focus primarily on practical barriers, and underscore the importance of emotional barriers. It has helped frame why a method can succeed in some contexts and not others, and the role that intersectionality plays. This learning will directly inform future practice, ensuring a more holistic approach to engagement, and adapt methods with greater sensitivity to the unique circumstances and strengths of each community.

Next steps

The project team will present this work at the Civic Con 2025 conference to showcase the approach and its impact, and disseminate the project internally. This will raise awareness among researchers that there is an established community group they can approach to co-design and shape future research.

Longer-term, regular contact with the community group will be maintained to explore collaboration on new and existing studies, including opportunities for student placements.

By supporting the group’s continued development, we strengthen the community’s influence in research, ensuring their voices help shape priorities that matter most. This ongoing engagement will contribute to a sustainable model for meaningful public involvement in health research across the South Wales Valleys.

Contact

For more information about this project, contact: