Help Shape Health & Care Research in Kent & Medway
Many people across Kent and Medway, particularly those living in coastal, rural, or under-served areas, are under-represented in health and care research. When communities aren’t heard, services don’t always meet their real needs.
The Research Engagement Network (REN) is working to change that, and you can be part of it today.
Take Part: Three Research Studies Seeking Local Voices
Below are three important studies now open for local people, both designed to improve care for individuals, families, and future generations. Your voice genuinely matters.
1. Be Part of Research – Find Studies That Matter to You
Be Part of Research is a free national service that helps you discover
health and care studies based on your interests, location, and lived experiences.
Whether you want to support future treatments, represent your community, or learn more
about a condition that affects you or a loved one, this platform makes it easier to get involved.
Through Be Part of Research, you can:
- ✔ Search studies by condition, health topic, or area of interest
- ✔ Find research opportunities near you
- ✔ Access clear, trustworthy information about each study
- ✔ Learn how to take part and what to expect
- ✔ Discover studies for adults, young people, and carers
Your participation helps ensure research reflects the real needs and experiences of people across
the UK, including communities that are often under-represented.
2. Indigo Cancer Care Survey
Life after cancer treatment varies widely, and this research aims to better understand long-term experiences so the NHS can shape better support.
- ✔ Quick online survey
- ✔ Helps improve future cancer care
- ✔ Open to adults of all backgrounds
3. Minder Sleep Attitudes Survey
This study explores the links between sleep, habits, and cognitive health. Your insight could support dementia risk research.
- ✔ Completely confidential
- ✔ Takes just a few minutes
- ✔ Your insight could support dementia risk research
Why Your Participation Matters
Across Kent and Medway, many communities don’t see themselves reflected in research studies, meaning the findings may not fully meet their needs. This is especially true for coastal communities, marginalised groups, and rural areas.
The Research Engagement Network (REN) is working across the region to ensure everyone has the chance to learn about and take part in research opportunities that directly influence NHS services.
By taking part, or by sharing these surveys with others, you help ensure future care reflects the true diversity of our region.
About the Research Engagement Network (REN)
REN brings together community organisations, the VCSE sector, local councils, NIHR partners, and trained community advocates to:
Our Aims
- Increase understanding of health and care research across local communities.
- Reduce barriers that prevent people from taking part—whether due to lack of information, fears about data, or practical challenges.
- Help researchers reach participants who truly represent the diversity of Kent and Medway.
- Strengthen long-term partnerships between communities, researchers, and health organisations.
- Support current research that benefits local people.
Supporting Current Research
REN is actively promoting several studies and participation platforms, including:
- Be Part of Research – A national directory where anyone can find and sign up for studies that match their interests.
- Minder Sleep Attitudes Survey – Exploring how sleep, habits, and memory link to cognitive decline.
- Indigo Cancer Care Survey – Understanding life after cancer treatment to improve future care.
Through our advocate network and community partners, we’re helping people discover research opportunities and feel confident taking part.
Get Involved or Learn More
If you’d like to participate, share the surveys, or learn more about how REN is supporting communities, please get in touch:
Together, we can ensure the voices of Kent and Medway shape the future of health and care research.