Researchers want to learn from the knowledge patients and carers have gained from living with a condition, or through caring for someone with a condition. Their lived experiences of being on the receiving end of health and social care can contribute to how future research is undertaken. This can, in the longer-term, shape and improve how care is provided.

Interested members of the public can also bring a valuable, common sense perspective.

To find out about taking part in research as a participant you can read about Your Role in NHS Research and go to Be Part of Research to find out about research taking place in your area. Alternatively you can ask your healthcare professionals about research projects

PPIRes supports a panel of 50 volunteers from Norfolk and Suffolk. Our volunteers work with researchers to deliver robust and ethical Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in Primary Care, this includes research based in GP practices and community hospitals. They contribute to developing the research idea and then can continue their involvement if a research study is funded.

PPIRes supports the panel of volunteers with regular Panel meeting, training and mentoring. When face to face meetings start again we will continue to pay for travel expenses at the meetings to enable a representation from all financial backgrounds.

PPIRes can help find and support volunteers and community groups to work with research teams to deliver funded research. It's essential that communities are well represented in the team to bring the patient, carer and public perspective to the research study.

PPIRes supports the volunteers and research teams to work together to become a team. The aim is to strengthen the study idea and fulfil the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) remit for supported for public involvement in developing the research idea and delivering the research study.

We also invite patient and carer groups and local charities to join PPIRes volunteers to collaborate with research teams.