Cosy Homes in Lancashire Evaluation, Community Co-researcher reflections
During the evaluation of the Cosy Homes in Lancashire scheme the PHIRST Fusion team worked closely with the Blackpool Health Determinants Research Collaboration, known as Blackpool Researching Together.
For the past 10 years Blackpool Council has been moving to a co-production model where people with lived experience are at the heart of changing services and systems, to improve the lives of the community. Sandra and Sharon, community co-researchers from Blackpool Researching Together share their experience of being part of the project.
Cosy Homes in Lancashire (CHiL) is a countywide initiative delivered by 14 Local Authorities (LAs) in Lancashire. It is funded from both national and local sources. It offers a simplified ‘front door’ for residents to access grants to fund new heating measures to improve the warmth of their property. Things like increasing insulation or installing more efficient heating systems which can reduce heating bills in domestic properties.
What was it like getting started on the CHiL evaluation?
Sandra says: CHiL was my first project as a co-researcher. Having had no previous experience of research I was naturally a little apprehensive, especially when working with academic researchers, however, the extensive training I had received did prepare me a little by giving me a basic understanding of research and knowledge of the terminology used.
Sharon: I have been involved in the CHiL project since January 2024. This was my first experience as a Co-researcher for the Blackpool HDRC (Health Determinants Research Collaboration). I was really excited, as well as a little nervous, but from Day 1 the team have been so supportive and encouraging.
Whilst there was a degree of ‘imposter syndrome’ at the start of the project (because of my lack of experience) these feelings have long gone and I now feel settled in the role and more confident in my participation in the group.
What parts of the evaluation have you been involved with?
Sandra: I was involved throughout the CHiL evaluation process, including the initial planning, devising the interview questions, conducting the interviews and analysing the results. I also learned about Ripple Effect Mapping. I was treated as an equal member of the team throughout and was encouraged to contribute my views.
Sharon: I would struggle to state my favourite part of the project so far, as I’ve enjoyed all aspects from the start. I hope our research will make a difference to any future schemes in order to address any inequalities we uncover.
Being involved in producing interview guides and conducting interviews have been valuable learning opportunities, alongside taking part in REM (Ripple Effect Mapping) sessions to plot what effects and outcomes have taken place along our journey.
Occasionally there have been gaps where the project has felt like it ‘stalled’ but this has been predominantly when we have had participation recruitment issues. Also I found doing interviews on Teams not as easy as I prefer face-to-face.
Has being a Community Co-Researcher had any lasting effects?
Sharon: The project has allowed for face-to-face contact with Blackpool residents in order to gather information crucial to our evaluation. The project has allowed for working relationships to grow both within the Blackpool HDRC and further afield, and provided opportunities to work with academics.
Sandra: There has been a lot of interest in the role of co-researchers and I was asked to submit a short video on my role as a co-researcher on the Chil project for presentation at a conference in New York, and to present on a Teams call at a conference in Newcastle. This made me feel quite important and has given my confidence to push boundaries in the future.
I feel that over the past 12 months I have grown in confidence and have developed a better understanding of my role and I am excited to be involved in future projects.
Read more about the CHiL evaluation on the PHIRST website
Find out more about Blackpool Researching Together
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