Welcome to the Cumberland HDRC October update!
We’re wrapping up the end of spooky season with a few key updates and opportunities. In this edition, you’ll find our final training dates for 2025, an update on CCR recruitment and an opportunity to be involved in research.
And just like that, recruitment for Community Co-Researchers has ended!
Over the past two months, Lianna (Research & Communities Project Officer) and Becky (Research Officer) for Cumberland HDRC, had the very difficult job of shortlisting over thirty-five expressions of interest and conducting ‘conversations’ with prospective community co-researchers, in preparation for our next phase of the Research Plan in 2026. What made the job so difficult was all expressions of interest that were submitted, were to such a high standard that it was plain to see Cumberland’s communities really want to support change and be part of the journey in tackling health inequalities!
What is a community co-researcher?
Community Co-Researchers (CCRs) will support community-led research by working closely with Cumberland Council’s HDRC team. CCRs bring invaluable lived experience and insight, helping ensure research is shaped by the realities of Cumberland’s communities.
The aim of this role is to support the design, delivery and sharing of research that reduces health inequalities, builds research-active communities, and informs local policy and practice.
I want to get involved- Are there other similar opportunities?
We are currently exploring another opportunity with the NIHR, who have an established Research Champions programme. This will be broader than the CCR programme with the HDRC, but it can be another way for you to be involved in embedding research and research activities in our communities across Cumbria.
 As our current training programme comes to a close, we'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part. We've received lots of positive feedback and valuable insights and we'll be back in the new year with a fresh programme full of new opportunities to connect, learn and grow.
Our training sessions are open to all council staff, elected members and community organisations that serve residents in Cumberland.
Advanced Theory of Change
You’ve done the groundwork in our introduction and intermediate sessions, now take your Theory of Change to the next level and bring your learning full circle.
In this concluding session, you’ll:
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Understand how to review and revise a theory of change
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Understand how to use a theory of change and monitoring, evaluation and learning plan for fundraising, staff development, marketing, service design and strategy
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Support a team to develop a theory of change and monitoring and evaluation plan
Performing Service Evaluations – Introduction
Thursday 13th November 10am-12pm at Allerdale House, Workington
Whether you are new to service evaluations, need a refresh or always on the lookout for more tips and tricks, join Jae-Llane at our Performing Service Evaluations on 13th November 10am-12pm at Allerdale House.
Our session covers understanding what a service evaluation is and the different ways to design an evaluation, including models and tools. You’ll look at theory and practice in evaluation, (including their challenges and the reality!) and finish by mapping your own evaluation plan.
Not long until our annual event! We're looking forward to welcoming our attendees on Tuesday 18th November for a day of connecting, learning and growing.
North East and North Cumbria Regional Research Delivery Network are looking for potential sites to be involved in a study looking into whether brief opportunistic advice to quit smoking within financial guidance services, including provision of an e-cigarette and referral to behavior support, results in more people quitting smoking than if no smoking cessation support is provided.
The title of the study is: Brief opportunistic Smoking cessation Advice for financially Vulnerable Individuals accessiNG financial Support (SAVINGS): a randomised controlled trial
If you offer financial guidance for people, such as food banks, Job Centres, and Citizens Advice or any appropriate teams within local authorities and are interested in taking part, contact:
Stuart Hamilton
Research Operations Officer | North East and North Cumbria Regional Research Delivery Network
stuart.hamilton@nihr.ac.uk
You can now find us on Facebook and Instagram, give us a follow!
In addition to our newsletter, we also share news on our LinkedIn page and are in the process of updating our website. You can also find us on Cumbria Observatory.
You can always find us at the end of an email so don’t hesitate to contact us at hdrc@cumberland.gov.uk with any questions, comments or if you’d like to invite us round for a cup of tea and a catch up. We love being invited to any events that might be a good fit or let us know if we can use your space and always eager to chat with the people who use your services!
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