There are 30 HDRCs dotted around the country, all funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research. Each is hosted within a local authority and here, that’s Somerset Council.

The local HDRC is 5-year programme to build the Council’s capacity to carry out research with communities and learn together. The focus is on empowering the Council and our communities to improve the health and wellbeing of Somerset’s residents.

Why is the HDRC important? 

In certain parts of the county, lives are being cut short by more than ten years. The goal is to support work that will contribute to reducing the unfair differences in health and life expectancy that exist in Somerset. We’ll do this by diving deep into research on key areas that impact wellbeing, such as housing, education m employment, transport, safe communities and access to nature

How can the VCFE sector contribute? 

We undertake research all the time in our sector – sometime without even realising it. From impact reports, end of project evaluations, scoping new projects and collecting case studies and feedback, we’re constantly seeking ways to understand, improve and develop.

The HDRC welcomes interest from VCFSE organisations across the county to join in developing ideas, supporting research needs and producing high-quality evidence that our communities.

Want to get involved?

We would like to explore VCFSE perceptions, experiences, uses, and preferences when it comes to research.

We want to know what would be useful for your organisation; Is there any training you need? Are there any resources that could support your activities? Have you identified a gap in your community which should be investigated?