Public Involvement and Engagement Hub

08/06/2026

We'll be here tommorow at St Aidans Social Centre! You coming? Tell us in the comments below 👇

01/06/2026

You are invited to take part in this one-day event at Bluecoat Liverpool, led by members of the Centre for Social Responsibility at Edge Hill University.

They know that research can often feel like something that others do, and difficult to get involved with, but this need not be the case. The work of the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise sector is very valuable to the research community. This event provides introductory training to creative methods of research and evaluation. It is aimed at third sector organisations, so you will have chance to meet others and share your experiences.

Sign up here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=kYY1CY5NHEmqdgpcvVunNIUJQ54W77FHr5JjHO5iHmpUM0JUQzE5SElNV0Q1WUkxVFRLNDhMWVQyUS4u&route=shorturl

30/05/2026

Last week, Jess represented the Public Involvement and Engagement (PIE) Hub at a Wigan Council Leadership Session, sharing insights into the power and progress of community-led research across Wigan Borough. A key focus of the session was the shift away from doing things *to* communities, towards working *with* communities — and ultimately creating the conditions for communities to lead conversations, shape priorities and influence decision-making themselves.

The PIE Hub approach is rooted in more than data collection. It is about building confidence, strengthening voice, and supporting a meaningful shift in power so that lived experience sits at the centre of local change. What stood out most was the sense of shared purpose in the room: different teams, organisations and perspectives working together, not in parallel but as one collective effort to support stronger, healthier communities across the borough.

If you'd like to read more - see the link in the comments...

15/05/2026

The Network to Reduce Gambling Harms (the Network) has opened self-nominations for a new Network Evaluation Team (NET), a working group designed to help shape how the Network understands and measures its impact.

The NET will play a key role in guiding the Network’s evaluation and performance monitoring work, helping to ensure learning is robust, inclusive, and used effectively. This includes supporting the development of evaluation methods, reviewing data collection approaches, and contributing to how findings are shared and applied across the Network’s wider work.

The group will be chaired by Greo Evidence Insights and will include members of the Network Steering Committee alongside up to four additional members drawn from across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Importantly, the opportunity is open to anyone engaged with or interested in the Network’s work—professional expertise in gambling harms is not required. The focus is on bringing together a broad mix of experience, including evaluation practice, lived experience, community perspectives, and those looking to build their skills in this area.

Members will contribute up to 30 hours across the June 2026–September 2027 period, with most activity taking place online. A £750 stipend is available, paid in instalments linked to participation.

Applications are open until 22 May 2026 at 11:59pm GMT.

👉 https://wbcf.co.uk/join-the-gambling-harms-nomination-team/

07/05/2026

The all new 'Thrive in Five' fund will develop new, creative and innovative approaches to creating better mental wellbeing at all ages, and support new approaches to community led mental wellbeing delivery across our communities.

That is, if you apply.

We're looking for applications for this £100,000 fund before June 1st 2026. We will consider ANYTHING to do with physical or mental well-being in applications and will be judging applications the quality of the support you provide, rather than quantity.

Apply in the comments below now and let's help get Wigan Borough well!

06/05/2026

We were proud to present at the NIHR North West RDN Showcase, sharing how strategic funding has helped us embed a genuine, community‑led approach to research through the PIE Hub in partnership with Public Health.

Together, Nick and Jess talked about how the PIE Hub brings communities, the VCFSE sector and Wigan Council together to shift power, build trust, and ensure research is done with communities rather than to them. From training community researchers to creating clear pathways for community voices to shape research agendas, this work is about making research more meaningful, inclusive and grounded in place.

Because when community voice is centred, research becomes more trusted, relevant and ultimately more impactful for communities.

09/04/2026

Today Jess, Nick and Charlotte held the Analysis Day at Tudor House for our Gynaecological Women’s Health Project, where we funded Let's SHAPE Our Creativity CIC and Soroptimist International - Leigh and District to carry out community research into women’s experiences of gynaecological health.

Both groups brought along their initial short reports, and together we spent the day digging deeper into the findings. Some strong themes emerged - including challenges around awareness, access to GP appointments, and the importance of women feeling listened to and taken seriously when seeking help.
It was a brilliant session with honest discussion, powerful insights, and a real shared commitment to improving women’s health locally.

03/04/2026

Families and organisations came together for a fantastic Babyzone Health & Wellbeing Day at Wigan Youth Zone, where we attended with Healthwatch Wigan & Leigh!

From baby sensory and toddler activities to advice and support from groups like Citizens Advice and Kinship, it was a brilliant day of connection, support and community. Our team were there chatting to local families.

A great example of what happens when communities come together to support families and give every child the best start.

Read more on the Healthwatch site here:
👉 https://healthwatchwiganandleigh.co.uk/community-engagement-at-the-babyzone-health-wellbeing-day/

02/04/2026

18/03/2026

We recently joined the Progress With Unity Research Collaborative to share an update on our Public Involvement and Engagement (PIE) Hub - what we’ve built so far, why it matters, and where we’re heading next.

We highlighted our first Community Research project, the work our brilliant Community Researchers have done, and our plans to expand community‑led research across Wigan. It was a brilliant opportunity to show how community‑led research is taking shape in Wigan and the difference it can make when residents help drive the questions, the insights and the solutions.

We can’t wait to keep building on this work and to see community research in Wigan continue to grow.

- Jess 🥧