ACRC plans for 2024
As we approach the end of 2023, we are also marking the end of the first stage of our ACRC research (Years 1 to 3). Here, we reflect briefly on how far we’ve come, and offer a glimpse into our plans for the next two years (Years 4 and 5).
With the challenge of building a research programme in the wake of Covid lockdowns behind us, WP4 can look back on three successful years. Significant quantities of very rich qualitative data have been generated between WP4’s researchers and our 171 participants, in more than 150 hours of interviews and workshops.
In the process, we have visited over 40 community organisations. Findings from the quantitative data gathered and analysed by our Newcastle team has already resulted in 5 publications, highlighting, for example, how maintaining independence as we age is important in reducing care needs and should be a key focus health and social care services.
Analysis of the qualitative data has begun in earnest, within and across the component projects. We have presented on our work at conferences, submitted papers for publication and are busy writing others (see our “Writing Retreat” piece in this newsletter).
Looking ahead to the next year, our plans include workshops in participating communities where we will share and test findings, an exhibition at next April’s ACRC Symposium (co-curated with participants) for the completed Images of Care study, and new and continuing work with informal care networks.
Newcastle-based colleagues will continue their longitudinal work with the “older old”, which is already producing valuable outputs. An exciting addition to the portfolio is a shared post with WP6 (Integrated Technologies of Care) to better understand the deployment of care technologies, bringing new perspectives in interdisciplinary work. And, for all of us, more writing!
Meanwhile, we have been busy exploring ways to extend and enhance our work. Our collaboration with WP7 (New Models of Care) on green prescribing, a two-year project funded by the Medical Research Council, started a couple of months ago. An application for an iTPA (Translational Innovation) Award for work with informal carers was successful, creating a collaboration with ACRC partner project, AIM-CISC.
We are waiting for news on an application to the Sociology of Health and Illness Foundation for pump-prime funds to develop a large proposal – a collaboration with colleagues in Landscape Architecture – that would build on the work of the Personal Projects component of WP4. Newcastle colleagues are also actively pursuing funding opportunities in dementia research. And, last but not least, we are supporting network and centre bids with ACRC and University colleagues.
It promises to be another busy couple of years, so stay tuned!