The East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN) has launched its annual public involvement fund, offering 15 awards of £2,000 to successful groups in the region.

The funding is aimed at health services, social care, charities and voluntary organisations and groups. EMAHSN is looking for applications that encourage members of the public to get involved in health and care research, innovation, transformation, and improvement - particularly applications that demonstrate the involvement of seldom heard and underserved communities.

Applications to the scheme have now been extended and will now close midday Thursday 7 July 2022. 

Successful groups last year represented:

• people with learning disabilities
• adult social care and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
• a CCG citizen panel
• people with eating disorders
• Patient Participation Groups
• babies and young children
• carers
• maternity and bereavement
• pain management
• osteoporosis
• hospice care.

They used the funding to help groups to continue to meet, train members and attract new members for example.

Adam Slater, from the Derby West Indian Community Association, said about their win last year: “The East Midlands Academic Health and Science Network fund has allowed us to gain a greater understanding of the black communities relationship with social care and build a framework for 'good care' for this community. Through the funding, we have been able to host focus groups and interview a range of people involved in the social care system and this has allowed black voices to be heard. The funding has given the opportunity for minority voices to communicate their specific cultural differences and preferences and we hope this project can lead to a social care system for all.”

Applications for the awards will be considered by a panel including representatives from the East Midlands Patient Public Involvement Senate, an independent group that supports health and social care organisations to engage with the local community.

EMAHSN Managing Director Nicole McGlennon said “This year, in recognition of Veronica Price-Job who was co-chair of our Patient Public Involvement (PPI) Senate who sadly passed away last year, we would especially like to see more applications from social care organisations and groups who work to reduce health inequalities. Veronica was passionate about reducing inequalities, working to ensure fair access to health and care for all people in the East Midlands.

“It’s essential that people who use services in our region have the opportunity to be involved in informing improvements and helping professionals understand service planning and delivery from another perspective.

“We have increased funding this year to provide practical support to help groups to widen their reach and involve more members of the public.”

For support in completing your application please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

More information and terms and conditions are available on our webpage: www.healthinnovation-em.org.uk/publicinvolvementfund    

Previous winners are unable to apply for the scheme.