Dorset Community Research Engagement Network (CREN)
CREN is committed to strengthening connections with underrepresented communities and creating lasting impact through collaboration.
Who are we
The Dorset Community Research Engagement Network (CREN) brings together community organisations, researchers and people with lived experience to support inclusive, community-led research. We help researchers build trusted relationships, engage communities in meaningful ways and ensure research is shaped by local voices.
Our Vision
CREN is committed to strengthening connections with underrepresented communities and creating lasting impact through collaboration.
Launch Event
Recently, we came together as community leaders, researchers, grassroots organisations, academics and statutory partners to celebrate the launch of our local Community Research and Engagement Network (CREN). The event showcased a growing movement across Dorset to make research more inclusive, accessible and rooted in the knowledge and experiences of local communities.
The event created opportunities for participants to connect, reflect and learn from one another. Alongside networking and presentations, attendees took part in facilitated table discussions exploring inclusion in research and what needs to happen to make engagement more meaningful and accessible.
Across the discussions, there was a strong call for research to be more inclusive, accessible and connected to people’s everyday lives. Participants felt that people are more likely to get involved when research focuses on issues that matter to them, values lived experience and creates genuine opportunities to shape decisions and influence change.
The launch of CREN was a celebration of the fantastic engagement work already taking place across Dorset and a commitment to doing even more together. As the conversations, creativity and enthusiasm throughout the day demonstrated, there is a shared determination to ensure that community voices are not simply heard, but actively shape the research, services and decisions that affect people’s lives.
If the launch was anything to go by, the future of community-led research in Dorset is bright, collaborative and full of possibility.
Read more – Launching Dorset’s Community Research and Engagement Network | Community Action Network
“There was so much energy in the room, and I haven’t felt so stirred up professionally in some time. The order of the day was fantastic, and selection of speakers were incredible. Please do count me in for any further collab conversations and upcoming events, I truly think partnering up is for the better for all of us and more importantly the communities we support.”
I had many interesting and enjoyable conversations that I hope to continue. Your work with CREN greatly interests me as my role at BCP Council can support strengthening and exploring further opportunities for research-related partnerships if this is of interest.
Join the CREN Newsletter here Community Action Network – CREN Newsletter Sign Up Form
To join the MS Teams Virtual Network, email samantha.bingham@can100.org
