Child Health Research Network
Overview
This interdisciplinary network consists of 140 members across the University of Manchester, our local NHS partner trusts, councils and the voluntary sector who are interested in research relation to the health, education and social needs of children and young people. The network was founded in 2004 – it runs regular interdisciplinary workshops and has a strong track record of submitting and winning research grants.
The aims of the CHRN are:
- To bring together researchers in the areas of child health and social care to share research interests, expertise and ideas
- To encourage collaborative working between different disciplines that can lead to joint research proposals
- Increase research capacity by:
- Working with new partners across the University, NHS and local authorities
- Running a network for postgraduates/early career researchers
- Disseminate the work of the network nationally and internationally extending partnerships with leading researchers abroad
- Develop partnerships with the NHS and other service providers to ensure the policy and practical outputs of research and development outputs
Background
Manchester has significant strengths and opportunities in children’s health and social care research. There are a large population of children in Greater Manchester and the North West which is ethnically diverse and from a range of socio-economic backgrounds.
The University of Manchester has a broad base of expertise relevant to children and young people in health, societal issues, behavioural sciences, management and policy, as well as education, health and the social care professions. Services were re-configured with the opening of the new children’s hospital in 2009 which has increased the opportunities for research.
Our members' research
Our network members are experts in a wide range of conditions. Some examples are:
- Anxiety, Arthritis, Atopic dermatitis, Autism, Cancer, Cleft lip and palate, Depression, Down's syndrome, Learning disabilities, Self-harm, Trauma, Turner Syndrome
We also have expertise in health concerns and problems. Some examples are:
- Dental health, nutrition, obesity, teenagers and diet, orthodontic treatment, speech and language, hearing impairment, counselling, mental wellbeing and educational issues
Some of our clinicians and academics work with children and young people with complex health care needs:
- Chronic illness self management, development, disability, psychosocial aspects of chronic illness, quality of life
We research social problems and issues, for example:
- Child care and adult crime, child protection, health inequalities, children with family caring responsibilities, family policy, parenting, parental mental health issues, sexual abuse, socio-legal relationships, tobacco and alcohol use, social and educational disadvantage, special needs education, access and achievement in education, education for emotional/behavioural difficulties
We have expertise in the organisation and delivery of health and social care in areas like:
- Communication in children's health care, reconfiguration of services, social work practise, speech therapy, user involvement in service design
Co-leads for the Network are:
- Professor Peter Callery (Professor of Children's Nursing, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work)
- Dr Sue Kirk (School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work)
Membership and Getting Involved
We wish to build on existing strengths and develop a creative synergy between different disciplines leading to new collaborations. If you are interested in becoming a network member please complete the following form:
- CHRN Member Interest Form (Word, 52kb)
or contact:
- rebecca.l.jones@manchester.ac.uk (Co-ordinator, Institute of Health Sciences)
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