Co-designing inclusive community involvement in research: reflections on the I Am More Than… project with people experiencing homelessness.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is a pressing need for more inclusive research practices, as recognised by researchers, funding bodies and community organisations. It is increasingly acknowledged that research should actively involve a more diverse range of voices, such as individuals experiencing homelessness or vulnerable housing. Despite their valuable insights, they are often excluded due to systemic barriers, such as lack of opportunity or confidence to participate, limited access to resources and inflexible research structures. As a result, their perspectives are frequently missing from studies that shape policies and services. In response, the I Am More Than… project sought to co-design inclusive approaches with people with lived and living experiences of being homeless and vulnerably housed, to increase opportunities for their involvement in shaping and designing health and social care research. This was achieved through a partnership between Bournemouth University, an integrated care system, and two community organisations: Lantern Trust and HealthBus Trust. FOCUS: This paper shares our reflections on the co-design of inclusive community involvement in research, sharing the perspectives of Jim, a community researcher with experience of homelessness, and Lantern Trust - a partner on the project, and the community organisation that supported Jim. We present the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned, from the perspectives of the community partners, offering recommendations that may be transferable to other researchers and community organisations aiming to work inclusively in research. CONCLUSION: The I Am More Than… project highlighted the need for a reciprocal approach for research to be inclusive, the value of collaborating with community organisations with existing relationships with the communities they serve, and the need for a shift in power for research to be inclusive. Creativity, flexibility and a willingness to try new approaches can facilitate inclusive research practice.