CREDiBLE

About the Project

CREDiBLE stands for Community-Researcher Experimental Design in Birmingham Local Engagement (CREDiBLE)
Its aim was to trial and evaluate different styles of collaboration between health researchers at the University of Birmingham and community partners. DOR – Romanian Diaspora was one of four community organisations collaborating on this initiative and the only online- based organisation.

Impact

Life stages: nutrition / fitness / mental health / terminal illness / bereavement / life improvement through technology (diabetes chip). Knowledge sharing: accessible information through lived experiences via safe environments such as online focus groups.

Academic lead: Prof Ben Willcox, Professor of Molecular Immunology and Director of the University of Birmingham ‘s Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre. Prof Ben Willcox has previously served as Cancer Research UK Birmingham Centre Scientific Director between 2017-2022.

Our Mission

• Our mission for this project was to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration within the Romanian communities and Migrant Network Partners by creating inclusive, diverse, and supportive platforms for expression and learning. Through a dynamic blend of virtual and in-person activities, we aimed to amplify community voices, build bridges, and create lasting connections.
• – We Evaluated Virtual Engagement: Developed and executed assessments of online sessions to understand impact and areas for improvement.
• – We Ensured Inclusivity: Provided support for access and participation, ensuring our spaces are welcoming and representative of all.
• – We Facilitated and Supported: Chaired focus group discussions, offering guidance and ensuring productive, respectful exchanges.
• – We Visualized Insights: Generated word clouds from virtual focus group discussions to synthesize key themes and share findings in an engaging format.
• – We Enhanced Learning: Organized a community visit to the Wellcome Trust in London, offering opportunities for inspiration, exploration, and connection.
• This mission embodied our commitment to empowering the Romanian communities and Migrant Network Partners through thoughtful dialogue, actionable insights, and enriched cultural experiences within this project.

Overview

• We brainstormed focus group topics collaboratively with the community, selecting themes that resonate deeply with our participants and partners.
• Through close collaboration with Romanian communities and Migrant Network Partners, we organized meaningful discussions that reflected shared concerns and aspirations.
• We researched and carefully planned the focus groups, ensuring our communication strategies were inclusive and accessible. To maintain momentum and engage our audience, we shared anonymized highlights from conversations, fostering a sense of ongoing involvement and visibility.
• The key findings were distilled into visual representations, such as word clouds, which provided a clear and engaging summary. These outputs were shared with The University of Birmingham to contribute to broader academic and practical understanding.

Project timeline

Feedback

Further reading

See more at CREDiBLE – University of Birmingham

Highlights

Dive into the rich visual narrative of our project with a showcase of key moments and milestones. From site visits at the Wellcome Collection in London, where inspiration met innovation, to snapshots of focus group discussions, these images capture the energy and passion driving our collaborative research. Explore highlights from CREDiBLE’s outputs, featuring insights that reflect the diversity of perspectives shaping our work.

The exhibition culminates in a celebration of creativity and connection, offering a glimpse into the transformative impact of shared learning. These photographs tell a story of progress, inclusion, and the collective pursuit of knowledge. Join us in reflecting on these vibrant moments.