We were absolutely thrilled to attend the launch of Women’s Health Research Wales (WHRW) on 17 December. To mark the first anniversary of the landmark Women’s Health Plan for Wales, First Minister Eluned Morgan and Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy met staff, researchers and the communities collaborating with them at Cardiff University’s SPARC.
Representing FTWW as Public & Patient Involvement and Engagement Co-Leads (Third Sector), our Founder and Charity Director, Debbie, was one of the speakers, championing co-production and how important the patient voice is in research and healthcare.
Debbie, who is also chair of the Women’s Health Wales Coalition, said:
“Research into health issues experienced by women throughout the life course is vital. By working co-productively, in partnership with women and communities, we have a fantastic opportunity to reduce health inequalities and improve treatment options and support.
“We look forward to helping facilitate more opportunities for those with lived experience, whose voices may not have been heard before, to get involved.”
Research projects were also shared as part of the launch, and FTWW were pleased to join in with a poster detailing the Drawing Out project, where participants created visual images and text to convey the impact of their various health issues and share their experiences with each other.
Attendees also took the opportunity to add their mark to the EveryWoman Quilt, kindly provided by Beth Morris Workshops and The Everywoman Festival, taking turns to add a letter to write ‘Women’s Health Research Wales.’
FTWW and fellow members of the Women’s Health Wales Coalition are delighted to see the pan-Wales centre up and running and look forward to supporting the involvement of the communities and people we support in its research going forward – watch this space for updates and opportunities!
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