Abstract
Aim
To use creative methods in a fun way and build equal research partnerships between researchers, people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
Background
Learning disabled and autistic people often experience poor health and mental well-being. They are rarely involved in research.
Methods
We used creative methods with groups from two Mencap organisations in Barnet and Lowestoft. There were four parts to the project:
1. Scoping review: We looked at what had been written before about creative methods and learning disabilities / autistic communities.
2. Workshops: July 2023 to October 2024, 14 visits to each group:
'Getting to know each other. ' We joined Mencap members in their activities, finding out what they like doing. Art, music, gardening, wellbeing, healthy eating and relaxation.
‘Making plans together.’ Giving feedback and learning how to work together.
‘What’s important?’ Over six workshops, we explored members’ experiences and feelings about their health and wellbeing.
‘Making sense together.’ Creative engagement activities, to make sense of what we learned together, and topics for future research.
3. Sharing learning - A ‘celebration event’, to share our learning and experiences.
4. Evaluation: Easy and fun ways to create logic models with Mencap members. A logic model is a plan for research and what outcome is important.
What we learnt
Taking time and space to get to know each other is important to build trusting relationships. Using creative methods ‘opened up’ conversations about health and wellbeing.
What next
We are developing different ways of sharing our learning for different audiences, including accessible outputs (EasyRead materials, videos, podcasts), blogs and articles.
Public involvement
We have included members of the public throughout the project.
Conclusions
We have successfully engaged with communities who have never been involved in research before. Using creative methods, Mencap members identified what is important for their health and wellbeing.
To use creative methods in a fun way and build equal research partnerships between researchers, people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
Background
Learning disabled and autistic people often experience poor health and mental well-being. They are rarely involved in research.
Methods
We used creative methods with groups from two Mencap organisations in Barnet and Lowestoft. There were four parts to the project:
1. Scoping review: We looked at what had been written before about creative methods and learning disabilities / autistic communities.
2. Workshops: July 2023 to October 2024, 14 visits to each group:
'Getting to know each other. ' We joined Mencap members in their activities, finding out what they like doing. Art, music, gardening, wellbeing, healthy eating and relaxation.
‘Making plans together.’ Giving feedback and learning how to work together.
‘What’s important?’ Over six workshops, we explored members’ experiences and feelings about their health and wellbeing.
‘Making sense together.’ Creative engagement activities, to make sense of what we learned together, and topics for future research.
3. Sharing learning - A ‘celebration event’, to share our learning and experiences.
4. Evaluation: Easy and fun ways to create logic models with Mencap members. A logic model is a plan for research and what outcome is important.
What we learnt
Taking time and space to get to know each other is important to build trusting relationships. Using creative methods ‘opened up’ conversations about health and wellbeing.
What next
We are developing different ways of sharing our learning for different audiences, including accessible outputs (EasyRead materials, videos, podcasts), blogs and articles.
Public involvement
We have included members of the public throughout the project.
Conclusions
We have successfully engaged with communities who have never been involved in research before. Using creative methods, Mencap members identified what is important for their health and wellbeing.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | London |
| Publisher | National Institute for Health and Care Research |
| Number of pages | 27 |
| Volume | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 26 Sept 2025 |
Keywords
- autistic spectrum disorder
- learning disabilities
- Public and Patient Involvement
- creative activities
- community-based participatory research