Case study: Your Path In Research - Roxy Hill, Mental Health Social Work Research Champion, Livewell Southwest

Roxy Hill is a Mental Health Social Worker Research Champion at Livewell Southwest. Here she talks about how research can help create fairer outcomes for underserved communities.

Q: How did you become involved in health and care research?

A: Through a consultant psychiatrist in my team who is involved with research.

Q: Why did you get involved in research?

A: Because I’m passionate about better and fairer outcomes for underserved communities.

Q: What do you enjoy about working in health and care research?

A: The range of individuals both in the community and agencies that I will have the chance to work alongside and hopefully promote ultimately better outcomes for individuals accessing health and social care.

Q: How can research benefit/add to your career?

A: Better understanding of wider systems, interdisciplinary working.

Q: Why do you think health and care research is important?

A: Opportunity to create equitable access, support and treatment for all individuals in society.

Q: What are your hopes for your career in research?

A: To have a positive impact on access, support and outcomes for our diverse communities.

Q: Why is it important more people become involved in delivering health and care research?

A: I feel we are well positioned to understand the needs of our communities and to engage with a range of individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to explore and be involved with research.

Q: What impacts have you seen research make in health and care?

A: Providing rich data that can inform policy, public health strategies, and safer practice in all front-line agencies, including the identification of barriers to accessing services.

Q: What would you say to someone thinking of starting a career in research?

A: There's a lot to learn, but it's a privilege to be able to be a part of working towards more equitable access to services, support and outcomes for every individual in our communities.