Older people in Devon to benefit from new collaboration between local clinical research network and Age UK
The NIHR Clinical Research Network South West Peninsula (CRN SWP) is proud to announce it is collaborating with AgeUK Devon to bring more health and care research opportunities to older people.
Confirmed as the main sponsor of AgeUK Devon’s brand-new Women’s Walking Football Tournament, taking place later this month on Sunday June 19th, the NIHR CRN SWP hopes this new collaboration will encourage more people over the age of 50 to find out about research opportunities available to them, their carers and families.
Seven teams of 6 women, all over the age of 40, will compete in the tournament, including the CRN SWP’s very own team made of up Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Dr Pauline McGlone; Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Officer, Elly French; Agile Research Team Leader, Helen Chenoweth; and Research Delivery Managers, Gayle Githens-Mazer, Claire West and Alison Potter.
Elly French, PPIE Officer at NIHR CRN SWP, said: “This is a really exciting way to launch our increased collaboration with Age UK Devon, and we’re very happy to be able to sponsor such an important event. Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement runs through everything we do in the Clinical Research Network, and we are always looking for innovative ways to increase the work we do with organisations and individuals in their communities.
“Not only will our staff have a great time participating in the tournament as a team, we will have information stands and staff there on the day to talk to the public about how they can get involved in the vital research studies which help to improve lives and reduce the impact of conditions such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions. There will also be a degree of ‘myth-busting’ and general information giving to families, carers and healthy members of the public – there are research studies that everyone can get involved with.”
The event, which takes place from 2-5pm, is being held at Clyst St Mary, Exeter City Football Club’s Training Ground.
Peter Ferlie, AgeUK Devon’s Active in Later Life Manager, said: “We are delighted to have CRN SWP as the tournament sponsor as we both want to support and improve older people’s lives and this is the start of a long and productive relationship. We hope this event helps to celebrate that age is not a barrier when it comes to competitive sport, especially amongst women.”
