31 October 2023
The picturesque setting of the Aylesford Priory Conference Centre provided the backdrop for a successful celebration of social care research. The event was organised by the Kent Research Partnership and brought together 70 participants, including a mix of people with lived experience and different professional backgrounds. Representatives from other NIHR-funded social care partnerships across the country were also in attendance, as well as Rachel Scourfield, a Consultant Social Worker from Wales who is developing evidence-informed practice in their council.
Keynote Address by Prof Vic Rayner
Prof Vic Rayner, CEO of the National Care Forum, delivered a keynote presentation that underscored the vital role of research in social care, especially in shaping the ‘customer of the future’ and building on digital and technological advancements.
Setting the Stage
Co-leads of the Kent Research Partnership, Prof Ann-Marie Towers and Gina Walton, offered an insightful overview of the partnership’s mission and the benefits of research-informed practices in adult social care. 
Dr. Melanie Rees-Roberts from the Applied Research Collaborative Kent, Surrey, and Sussex (ARC-KSS) provided a comprehensive overview of the health and social care research landscape in the region, setting the stage for a day of valuable insights and knowledge sharing.
Introduction to Communities of Practice
Next came a dynamic presentation by Researchers in Residence, Lilly Trapp and Wenjing Zhang, who talked about Kent Research Partnership’s Communities of Practice. Lilly and Wenjing skilfully held attendees’ attention and had many new sign-ups to the communities of practice despite the presence of tempting cakes in the coffee room.
Experts by Experience Share Their Stories
A standout presentation of the day was delivered by John Potts, Su Allcock and Collette Thornton – Experts by Experience, who support the Kent Research Partnership. Collette, Su and John offered an important perspective on the partnership’s impact.
Collaboration Among NIHR-Funded Social Care Partnerships
This was followed by Dr Jolie Keemink discussing how the Kent Research Partnership collaborates with the five other NIHR-funded adult social care partnerships across the country, sharing learning and building research capacity together.
Inspiring Presentations by Research and Training Fellows
Event speakers also included two research and training fellows funded by the Kent Research Partnership. First came Sophie Fournel, a CEO of Disability Assist, whose project is investigating barriers to employment experienced by working-age individuals with multiple sclerosis. Sophie was followed by Hannah Kingsford, a social worker with the Kent County Council, who is exploring burnout reduction among social workers.
Warm and Inclusive Atmosphere
The KRP Celebration drew a brilliant turnout, symbolising the growing interest and dedication to social care research in the region. The event fostered a warm and welcoming atmosphere for participants to network and engage. The event concluded with a heartfelt rendition of ‘happy birthday’ to John Gallimore, one of the experts by experience working with the partnership, who was celebrating his 80th birthday the following day.
In addition to engaging presentations and discussions… and cake!.. the event offered attendees a platform to contribute to the future of the Kent Research Partnership. The success of the KRP Celebration was a testament to the dedication and commitment of those involved in social care research in Kent.
Moreover, feedback from the participants at the event expressed their satisfaction and enthusiasm for the day’s proceedings. Many praised the variety of speakers, the networking opportunities, and the passion for research that permeated the event. The gathering not only celebrated past achievements but also served as a platform to invigorate and guide the future of social care research in Kent.
Feedback from participants reflected their satisfaction and enthusiasm for the day’s proceedings. Many praised the variety of speakers, the networking opportunities, and the passion for research that permeated the event. One participant highlighted the “engaging and supportive atmosphere” and the “invaluable” networking opportunities during the breaks.