Canterbury’s Westgate Hall played host to well over 100 local people today, at CHSS’ ‘Let’s Talk’ drop-in event designed to increase public engagement with and interest in health and social care research.
CHSS research and administrative staff were on hand to talk about the Centre and their specific projects, including dementia, weight management, long-term health conditions and health psychology. A wide variety of exhibits, activities and information offered the public a chance to learn more about CHSS research and contribute their ideas and opinions about what health research means to them.
There was no shortage of volunteers to participate in the ‘mindfulness and chocolate’ exercise, offer individual insights on what ‘wellbeing’ means to them and give their views on what our research priorities should be. Leverhulme Trust Artist in Residence Leah Thorn’s film ‘watch’ was screened throughout the day. The event was also a great opportunity for people to exchange their ideas over a buffet lunch.
Our lucky shopping voucher winner was registration number 62.
CHSS Public Engagement Officer Amanda Bates, who organised the event said: ‘I am delighted that so many people came out to find out more about health research and learn about what we do here at CHSS. The people we spoke to were really engaged and I hope that this will be the first of many events involving the public. I’d like to thank everyone who attended, and all my colleagues who helped make it such a great success. The staff at the Westgate Hall deserve a special mention for all their fantastic help and support!’
Look out for details of future CHSS events on our news page and on Twitter.
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