Salford Public Health

A blog from the Public Health team at the University of Salford

Research

As part of the Equity, Health and Wellbeing Research Group, we contribute to research on the themes of: work and health; inequalities; health and wellbeing across the life course; and digital health.

Communities in Charge of Alcohol (CICA): 

Evaluation of an alcohol health champions programme in Greater Manchester

The Communities In Charge of Alcohol programme is run by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and will be led by community volunteers called ‘Community Alcohol Health Champions’. These champions will be trained to help family, friends and colleagues to rethink their drinking habits. The NIHR-funded evaluation is led by the University of Salford (School of Health Sciences and School of Health and Society) in partnership with the University of Bristol, the University of York and Public Health England. The aim of the evaluation is to assess the impact of the scheme on the levels of alcohol harm. Lead: Penny Cook with Margaret Coffey, Liz Burns, Suzy Hargreaves and Cathy Ure.

To read more about this project and keep upto date visit their blog here.

You can also read the protocol paper using the following link – https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5410-0

Or watch a video which tell you about the project here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uAvYWzl-Z4&feature=youtu.be

Biographic Disruption in families of a child with short bowel syndrome

A collaboration between the University of Salford and Manchester Royal Children’s Hospital, this study carries out primary research on ‘biographic disruption’ in families living with a child with Short Bowel Syndrome. This study builds on earlier work by Whiteley (2014). Whiteley’s study interviewed parents, and recommended further research to develop a better understanding of the lived experience of ultrashort bowel syndrome for patients and their families, in order to give patients and their families the best possible care. This study seeks to build on these recommendations and is extended by also engaging with siblings. Lead: Margaret Coffey with Anna Cooper-Ryan.

A three arm cluster randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the SMArT Work & Life intervention for reducing daily sitting time in office

This study is being led by the University of Leicester, in partnership with the University of Salford, Loughborough University, the University of York, and colleagues from the University of Southern Queensland, the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, and the University of Queensland in Australia.  The main aims of the study will be to reduce workplace sitting and overall daily sitting time, using a ‘whole-day’ preventative approach, focussing on behaviour change maintenance.  The study will take place across councils in Leicester and Greater Manchester. Salford co-applicants: Alex Clarke-Cornwell and Malcolm Granat

Green Infrastructure to Promote Health and Wellbeing in an Aging Population (GHIA)

NERC/AHRC/ESRC funded project under the ‘Valuing Nature Programme‘ to better understand the benefits and values of urban green infrastructure for older people and how green infrastructure and specific ‘greening projects’ can be best used to support healthy ageing in urban areas. The project is a collaboration between the University of Manchester, the University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan Universities, led by Sarah Lindley (Manchester University). Further details can be found on the GHIA project page of the NERC website. Salford team: Penny Cook and Philip James

Evaluation of an Active Tameside Exercise Referral Scheme

A 3-year evaluation of the Live Active Exercise Referral Scheme using the Standard Evaluation Framework for Physical Activity began in June 2015.  Live Active is a newly developed programme delivered by Active Tameside (funded by a Sport England Grant).  It is designed to provide strong and sustainable pathways into activity for Tameside residents who are inactive and have a chronic health condition.  Lead: Margaret Coffey with Penny Cook and Paul Wilson.

Neglect in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Working with Honorary Research Fellow Dr Raja Mukherjee of the National Clinic for FASD (http://www.fasdclinic.com/) to investigate the impact of neglect in early infancy in the cognitive functioning of children with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Lead: Penny Cook with Sarah Norgate

Evalution of supported services programme (Active Tameside)

The Supported Services Programme run by Active Tameside is designed to provide people with disability or additional needs with an opportunity to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Dr Anna Cooper-Ryan and Dr Margaret Coffey are running a small-scale evaluation project during 2017/18, to:

  • evaluate the health and wellbeing impacts of the supported services programme for people with disabilities
  • evaluate the physical activity impacts of supported the services programme for people with disabilities
  • provide recommendations in respect of the programme and its on-going evaluation

This small scale evaluation will make use of initial document analysis, followed by small-scale evaluation days and interviews/questionnaires.

To read the final report for this project click here.