Maternity
& Family Research

I work with researchers, businesses and organisations to involve families in shaping research projects, products and services.

Since 2015, I have worked with researchers as an involvement and engagement co-ordinator and facilitator, connecting parents with research projects. Drawing on my experience as an antenatal and postnatal practitioner, I have developed this role to better support parents and enable meaningful, beneficial involvement.

In addition to this work:

I am Involvement Lead on the SHAPES & SHAPES-Bio maternity studies and the NECTAR paediatric dental study.
I am Project Co-ordinator on the Lived Experience Academy project, which has a mental health focus.
I am working with the NIHR Research Support Service to develop a community engagement project for involvement in maternity and family research projects.
I have developed and facilitated a range of involvement-focused workshops for Newcastle Health Research Partnership.
I completed the Public Involvement and Co-Production in Research course at Northumbria University.

“Janine is always knowledgeable, flexible and friendly; accommodating the needs of researchers and the women attending the research sessions. These discussion sessions simply would not happen without Janine’s ongoing support and we are extremely grateful to be able to work with her.“

Dr Allison Farnworth
Associate Professor of Maternal and Family Health at Northumbria University

From a research discussion session about baby brain development with a community group of mums.

My expertise

My research work involves leading and advising on involvement strategies, co-ordinating projects and working with research teams, parents and community groups. I develop tailored strategies, advise on engaging with families and embedding involvement throughout projects and campaigns.

I specialise in:

building relationships and engaging with parents and community groups
developing and facilitating parent panels and discussion groups
planning and advising on involvement and communication strategies
developing content, resources and dissemination information
co-ordinating projects and involvement events
ongoing engagement and guidance for parents

As a maternity & family research Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) specialist, I am committed to ensuring that the experiences and priorities of women, families and communities are central to designing and shaping projects and campaigns.

With a personalised approach, informed by my work as an antenatal and postnatal practitioner, my practice focuses on connecting with parents and creating space for them to be involved and heard.

I would love to work with you.

I have
worked with:

If you are a parent and you would like to find out more about being involved in maternity & family research projects can join the parent research group.

find out more