antenatal & postnatal specialist

about

Maternity
& Family Research


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


I am passionate about facilitating conversations, creating spaces for people to share their experiences and perspectives and to offer valuable feedback and ideas for research projects.

For over 10 years, 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 researchers to enable meaningful, beneficial involvement.

My research work includes:

  • SHAPES & SHAPES-Bio maternity studies: PPIE Lead
  • PEPA maternity study: co-applicant
  • NECTAR paediatric dental study: PPIE Lead
  • NIHR Maternity Disparities Consortium: PPIE Lead
  • Lived Experience Academy project: Project Co-ordinator on the Lived Experience Academy project
  • NIHR Research Support Service: developing a community engagement model for maternity and family research
  • Newcastle Health Research Partnership: PPI training for researchers
  • Northumbria University: PPI training for midwives
  • Newcastle University/Cambridge University/Northumbria University/South Tees NHS Trust/Newcastle NHS Trust: organising and facilitating PPI sessions for maternity & family researchers

“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

As an experienced PPIE lead, I can advise on meaningful and beneficial public involvement in health & care research. I develop tailored strategies, advise on engaging with families and embedding involvement throughout projects and campaigns.

With a unique combination of qualifications – journalism, Antenatal Education, Postnatal Groupwork and Public Innovation and Co Production in Research – I bring a range of core skills to research. 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.

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