Jennifer Ironside

Tell us a bit about your background.

I am originally from the Midlands and moved up to North Shields after I finished my teacher training degree. I love living here with my husband and three children. I have a passion for working with people and have now made a career through Take Part North East CIC, using art and craft to improve the lives of people and the environment.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Being creative! Sewing, crocheting, cooking and socialising with friends and family. 

How did you first get involved in the Fuse public partner network?

I volunteer to run a Girl Guide group. Ella the Fuse Public Involvement and Engagement Manager’s daughter attends it and she had asked if I would be interested in becoming a public partner.

I have since run an interactive, creative session at a Fuse event ‘Creative engagement, impact and dissemination’ at One Strawberry Lane in Newcastle. It was amazing to support researchers to gather feedback from public partners in different ways. I then took part in an online research opportunity where I offered advice and my experiences in a small group with a researcher.

What areas of public health research are you particularly interested in?

I am interested in mental health and using crafting as a wellbeing tool for prevention.

Have you been involved in research before?

I have worked with HealthWatch to creatively do some research with mums. I always love learning and keeping up-to-date with new ideas and research within my field of interest.

Why is having your voice heard in public health research important to you?

In my job as a community artist, I use art and craft as a wellbeing tool. I engage with lots of community members from all different backgrounds, and I feel that taking part in research opportunities gives me a space to share my voice and the voice of others who may not always feel confident enough to. 

What one piece of advice would you share with someone curious about public involvement and engagement?

If you have a little time, taking part can be fun and open other doors. Since becoming a public partner, I am now a co-researcher alongside other social entrepreneurs with Marieshka Barton at Durham Business School, working on a project about the accountability and complexity of social entrepreneurs. After running a creative session at a Fuse event, another public partner has been in touch six months later as they would like me to run a creative session with their community. So as well as improving public health involvement, it has improved my community business network too. 

Last modified: Mon, 12 Aug 2024 16:53:33 BST