What is the South West London Research Support Network?
The South West London (SWL) Research Support Network, established by the NHS South West London Integrated Care System, is a collaborative initiative to empower local communities and voluntary organisations to conduct their own research.
Through a series of relaxed network meetings, members can engage in mutual learning opportunities with a diverse group of researchers and community members. This informal setting encourages open dialogue and the sharing of ideas, making it easier to change insights into various research methodologies and best practices.
In addition to exchanging knowledge with experienced community members and researchers, members will also have the chance to network with peers, which can lead to the formation of collaborative relationships and partnerships.
Who can become a member?
Whether you’re a seasoned researcher, a community leader, or just starting out on your journey in research, the network welcomes individuals from all backgrounds.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Researchers
- Voluntary sector representatives
- Community-based organisations
You must be operating in one of the South London boroughs of Kingston, Richmond, Wandsworth, Merton, Sutton and Croydon to be eligible for the network.
If you’re curious to learn more about research and contribute to the collective knowledge and benefit of your community, the South West London Research Support Network is for you.
Meet the team
Below, you’ll find your key Network Cafe team points of contact from South West London Integrated Care Systems.
Meet the South West London Evaluation Ambassadors
Evaluation Ambassadors are volunteers from across South West London showing leadership in and a passion for evaluation. They are here to support individuals and teams from healthcare and voluntary sectors who are interested in evaluating their project work, particularly those addressing health inequalities.
Ambassador Directory
Discover the 12 ambassadors here to support you in evaluating your work.
Croydon
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Croydon
Sarah Burns, Director of Communities, Croydon Voluntary Action
Ima Miah, CEO, Asian Resource Centre Croydon
James Henshaw, Data Analyst, Croydon BME Forum
Kingston and Richmond
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Kingston and Richmond
Jenny Freeman, Kingston and Richmond ICB
Emma Hill, Deputy CEO and Health Programmes Manager, Kingston Voluntary Action
Wandsworth
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Wandsworth
Damilola Gbadebo, Public Health Lead, Communities and Health Inequalities, Richmond and Wandsworth Public Health
Jessica Johnson, Healthy Communities Project Officer, Wandsworth Care Alliance
Merton
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Merton
Helen Duckworth, Head of Community Services, Wimbledon Guild
Kacper, Health Inequalities and Project Lead, Polish Family Association
Sutton
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Sutton
Nadine Wyatt, Health and Care Integration Programme Lead, Sutton LA and ICB
Upcoming Events
Navigating Clinical Research in the NHS
23 October 2025, 13:00 – 16:00, Room KHR-102/103, Kingston College, Kingston Hall Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2AQ
Join this session to discover how clinical research is developed and delivered within the NHS, from the first idea to study delivery.
Hear directly from clinicians and investigators about their experiences, explore the support available from local NHS R&D teams, and connect with peers and system partners to strengthen your own research journey.
This Network Café is hosted by the Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust (KRFT) Research Department, in collaboration with system partners and leaders in clinical research.
The session is organised by Kat Brown, Associate Director of Research at KRFT, and Dr Andrea Forero Ozer, Clinical Research Fellow at KRFT. Together, they have designed a welcoming and practical space for clinicians, researchers, academics, and NHS staff to learn, share experiences, and build collaborations.
Researching with Adolescents: Giving young people a voice
11 November 2025, 13:00 – 16:00, The Vault, 102 London Road, Morden, SM4 5AX
Join this session to understand why and how we should involve adolescents in research.
How can we make sure young people are properly heard in research about them?
Adolescents today face rising rates of long-term conditions, mental health challenges, and health inequalities. By involving them in research, we can help shape policies, services and public health strategies that reflect their real needs. This kind of early support can in turn improve outcomes and reduce future burden on the NHS.
In this month’s café, Angie Pitt (PhD student in the Department of Psychological Medicine at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London) will share her journey of involving adolescents in research — from creative engagement techniques to the tricky moments when “imposter participants” apply to take part.
Angie draws on 25 years of youth engagement experience with organisations including BBC News, BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra, Girlguiding and The Guardian Foundation. Since returning to academia in 2021, her PhD research has focused on adolescent perspectives on vaccination, weaving in co-production and public involvement throughout.
Past Events & Knowledge Bank
Explore some of the previous networking cafes hosted by the South West London Research Support Network and gain access to the knowledge banks made available to attendees after each research network session.
Contact the South West London Research Support Network team
If you have any further queries about involvement or collaborations, please email the South West London Health Improvement Team at
[email protected]
