SOUTH WEST LONDON
RESEARCH SUPPORT
NETWORK

A network to support local communities and voluntary sector organisations harness the power of research

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.

Dr Catherine Heffernan

Director of Health Improvement

Contact

Sapna Kurade

Project Manager

Contact

Thomas Herweijer

Community Empowerment Manager

Contact

Sara Milocco

Voluntary and Community Sector (VCSE) Alliance Director

Contact

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

Find out more

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

Find out more

Wandsworth

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Wandsworth

Damilola Gbadebo, Public Health Lead, Communities and Health Inequalities, Richmond and Wandsworth Public Health

Love Abolade, Head of Student Wellbeing and Impact, Share Community

Jessica Johnson, Healthy Communities Project Officer, Wandsworth Care Alliance

Find out more

Merton

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Merton

Helen Duckworth, Head of Community Services, Wimbledon Guild

Kacper, Health Inequalities and Project Lead, Polish Family Association

Find out more

Sutton

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Sutton

Nadine Wyatt, Health and Care Integration Programme Lead, Sutton LA and ICB

Find out more

Find out more about the Evaluation Ambassadors

Upcoming Events

Rapid Evaluation

26 February 2025, 10:00 – 13:00, Patch Twickenham
Join this practical session to understand the basics of rapid evaluation and learn how to balance speed with quality.

Evaluation does not have to be overwhelming! This session builds upon the basics of evaluation covered in our September and October 2024 Network Cafés. It is designed to provide practical insights into rapid evaluation, making the process accessible and achievable for everyone.

This session will guide you on how to evaluate your projects efficiently and effectively – whether you are an absolute beginner or looking to refine your skills. Key topics include setting evaluation questions, working with data, and analysing collected information. Attendees will also learn how to convey value for money in a rapid timeframe.

Join the session

 

Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation

20 March 2025, 13:00 – 16:00, FUSEBOX, Kingston
Gain insights, explore qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods and test your knowledge in this session with Marcus Green, Optum.

This session will cover key elements of qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as when both methods can be combined for strong and effective evaluation. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of both and test understanding with an interactive qualitative vs quantitative quiz. We’ll go through some practical examples and offer an opportunity for Q&A with analytics and evaluation expert Marcus Green.

This workshop is suitable for anyone, with evaluation beginners encouraged, and will be very interactive with discussions, chances for questions, and access to a free SWL end-to-end evaluation toolkit.

Join the session

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.

View past events & knowledge bank

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]

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