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
Leadership for Systemwide Change
9 April 2025, 10:00 – 13:00, Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
Join this session to explore how inclusive leadership can strengthen research practices, community engagement, and equitable healthcare.
We know that insufficient representation persists across many health and social care settings, particularly at a senior level, including on NHS boards, in healthcare teams, and within research projects. Even when under-represented groups do have a seat at the table, true inclusion requires intentional effort and insight. Research from the Centre for Population Health highlights that inclusive leadership can significantly impact study design, community participation, and the overall effectiveness of health and social care interventions.
Hosted by the Centre for Population Health and co-facilitated by Durka Dougall and Samira Ben Omar, this session focuses on the leadership practices and frameworks that can help you promote a more diverse, equitable environment in your own organisations, teams, and research initiatives. You will gain practical strategies for embedding inclusion into day-to-day practices, including hands-on guidance and checklists to help drive real, sustainable change.
South London Health Research Summit
14 May 2025, 09:00 – 16:00, The Exchange, Twickenham
South West London Integrated Care Board and BIG South London welcome you to the first South West London Research Summit.
On behalf of the South West London Integrated Care Board and BIG South London, we are looking forward to welcoming you to the very first South West London Heath Research Summit.
This free, one-day event will celebrate the first anniversary of the South West London Research Support Network. We will be showcasing the great research happening across the NHS, local councils, universities, voluntary and community groups, and more.
Come along to take part in interactive cafés, short talks, and poster presentations and help us shape the future of health research in South West London. You will hear from people working in the sector across the six boroughs of Croydon, Sutton, Merton, Wandsworth, Richmond and Kingston.
Whether you are new to research or already involved, there is something for everyone!
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]
