How we use research in our work

Age UK Bristol is involved in innovative research in Bristol. We actively support research about and for older people and we also help to run the Bristol Research Forum on Ageing. We work to improve connections between academic research and local authorities, health, and voluntary sector to improve the lives of older people in Bristol.

ConnectED (Connecting Evidence with Decision Making)

What is ConnectED?

ConnectED is a project that aims to help decision-makers in Adult Social Care make better decisions by growing their ability to use research. ConnectED is all about strengthening links between our practice and research evidence.

The ConnectED project is a partnership between:

• University of Bristol
• University of the West of England (UWE)
• Local Authorities in North Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire
• Age UK Bristol
• ConnectED Service Users and Carers Advisory Group

The project aims to build research capacity with Age UK Bristol and integrate research into practice. This project is funded until December 2024.

Connecting Through Culture As We Age

Age UK Bristol is proud to be a charity partner in this fantastic project on digital innovation as we age. We want to increase participation in social, digital and cultural life for all as we age.  

Find out all about the project here: https://connectingthroughcultureasweage.info/

Bristol Research Forum on Ageing

The Bristol Research Forum on Ageing is regular seminar to explore the latest research related to ageing and older people’s experiences. It communicates relevant research findings to commissioners, service providers, practitioners and the public within Bristol. Running for over 20 years, it has enabled both practice and policy decisions in the city to be informed by the latest research evidence.

All are welcome to come along to learn from the research, there are no restrictions on who can attend. Whether you are an expert in the topic being discussed or are just beginning to learn about it, the Forum will allow you to learn, reflect, and meet other people interested in this field. 

Taking place three times a year. We aim to hold one in-person event a year and two online events. Each forum focuses on a specific theme. Themes are chosen based on local developments in the city, research timescales and suggestions from attendees. Previous forums have covered themes such as patient advocacy, LGBT+, loneliness, death/dying and ethnic diversity. 

Who is involved?

The Bristol Research Forum on Ageing is a collaboration between Age UK Bristol, Brunelcare, the University of the West of England (UWE) and the University of Bristol.

Each partner brings a unique approach to the forum:

• UWE Bristol and the University of Bristol: Working together to provide access to the latest research and evidence.

• Age UK Bristol: An independent organisation of and for older people in Bristol, helping to inform practice and service development in the city.

• Brunelcare: A provider of high-quality services for older people in the city, applying research to service provision.

How can I find out more?

If you have any other questions, please contact Jen DeKalb-Poyer  using the details below:

• Jen DeKalb-Poyer (Age UK Bristol) - 0117 928 1553 or jenniferdekalb-poyer@ageukbristol.org.uk 

Slides and resources from previous research forums