HDRC Annual Learning Event: Co-researcher involvement
23rd of September was the Blackpool Health Determinants Research Collaboration’s Annual Learning Event.
Blue (co-researcher) reflects on his experience of the day.
On 23 September 2026, I joined representatives from HDRC, Boingboing Foundation, Healthwatch, NIHR, and Lancaster University for the Annual Learning Event at Blackpool Football Club. The event brought people together to share ideas, explore different approaches to research and learn from one another.
Helping the Day Run Smoothly
On the day, I supported the event through registration and timekeeping—two practical responsibilities that helped everything run smoothly.
With a busy programme and plenty to cover, keeping each session on schedule was essential. I enjoyed contributing in this way. The atmosphere was welcoming and engaging and I enjoyed the whole day.
Discovering Creative Research Methods
A highlight for me was the creative methods workshop. It introduced several ways to help people share their ideas and experiences, but the method that stood out most was Object Elicitation Selection. In this approach, a participant chooses an object and uses it as a prompt when answering a question. Having something tangible to focus on can make the conversation feel more engaging and open up fresh ways of expressing an experience.
How I Will Use What I Learned
The event broadened my understanding of creative research and showed me how different methods can work in practice. In the future, I will be able to choose from a wider range of approaches and think more carefully about which method best suits each participant and situation.
I will also think differently about what can be useful during an interview or research activity. Giving someone an object to focus on may encourage them to explain their choice, reflect in a new way, and share information that might not emerge through questions alone.
My Main Takeaway
My biggest takeaway is that there is no single way to carry out research. Different methods can reveal different kinds of information and the most effective approach is one that responds to the needs of the individual participant. I left the event with new ideas, greater confidence and a stronger appreciation of the value of creativity in research.
Two members of our team looking at the Boingboing Foundation Stall
An overview shot of the room showing lots of people sat around tables.
Cy (Project Team Manager) reflects:
Boingboing Foundation Co-researchers played a vital role in this year’s HDRC Annual Learning Event, helping with the organisation of the event and making sure everything ran smoothly and to time. They welcomed delegates, supported workshops and timekeeping during the day and confidently represented their own organisation through a dedicated BBF stall. It was great to see everyone getting involved, working independently and alongside others and networking confidently with a range of people.
It was also fantastic to see how much everyone has grown over the past couple of years. The confidence and skills that were still developing at the previous Learning Event were clearly evident throughout the day and it was clear how comfortable and capable our Co-researchers now are in these situations. Our sincere thanks to everyone involved for their hard work, enthusiasm and valuable contribution to making the event such a success. We’re proud to have such a professional team of ambassadors for both BBF and the communities we represent.