Community Voices at the Centre: Insights from the WellHome Study on Community-Engaged Research

WellHome Ambassadors emphasise the vital role of community involvement in environmental health research with first publication.

Drawing from their own experiences in the WellHome Study, an investigation into indoor air quality in West London, the authors demonstrate how involving community members as active partners can enhance trust, engagement, and mutual benefit in scientific research.

The article, published in the journal Environmental Health Insights, demonstrates that elevating community voices, providing a rare and valuable perspective on the benefits and challenges of community-engaged research. 

The authors share three key insights for scientists interested in adopting this model:

1. Building Trust with Research Participants

The study was launched during a period of widespread mistrust in science, especially within socioeconomically and racially diverse communities. Community ambassadors, who are active and well-connected local residents, played a crucial role in bridging this gap. Their familiarity, shared experiences, and multilingual abilities helped establish rapport, making community members feel comfortable and understood. Their efforts in translating scientific concepts into accessible language, such as referring to "small invisible particles in the air" instead of technical terms like PM2.5, proved instrumental in fostering trust and encouraging participation.

2. Integration into the Research Team

The authors emphasise the importance of fully integrating community ambassadors into the research process. While they appreciated informal interactions with scientists, they noted that greater inclusion in formal meetings and clearer understanding of scientists’ roles could improve collaboration. 

The authors suggest team-building activities and mutual learning opportunities, such as training sessions led by community ambassadors for scientists, to foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

3. Compensation and Recognition

While community ambassadors appreciated being paid the London living wage (£13/hour), perspectives on the adequacy of this compensation varied. Some found it sufficient, while others felt it was modest given their professional backgrounds and responsibilities. 

The authors highlight the importance of transparent, flexible, and culturally sensitive remuneration practices. They also point out the bureaucratic challenges of current payment systems and suggest that creative approaches are needed to fairly recognise community contributions.

The Power of Community Engagement

This publication underscores that community ambassador models can generate meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships between scientists and local residents. Such collaborations not only support research goals but also empower community members, giving them a voice in shaping environmental health research that affects their lives.

Two of the community ambassadors shared their thoughts following publication:

“I’m truly delighted that our article has been published and is now available online. It’s an honour to have been part of this work, and I’m deeply grateful for the guidance, support, and collaboration that made it possible. This unique experience has been incredibly energising, and allowed me to make a meaningful impact.”  Susu Ali 

"Words cannot express the joy of such a great collaboration efforts where everyone can be part of and claim. I am very grateful and happy that we have had this opportunity to work together an achieve such great success. Co-authored and peer reviewed research is a huge achievement." Nour-eddine Aboudihaj

As the authors conclude, "When you have an opportunity to make a difference, it means the world." Their insights serve as a valuable guide for other researchers aiming to foster inclusive, respectful, and effective community-engaged research.