The 25th Health Challenge Wales Seminar featuring the School Health Research Network (SHRN) took place on the 23rd March in Cardiff. This full day seminar aimed to raise awareness among national stakeholders of the potential of SHRN offers in terms of monitoring, developing and evaluating health and wellbeing policy, practice and outcomes. The seminar provided a forum to develop strategic links and effective partnerships for Network sustainability, in addition to providing an opportunity for stakeholders to influence the future direction of SHRN.
Delegates from a wide range of areas such as Public Health Wales, Public Policy Institute for Wales and the Welsh Network of Health Schools Scheme had the opportunity to see representatives from Welsh Government, Public Health Wales as well as SHRN researchers presenting at a day that also provided them with an opportunity to take part in panel discussion. Delegates were able to learn how the Network has been designed to meet data and evidence needs of stakeholders at local, regional and national level and how stakeholders at each of those levels have shaped the Network’s development. The potential of the Network to catalyse school-based health research was highlighted. Staff and students from Alun School in Mold presented on how their school has used Network data.
Live tweets on seminar proceedings are available to view at the @DECIPHerCentre X account.
For those people who were unable to attend the day, our presenters have very kindly made their presentations available.
School Health Research Network aims and development
Professor Simon Murphy, Cardiff University
National level use of Network data
Dr Chris Roberts, Welsh Government
Working with policy and practice for health improvement
Dr Julie Bishop, Public Health Wales
Engagement with schools
Joan Roberts
Alun School and the School Health Research Network
Alun School staff and students
Identifying Health and Wellbeing issues
Dr Sara Long
Front line innovation and trials
Dr Jemma Hawkins
Natural experiments
Dr Gillian Hewitt