Residents Help Shape New HDRC Newsletter
A group of 8 local residents has come together to form a dedicated Resident Communications Panel that will co‑design and shape a new newsletter for the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) programme in Tower Hamlets. The newsletter - created by residents, for residents - aims to make the HDRC’s work clear, accessible, and relevant to people across the borough.
Putting Residents at the Heart of the HDRC
The HDRC programme in Tower Hamlets focuses on understanding the wider factors that influence people’s health—such as housing, employment, environment, transport, and community support. But the success of this work depends on ensuring that local people understand what the programme is doing, why it matters, and how they can be part of shaping future research.
To support this, the Resident Communications Panel has taken on a central role in developing a newsletter that will:
- Explain what the HDRC is in simple, jargon‑free language
- Highlight current research projects and how they aim to improve health and wellbeing
- Share opportunities for local people to get involved, such as surveys, workshops, community events, and paid research roles
- Celebrate the voices and stories of residents, showcasing real experiences from across Tower Hamlets
- Provide updates on progress, so residents can see how their insight and participation make a difference
A Collaborative and Creative Process
Panel members bring a diverse range of lived experiences and community knowledge. Many have strong connections to local neighbourhoods, advocacy groups, cultural organisations, and frontline services. Their input ensures the newsletter stays rooted in the reality of everyday life in Tower Hamlets.
During the development sessions, residents have been:
- Reviewing draft content and helping rewrite technical language
- Advising on layout, visuals, and accessibility
- Suggesting topics, they believe matter most to people in the borough
- Shaping the tone of the newsletter to make it welcoming, friendly, and community‑centred
Their contributions are helping to create a resource that feels genuinely representative of the communities it aims to serve.
Why the Newsletter Matters
Tower Hamlets is a borough known for both its vibrancy and its challenges. Many of the social and economic factors that influence health—such as overcrowded housing, low income, or limited access to green spaces—affect residents in different ways. The HDRC programme is working to better understand these issues so that local decision‑making can be more efficient, fair, and evidence‑based.
The newsletter will help residents:
- See how research connects to their everyday lives
- Understand how data and lived experience shape local policies
- Know where to go to join conversations, contribute ideas, or take part in research
- Feel confident that the programme values their voice and perspectives
How Residents Can Get Involved
When the newsletter launches, it will include regular invitations for residents to:
- Join engagement events or community workshops
- Contribute stories, questions, or suggestions
- Sign up for research opportunities
- Participate in shaping future issues of the newsletter
The Resident Panel hopes the newsletter will become a trusted and practical source of information—something that empowers people rather than overwhelms them.
Looking Ahead
With the first edition now ready to distribute, the Resident Communications Panel is excited to create a newsletter that reflects the diversity, resilience, and creativity of Tower Hamlets. Their work is a testament to the borough’s belief that the best health research starts with the community’s voice.
Want to stay informed? If you’re a Tower Hamlets resident - or work in the borough - sign up now for our quarterly resident update.