I am currently the Stakeholder, Research and Engagement Manager for the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration -NWC and I am responsible for facilitating the Community Research and Engagement Network (CoREN). My background is working in the third sector – in arts and heritage, volunteering and in public health – as well as in management of research programmes. I am passionate about building relationships and creating networks to form more joined up ways of thinking and working which will help improve health and social care research and ultimately address health inequalities.