ESRC Festival of Social Science 2019

Key contact:
Dr Llinos Haf Spencer, CHEME, Bangor University, l.spencer@bangor.ac.uk 

What was the purpose of the event? 

As part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science on the 7th November 2019, researchers at Bangor University, together with Karen Harrington, our Health and Care Economics Cymru Public Involvement and Engagement representative, co-hosted two free public engagement events to showcase health economics research into social prescribing and wellness in Wales and to help shape the direction of future research projects. 

What did we do? 

The events linked to all four themes for ‘taking Wales forward’ in the ‘Prosperity for All’ National Strategy including ‘Prosperous and Secure’, ‘Healthy and Active’, ‘Ambitious and Learning’ and ‘United and Connected’. It provided an opportunity for local people to discover, debate and discuss social science research and obtain an insight into the work of health economists and the importance of value-based health and social care.  

Image: Professor Rhiannon Tudor Edwards reflecting on the health economics of caring through the life-course at the ESRC Festival of Social Sciences. 

Presentations at the event included:  

  • Dr Ned Hartfiel’s talk about the evaluation of the Health Precinct project at Colwyn Bay (the evaluation was funded by Health and Care Research Wales). Two members of the public were involved on the project advisory board.  
  • Highlights of the work by Dr Nathan Bray, Dr Lorna Tuersley and Dr Carys Jones with funding from Public Health Wales on prevention through the life course including Transforming Young Lives, Living Well for Longer and Wellness in Work.  
  • Dr Leah McLaughlin’s and Dr Joanna Charles’ presentation on their on-going dialysis choices project. 

What was the impact?

The event was very informative and highlighted forward thinking research being undertaken here in Wales. The evidence from the research demonstrated the positive impact on social prescribing on our individuals’ wellbeing”, Karen Harrington, Health and Care Economics Cymru Public Representative.