HDRC project 043. Shared Knowledge, Shared Decisions: making sure that voices, experiences and perspectives of Plymouth's communities are listened to, valued and reflected in decision making

Applications are invited from organisations based in the voluntary and community sector to lead a project funded by the Plymouth Health Determinants Collaboration. (PHDRC). We know that throughout Plymouth, communities and groups have great conversations and collect lots of rich information describing people's experience of life in Plymouth. Some of the information is collected with a specific purpose in mind, other information is more unexpected but valuable and relevant. Community groups have told us that it is challenging to understand how this information can be shared to influence thinking and decision making, with those who have the potential to make use of the knowledge. Further exploration suggested that people are more likely to share their knowledge and views if they feel that it is likely to make a difference. Council colleagues often don't know what is already available, and how relevant it could be.

Plymouth City Council is looking for a voluntary or community group based in Plymouth to take responsibility for this project, to manage the project and employ the researchers required. We wish by the end of the project we will have a greater understanding of the information collected by whom, we know who and how to share it with and we address any blockages which prevents the information being available to inform decision making.

The HDRC would like to project to start as soon as possible but recognises there might be a need for a pre-project phase of development before the project starts proper. The project proper is likely to need to run for a 12-month period. (plus, pre- project time).