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About

Deep End Leeds is a project working to change how health research is designed, so that people from under-served communities in Leeds have a real say in the research that affects their health and care. It was established in May 2024 and is based in the Unit of Palliative Care, within the Division of Primary Care, Palliative Care and Public Health at the Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds.

The project is led by Aaishah Javeed, Project Manager for Deep End Leeds.

What we are working towards

The project has three aims.

1. A Leeds Deep End Research Network

We are forming the first Leeds Deep End Research Network: a group of GP practices equipped to help engage under-represented populations in research studies. This involves understanding what research activity already exists in these practices, what capacity they have, and what barriers stand in the way — then building training opportunities to help them become research-active.

2. A Patient and Public Involvement group

We are developing a Leeds Deep End Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group, so that people from under-represented communities have more opportunity to shape health research. This work rests on building trust, listening, developing partnerships, and being relatable — much of it carried out face to face in community venues across the city, and supported by Community Health Link Workers.

3. Inclusion health as a research priority

We are working to establish inclusion health research as a priority within the Division, with a strategic focus on inequalities in palliative care. This includes collaborating across the Division to understand colleagues' experiences of research and public involvement, identifying training needs, and developing training in cultural competency and in patient and public involvement.

How we work

Deep End Leeds works alongside GP practices, community organisations and community venues in areas of Leeds including Harehills, Chapeltown and Seacroft, and with people seeking asylum and refugees living in the city. Engagement happens where people already are — at community centres and existing group sessions — rather than asking communities to come to us.

Working with others

We are connected to a wider network of people and organisations working on the same questions, including:

  • the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board
  • the Ethnic Minority Research Inclusion (EMRI) hub
  • Deep End Sheffield, whose Deep End Research Alliance and 10-step research cycle inform our approach
  • Deep End Newcastle and the National Deep End Network
  • St Gemma's Hospice
  • the Clinical Senate

Get in touch

If you are a GP practice, a community organisation, or someone who would like to be involved in shaping health research in Leeds, we would like to hear from you. [Add contact email address here.]