South Yorkshire ENRICH network has set up an ENRICH forum to support the development of the network and support for the researchers developing research to take place in the care home environment.

The first meeting of the South Yorkshire ENRICH Forum took place at the beginning of March 2014 and the group will meet quarterly face to face, with monthly updates on progress to the network in the region. Relevant stakeholders were contacted and invited to participate in the group including individuals: 

• Involved in facilitating research
• Involved in the portfolio development of research
• Researchers themselves
• Key individuals in the area already involved with care homes
• Care Home managers
• GPs
• Commissioners

The group has now developed aims and objectives for the network over the next 12 months and terms of reference for the group members. Members of the group include Commissioners for the quality of care homes from a number of the areas in South Yorkshire, A GP, Local Network managers, A neurologist, Lead nurse from the Comprehensive network, Members of Multidisciplinary team and Care home managers. Since the initial meeting, 7 care homes have been recruited to the ENRICH network with a number of others interested. Working alongside the local care home commissioners a process for distributing information to all the regional care homes has been developed and there is a commitment within the group and locally to embed the South Yorkshire Care Homes within the ENRICH network nationally.

The network is open to care homes, residents and the research community. If you would like more information on joining email h.hollinger@sheffield.ac.uk