School of Health in Social Science

The ECREDibles

The ECREDibles are a group of people living with dementia in Scotland who are interested in research. The group offers peer support to share ideas, information and inspiration about research projects, also carrying out their own research with support from groups, partnerships and projects. ECRED are their partner, with the ECREDibles supporting in the co-design and delivery of a range of our research projects.

Award

The ECREDibles offers peer support to share ideas, information and inspiration about research projects and carry out research with support from groups, partnerships and projects. They are an independent group, which means that although they are closely associated with the ECRED team and get involved with relevant research opportunities, they also support other research projects and organisations, with their expert-by-experience and co-production skills.

The ECREDibles is an innovative model of coproduction as we are engaging in long-standing relationships with lived experience researchers across a range of our co-produced research at ECRED, as opposed to working on a project-by-project, short-term basis which is commonplace in academia. This creates a sustainable model of working that enables meaningful relationships and longer-term training, development and partnership opportunities with and for those living with dementia.

Background to the group

  • The group started with a grant from the Life Changes Trust in 2021, with support from groups in the DEEP network, ECRED, Innovations in Dementia and the University of Bradford’s Experts by Experience group.
  • Dementia Enquirers collectively won a Dementia Heroes Award from Alzheimer’s Society for their work in research. The Pioneers associated with Dementia Enquirers wrote many guides to support ‘gold standards’ in coresearch and ethical research which the ECREDibles were a part of.
  • The ECREDibles were nominated for a Positive Disruptors Award through the University of Edinburgh.

Find out more

Learn more about the ECREDibles by visiting their website or following them on Instagram.