A research study or project is the scientific term for a test or study of an intervention. For the SPICES project we are looking at the effect of community led peer-to-peer support on helping community members to be healthier by making behavioural changes to improve their risk factors for CVD and support them to be healthier.

Is this project safe?

Yes, absolutely. There are no risks to participating or volunteering in the SPICES project. On the contrary, we anticipate that you will be and feel healthier by the end of it.

Why do people volunteer for research studies?

By taking part in research studies, you can try a new community led intervention that may (or may not) be better than standard treatments available. It has been found that despite the fact that disadvantaged communities are at highest risk of CVD, they commonly do not engage with more traditional health led interventions. It is our hope that by undertaking this study with the community organisations in your community we can support you to be healthier and start to significantly reduce the CVD risk in your community. By participating, you may also help people who may be suffering from CVD in the future.

How much does it cost?

There are no associated costs to participating in the SPICES project.

How do I know if the study is right for me?

If you would like to feel better and be supported by your community to do so, then please go to Redcap (find out more at https://is.gd/SPICESSUSSEX). and complete a simple heart health questionnaire. From your answers, we will be able see how well you are looking after your heart. Then there will be three options:

You are in the ‘Medium Risk’ group: If you are in this middle group, you will be eligible to take part in the study. If you choose to take part you will be offered one-to-one sessions with our local team of Community Health Volunteers who will provide coaching on how you can improve your heart health.
You are in the ‘High Risk’ group: We will recommend that you make an appointment to see your doctor. As researchers, we cannot give any medical advice, but it would be inappropriate for us to ignore any signs of an unhealthy lifestyle that could give rise to heart problems.
You are in the ‘Low Risk’ Group: If the data you provide suggests you have a healthy lifestyle, then this is positive news and we will talk to you about how you might be able to help the project in other ways.

What do I need to know before I decide to participate?

The project team will explain everything about the project before you make a final decision. This is informed consent.

What is ‘informed’ consent?

Informed consent means you are given complete information about a project. Before you agree to participate, clear, understandable written information will be given to you. Before you can participate, you must sign the informed consent form showing that you have been given this information and understand it. Informed consent is also an ongoing process and can be revisited and discussed with any of the team at any point.

What is a co-designed research study?

SPICES is a co-designed project; this means that we are undertaking this project alongside the communities we are working with. We recognise that research is more relevant, valuable and enjoyable when it involves the participation of people who have direct experience of the issues that the research is investigating. Participation in a co-designed research project can take many forms including developing research questions; designing studies; providing advice and review; observations of intervention; collecting and analysing data; writing up studies; and communicating findings.

How much time is involved?

The intervention phase will be over the period of 6 months. This will include a minimum of six sessions that are one-hour long. These sessions focus on achievable behaviour changes that you can fit into your everyday life, which should help you be and feel healthier.

How long will the project last?

The project runs until 30 June 2022; however, the time involved for the participants and the volunteers in the project will be over 6 months within this timeframe.

What will I have to do as a project participant?

During the 6 months you will be asked to complete a number of different health surveys, these are collected to see if the behaviour change sessions that you will have received from the community organisations have had any impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Throughout the 6 months, you will be invited to participate in a number of behaviour change sessions with a community volunteer. These sessions will give you the tools to understand your overall health, set achievable goals and to support you to make sustainable lifestyle changes.

What happens after the project is complete?

After the 6 months, we hope that you will feel more confident and supported by your community peers to maintain the changes you have made to your lifestyle. We hope that you will share your new skills and knowledge of keeping healthy with your friends and family. If you wish to receive additional information about the outcomes of the project, please email SPICES.Sussex@bsms.ac.uk.

Whom can I contact with questions about the project, my rights and responsibilities, or financial costs?

If you have any queries about the above please feel free to email, SPICES.Sussex@bsms.ac.uk and one of the research team will get back to you.

Who will know I was in a project?

We do not share any personal information with any organisations outside of the project team. Your name and personal details will not be used in any publication. These details will be collected, stored and destroyed in line with the Data Protection Act 2018. Any information we collect will be kept securely and not shared outside of the research team.

What if I change my mind about participating?

It is up to you to decide whether to take part. If you decide to take part, you are still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason. If you provide us with your personal details, we can withdraw your data at any time up to, but no later than, 30 June 2022 (when the project finishes) by emailing SPICES.Sussex@bsms.ac.uk.