Enhancing Community-Engaged Research with PWUD: Insights from Imagine Safe Supply

• In Event: Challenges in qualitative research II

Abstract

This study explores the impact of centering relationships in the methodological approach of Imagine Safe Supply (ISS) - a quasi-national community-driven research project that explored the perspectives of PWUD & frontline workers on current and ideal forms of safe supply in Canada. The research team was made up of three researchers and five people with lived expertise of drug use or frontline work across Canada.

Community-engaged research is a burgeoning approach in criminology that strives to enhance the participation of marginalized populations in research production. Yet serious problems persist, with some CER criticized for perpetuating tokenization and mis-aligning research interests with the needs and goals of community-members. This study offers a framework for conducting CER that overcomes these limitations by prioritizing relationship-building in the research process. Our findings reveal that a relational approach to community-engaged research can enhance the goals of CER, including deeper participation, the development of research skills and the alignment of outputs with the interests and needs of community-members.

One key finding underscores the significance of addressing individual needs and translating these individual needs into group dynamics. Our research highlights that while initial stages of a relational approach involve identifying and meeting individual needs, the progression towards collective concerns is an ongoing, iterative journey that can be best achieved through prioritizing relational needs throughout the project. Moreover, our study sheds light on how a relational approach redefines research outputs, emphasizing the significance of personal skill development and leadership opportunities. A relational approach to CER aligns the research process with the unique needs and objectives of team members and cultivates deep commitment, ownership, and collaborative decision-making.

This study contributes to the growing literature on CER with PWUD by emphasising how prioritizing relationships in CER can enhance research outcomes, team dynamics, and individual growth within community-engaged research settings.

Author

• Jack Farrell, Simon Fraser University