Our Clinical Research Facility's Dementia and Arthritis take centre stage at community-led Research Café in Balham
- patientsinresearch
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
NIHR St George's Clinical Research Facility (CRF) organised a Dementia and Arthritis Research Café, co-designed with Positive Network's peer researchers and sponsored by the South West London Integrated Care Board, brought community members and clinicians together in Balham for an afternoon of myth-busting, practical advice and open conversation about taking part in research.
Held on Monday 9 February 2026, the event welcomed 41 people in person, with additional attendees joining online. It built on the success of last year’s Dementia Research Café, which saw the NIHR St George’s Clinical Research Facility (CRF) shortlisted for a Nursing Times Award in the Clinical Research Nursing category.
Tinashe Samakomva, our Head of Research Nursing and Midwifery, said the programme was shaped directly by feedback from elders who asked for “another dementia café” and requested an additional focus on arthritis. To support inclusive participation, the CRF gifted Positive Network practical changes suggested by members — including a projector to make presentations clearer, strengthen virtual involvement and ensure everyone could share their views confidently.
Planning took more than three months and was delivered by the Patient Public Involvement manager and a 12-strong core team, including NIHR St George’s CRF staff and clinical specialists. The café was facilitated by Reverend Pauline Dawkins (Chaplain) and Grace Salmon from Positive Network, who also supported the work as peer researchers. Sessions were led by Dr John Cousins on navigating dementia and Professor Nidhi Sofat, Consultant Rheumatologist, on arthritis, alongside contributions from the wider CRF team.
The dementia session focused on what dementia is, why diagnosis matters and how to navigate GP and memory clinic pathways, followed by a lively “myth-busting” discussion tackling common concerns about medication, support and access to appointments. The arthritis session covered types of arthritis, treatment options and self-management, with time set aside for questions.
One attendee summed up the day’s impact: “Both presentations were so clear and easy to follow — and if I’m invited, I’d be happy to take part in research.”
