Dr Ruth Lowry

SBS - Step By Step

I recently led the project evaluation of a EU funded project called Step by Step. This is a funded project I gained in my previous position at the University of Chichester. BACKGROUND TO THE PARTNERSHIP: The Step by Step (SBS) project partnership has secured more than €2.6 million of European funding in its €4.3 million cross-border partnership involving 10 organisations from the UK, The Netherlands, France and Belgium (see below for partner details). The project was approved and funded by the EU Interreg 2 Seas Programme 2014-2020 (co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund) which will support the project over four years from 2017-2021. PROJECT AIMS: The aim of SBS is to empower men to move from poor health and or isolation to healthy social participation or active engagement in the labour market. It will promote a culture in which all citizens in all regions will have the confidence to make sustainable positive changes in their lives benefitting themselves and society. The expected changes include: Reduced health costs related to physical & mental health issues better health contributing to healthier individuals, families, communities and the workforce increased labour market activity decreased number of work days lost to poor health. The target group for SBS is specifically men and in particular those who may be socially isolated and suffering from poor mental health or poor wellbeing. BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT: There is consistent evidence to suggest that men access health services less frequently than women and experience poorer physical health outcomes. The suicide rates for men across Europe are increasing. Additionally, unemployment, non-participation, isolation and poor mental health are all contributing factors. Depression and other mental health problems are both under-detected and under-treated but men’s health is particularly poor. Studies have shown that the unemployed suffer more health problems, including mental health, than those in work and the longer people remain out of work when sick, the less likely they will return. Currently health services (general practice, dentists, pharmacies etc) are under-used by men, which adversely impacts their health, their families and their communities, as well as on employers and the national health budget. Men are also less likely to make use of preventative health checks such as oral health and screening. THE SBS PROJECT WILL DELIVER: A model to improve men’s mental and physical health/wellbeing via a community space/workshop where men meet/learn new skills/engage in hands on activities. New model of community health service delivery for men and vulnerable groups. The Health and Europe Centre Kent County Council (UK) Hampshire County Council (UK) University of Chichester (UK) Bolwerk (BE) Wattrelos Association of Community Centres (FR) ADICE – Association for the development of citizen and European initiatives (FR) Community Centre Jean Ferrat Arques (FR) Community Centre ‘De Mussen’ (NL) Wellbeing People (UK)
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SHIFT – Sexual Health In the over ForTy-fives

I led the project evaluation of a EU funded project called Sexual Health In the over ForTy-fives. This is a funded project I gained in my previous position at the University of Chichester. Background to the Project SHIFT – Sexual Health In the over ForTy-fives is part of the Interreg VA 2Seas programme and has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund, has a budget of over €4 million, involving partners from the UK, the Netherlands, France and Belgium. Project aims SHIFT aims to empower individuals over 45 to participate in sexual health services and improve their sexual health and wellbeing. In addition, a specifically tailored approach will be created to meet the needs of socio-economically disadvantaged groups across the 2Seas area. The approach will seek to engage with individuals from these groups to gain insight and knowledge of their particular needs and potential gaps in existing services. Through co-creation of service redesign, the current healthcare systems can be adapted to better meet the needs of underrepresented groups. Backround to the project Studies in/beyond Europe (e.g. WHO’s Sexual Health Throughout Life) highlight the need for older people to have better access to sexual health support/care. These identify that older age groups are rarely a focus in European and national policies across the 2Seas area. The correlation is clear between this gap in services and the rise in Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) rates. The over-45s at risk are generally those entering new sexual relationships after a period of monogamy, often post-menopause (removing the issue of pregnancy, without thought to STIs). Our engagement with relevant services suggests lack of knowledge/tools for health services approaching the issue and offering information / treatment. Within this target group, partner research has shown that groups with one or more socio-economic disadvantages (homeless people/sex workers/non-native language speakers / migrants) are at even greater risk of being unaware of their sexual health and unable to access the appropriate services. This project focuses on generating the following outputs, that will be shared across and beyond the project partners, to the workforce of healthcare professionals and to the target group of the project. The SBS project will deliver: Attitude survey in 45+ (detailed needs assessment) Focus groups to discuss local outcomes, compare similarities and differences and decide how this will feed into the development of the model Scoping literature review covering people aged 45+, with a particular focus on socio-economically disadvantaged groups Mixed method evaluation of the model Develop refined needs assessment of health care professionals and gap analysis through focus groups Co-creation of a comprehensive training programme for professionals Mixed method evaluation of the training programme for professionals SHIFT Partners: The Health and Europe Centre Kent County Council (UK) Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (UK) Metro Charity (UK) East Sussex County Council (UK) University of Chichester (UK) Medway Council (UK) STI AIDS (NL) Antwerp University college of Applied Science (BE) Odisee University college (BE) Health Info Solidarity – Information (FR)
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CBDP - Clem Burke Drumming Project

I am part of a collaborative group of researchers and drummers called the Clem Burke Drumming Project. As part of the CBDP, we have explored the physical, psychological, developmental and social benefits of rock drumming. Our initial work has involved delivering drumming instruction to children and adolescents with emotional and behavioural difficulties including Autism Spectrum Disorder. These studies have been RCTs and school based programmes. Currently we are analysing our latest findings from a MRI study funded by the Waterloo Foundation. Collaborators: Dr Marcus Smith, University of Chichester Professor Steve Draper, Hartpury University Professor Steve Williams, Kings College London Dr Andrew Robertson, Queen Mary, University of London Dr Ali Amad, Kings College London Dr Muriel Bruchhage, Kings College London Funding for these projects has been received from the Waterloo Foundation and the Barnwood Trust in addition to institutional funding.
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Volunteering before and during the pandemic

Royal Society Summer Exhibition - Drumming for Health

In July 2023, I will be leading an exhibit at the Royal Society's Summer of Science Exhibition. This will feature the health benefits associated with learning to play the drums.
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