A new confidential service has launched offering personal advice and support on how payment of fees and expenses for public involvement might affect people in receipt of state benefits.
The NIHR in partnership with others is offering a service that covers advice on payment of fees and expenses for public involvement in health or social care research, service design or service delivery. The service will be provided by Bedford Citizens Advice Bureau, initially as a pilot for one year.
The NIHR is offering this Benefits Advice Service to:
· members of the public involved with NIHR organisations or NIHR funded research projects.
· staff within NIHR organisations who are supporting members of the public to get involved.
INVOLVE is funding this service on behalf of, and for the NIHR. Other partners who are also part of the service are:
· NHS England
· Health Research Authority (HRA)
· Involving People (Wales)
· Social Care Institute for Excellence & Think Local, Act Personal
Further information is available on the INVOLVE website.