Research
Research
Welcome to Little Ro’s Research and Involvement page. We understand that individuals with lived experience of trauma and mental health challenges may rightfully be wary of research and researchers.
Little Ro is involved in research projects for survivors. We do so not to advance or to prove theories but to share the many patterns and practices that may be identified and to tell them in the simplest and most intelligible manner for those on a healing journey and the world at large to draw their conclusions.
We are committed to conducting research projects that encourage and support those who have survived and contribute to positive societal change. Our approach is rooted in ethical principles inspired by the civil rights movement, ensuring fairness, justice, and respect for all.
Our Mission
At Little Ro, our mission is clear: to share insights, support end-users and overcomers, and foster understanding. We believe that research should not only identify patterns and practices but also amplify the voices of those most affected.
Our Research Projects
The Semantic Study
How does the terminology people use to describe their lived experience of violence, abuse, and trauma connect to their identities, relationships, and healing journeys?
Objective: Explore how terminology related to lived experiences of violence, abuse, and trauma connects to identities, relationships, and healing journeys.
Participants: Individuals using their trauma experiences in their work (e.g., research, art, activism).
Study Details:
- Led by: Researchers with lived experience at King’s College London and partners
- Focus: Terms like ‘survivor,’ ‘victim,’ ‘wounded,’ or choosing to reject labels
- Aim: Understand the intersection of language with identities, relationships, and healing
Participation:
- Interview: One-hour session with a chosen interviewer
- Compensation: £25 for the interview, an additional £25 for a follow-up focus group
Invitation: Share your unique perspective and contribute to this vital research.
Research Opportunity
SAFENET-WM
We are proud members of a dedicated research team conducting a comprehensive assessment of mental health needs related to sexual assault and abuse (SAA) in the West Midlands for the Office of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Our mission is twofold: to support multi-agency partners in the region and to enhance care and support for survivors.
Key Points:
- Objective: Our project aims to understand the unique mental health challenges faced by survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
- The Team: A multi-disciplinary team from the Centre for Healthcare and Communities, Coventry University, collaborating with Warwick University and the Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre.
- Invaluable Insights: We seek valuable insights from organisations providing SAA services in the West Midlands.
Join Our Lived Experience Panel: Your Voice, Our Journey
We are seeking individuals to join our lived experience panel, offering £30 per hour for your valuable time. Engage in online group meetings, play a pivotal role in data analysis, and help shape our recommendations.
In addition to group activities, our research offers the opportunity for one-to-one engagements, allowing for a deeper dive into the data and more personalised discussions providing a platform for individual voices to directly influence our findings and recommendations.
You will be fully supported through reflective sessions designed to enrich your contribution.
Research Opportunity
Lived Experience Panel Member
Data analysis.
Develop recommendations.
£30 per hour participation.
Breath of Life
Unveiling the Healing Power of Breath in Trauma Recovery and Mental Health
In the quest for healing, my research has illuminated the vital role of breath and breathing. These are not mere functions of survival but the very essence of recovery from trauma and a cornerstone of mental health.
This study area is particularly close to my heart, offering a non-invasive, cost-effective, and universally accessible means to enhance well-being. Yet, the profound benefits of ancient breathing practices have often been overshadowed in our modern era. Within these time-honoured techniques, we find untapped potential for profound healing and a richer quality of life.
As a dedicated Pranayama practitioner, I am eager to collaborate and share insights with those equally fascinated by this field. Whether you are a fellow researcher, pulmonologist, practitioner, or someone interested in the power of breath, I invite you to join me. Together, we can explore breathing’s transformative impact and contribute to a legacy of health and vitality.
Healing Breaths: Collaboration Call
Passionate about breathwork? Share your experiences and discoveries with us. Connect and help us breathe new life into healing together.
The Pathway Study
We are actively engaged in the PATHWAY Study at King’s College London which focuses on developing and evaluating a new care pathway to improve outcomes for people who have experienced complex trauma. The study aims to understand how individuals with complex trauma can better access the services they need, considering the challenges they face, such as violence, abuse, neglect, and social traumas like poverty and discrimination. The research includes interviews with trauma survivors and mental health service staff, and it explores how complex trauma is recorded in clinical notes. The ultimate goal is to propose a larger program of research that would develop and evaluate a new pathway for complex trauma survivors.
Maps
The MAPS project brings together survivor-led organisations to co-develop and map the vision and underpinning principles for a values-based survivor-led research programme.
MAPS is a partnership between the Service User Research Enterprise (SURE), Little Ro, Survivors Voices and Traumascapes and is based in the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health. It is fully survivor-led and conceptualised.
Philosophy
Ethical Principles
We only get involved in research that aligns with our values and ethical principles that reflect our commitment to integrity and social justice:
Equality and Justice:
We uphold the principles of equality and justice, ensuring fair representation and participation of all stakeholders, irrespective of background or social status.
Transparency and Accountability:
We are transparent about our methodologies, findings, and any potential conflicts of interest. We take accountability for the impact of our research and strive for positive change within the communities we serve.
Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity:
We respect and value the unique perspectives and experiences of individuals and communities. Our research is conducted with cultural sensitivity, and we actively work to mitigate biases in the research process.
Honouring Stalwarts
We draw inspiration from the words of stalwarts in the civil rights movement:
Miss Fanny Lou Hamer, a sharecropper and civil rights activist from Mississippi. Her principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us” underscores the importance of including affected communities in research design, implementation, and decision-making.
- Researchers draw inspiration from her tireless advocacy for equal representation and participation. They strive to amplify marginalised voices and ensure their agency in shaping research agendas.
- Fanny Lou Hamer’s legacy reminds us that research is not just about data; it’s about justice, empowerment, and social change.
Mama Till (Emmett Till’s Mother), Mamie Till-Mobley, affectionately known as Mama Till, was the mother of Emmett Till, a young African American boy who was brutally lynched in Mississippi in 1955. His murder became a catalyst for the civil rights movement.
- Her principle of “Do No Harm” reminds us to prioritise the well-being of those affected by our research. We must avoid causing harm and instead seek to empower and uplift.
- Mama Till’s courage and determination inspire researchers to shed light on hidden truths, even when faced with adversity.
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