Written by: IA
The first Advisory Group session of 2025 generated enthusiastic discussion about the IM-Adapted study’s reception from members of the community. Members shared encouraging feedback from community events, where locals emphasised the importance of this study.
*Virtual Accessibility*
A key discussion point centered on future project delivery methods. A group of potential participants couldn’t join the IM-Adapted study because of its face-to-face format, which posed challenges for those with accessibility needs or travel constraints. While we can’t modify the current IM-Adapted study’s format due to design requirements and resource limitations, we’re eager to explore virtual options for future projects. The group reached a clear consensus about having either entirely face-to-face or fully online, avoiding hybrid arrangements if we run a larger study in the future.
*Progress and Future Plans*
The study has made significant strides, with eight participants now enrolled and randomised. Seeing months of planning finally come to life is particularly exciting. To boost recruitment, members suggested several outreach strategies:
- Leveraging TikTok’s platform and potentially partnering with social media influencers
- Engaging with local Imams to expand our community reach
*Mini Evaluation*
We concluded the meeting with an evaluation session where we reflected on our motivations for joining this project. Each member shared valuable reflections of their own. Two common themes emerged:
- Our shared desire to create meaningful change in our communities
- The drive to provide others with opportunities we missed due to our own life experience
Reflecting on my experiences, conducting this brief evaluation following a series of meetings has provided me with a refreshed perspective and has assisted in realigning my objectives as I participate in these discussions as an advisory member. The supportive atmosphere within the group has been particularly beneficial, creating a safe environment for all participants to express their genuine thoughts. This dynamic allows me to voice my opinions without fear of judgement, as the established ground rules foster mutual respect among members. Personally, I joined the project because I believed I could make a meaningful contribution; based on my own life experiences, I recognised that I would have benefited from similar sessions to those offered by IM-Adapted. Consequently, I feel equipped to offer insights into what may be effective or ineffective, as I can empathise with the perspectives of the intended target audience.
*Next Steps*
Moving forward, we’ll closely monitor how the group sessions are received. The suggestion to expand our presence on TikTok seems particularly promising, as its user demographic aligns well with our target recruitment audience.
Our group continues to thrive on mutual respect and collaborative learning. By maintaining open dialogue and valuing diverse perspectives, we’re steadily advancing toward our project goals.
