DrRachel Hopley

I joined the Institute for Community Research and Development (ICRD) as Research Fellow in July 2018 and progressed to Senior Research Fellow in September 2022. I previously worked as Research Officer in the Centre for Health and Development at Staffordshire University.

I have worked with many vulnerable groups (including individuals living with multiple and complex needs, individuals with experience of mental distress, perpetrators of domestic abuse, and young people) and relevant stakeholders to reduce health and social inequalities and improve the health and wellbeing of the local population through translational research.

I have a strong interest in community peer research and have experience training people and communities to be involved in all aspects of the research process - design, data collection, data analysis and dissemination. I also have expertise in conducting evaluations of projects for a range of commissioned projects - including a pilot adult social care programme for a local authority; a peer support programme for young women experiencing antenatal depression; and evaluations of discrete projects implemented by charity organisations in the community.

I completed my PhD in Paediatric Exercise Physiology at Loughborough University in 2016. This research examined dietary and physical activity compensatory behaviours in response to a longitudinal exercise training programme in adolescent girls. During her PhD, Rachel gained relevant experience in developing and piloting complex intervention studies, using a mixed methods research approach and evaluating intervention fidelity.

I work with a wide range of stakeholders including local authorities, NHS, and third sector organisations. I have recently been working with Walsall Council, City of Wolverhampton Council, Dudley Council, Black Country NHS Integrated Care Board, and Wolverhampton Voluntary Community Action.

I co-lead the ICRD theme 'Social and Community Wellbeing': Social and Community Wellbeing - University of Wolverhampton