Maker-field: More than just a point* on a map

Ashton-in-Makerfield has been in the news of late. With Andy Burnham MP championing the communities of the north; local issues, socio-economic gaps, needs and everyday lived experience up North.

But Makerfield holds much more as a veritable rabbit-hole supporting lifelong learning, character development, reflective practice and critical thought:

 'maker' - 'field'

* - a political constituency.

Previously: 'map'

NW England: NIHR Health & Care Professional (HCP) Internship Programme 2026

Dear CHAIN member,

We would like to draw your attention to the following opportunity. Please pass on as appropriate. Thank you.

NIHR Health & Care Professional (HCP) Internship Programme 2026

Are you a Nurse, Midwife, Allied Health Professional, Pharmacist, Healthcare Scientist or working in Social Care, Social Work, looking to embark on a practitioner research career and make a difference through undertaking high quality research?

Do you have the drive and ambition to be a future research leader?

NHS R&D North West is pleased to announce that alongside its regional partners from NHS Trusts, Professional Networks and HEIs it will be delivering the NIHR Health and Care Professional Internship Programme across the North West Region of England in 2026.

There are 23 places available on this highly prestigious 12-month programme providing predoctoral tailored and bespoke learning and development to the full range of health and care professions (not including doctors and dentists) across the full range of research related career aspirations i.e. from a desire to increase research awareness within clinical practice up to and including providing individuals with a strong foundation on which to build a research related career.

The internship provides a funded opportunity for early career health and care researchers with dedicated time away from their substantive role to engage in research-based activities.

Closing date for online applications, 5pm 19th December 2025.

For more details please see:
https://research.northwest.nhs.uk/our-work/nihr-health-care-professional-hcp-internship-programme/

Regards,

Irina Johnston

CHAIN Administrative Assistant

If you wish to publicise information on the CHAIN Network please email your request to: 

enquiries AT chain-network.org.uk

CHAIN - Contact, Help, Advice and Information Network – is an online international network for people working in health and social care. For more information on CHAIN and joining the network please visit website: www.chain-network.org.uk

Follow CHAIN on X: @CHAIN_Network ; Connect with CHAIN on LinkedIn

Multicultural Group (NWMG) NW Region - RCN

There is a group that that may be of interest, even if you are not located in the NW of England. If located elsewhere, perhaps you can help start a group in your respective region, and together mobilise and liaise with groups internationally. The group is also on WhatsApp, and Facebook; the website's introduction begins ...

The RCN North West Multicultural Group (NWMG) creates a community for members across the region from multicultural ethnic backgrounds to connect with each other, share their lived experience, knowledge and diverse ideas that help drive change around racism to ensure that their various organisations is the best place to work.

Membership is open to RCN members of Royal College of Nursing from multicultural backgrounds and their allies.

Mission statement: 

The aim of the North West Multicultural Group is to stand against racism and discrimination by using members lived experiences, encouraging organisations to be anti-racist and with the support of allies.  ...

 

Source and continued... https://www.rcn.org.uk/northwest/Get-Involved/NW-Multicultural-Group