DHP Public Engagement Fund

This is the second year that the DHP is offering a grant scheme to support public engagement (PE) activities designed, implemented and evaluated by members of the Division.

Public engagement is the involvement of specialists listening to, developing their understanding of, and interacting with, non-specialists. In the case of the DHP, we are seeking to engage with those who have a low level of prior knowledge about Health and Psychology by communicating the concept, and explaining the applications of Health Psychology in a clear and succinct way citing ‘real life’ applications of the discipline.

This may be PE conducted with any relevant target group, in any medium and in any context but must be aimed at increasing the public profile of the Division and of Health Psychology as a whole. Ideally, this would include an element of two way discussions with the target group, rather than solely one way communication, so the Division can learn more about how the public see Health Psychologists and understand Health Psychology. In this round the DHP are keen to promote the discipline to A level students, and applications targeting this group would be welcome. Applications involving the development of sustainable resources that would be available for future PE activity by members of the Division are also encouraged.

Applications are invited for a public engagement bursary up to a maximum of £500. Recipients must plan, implement and evaluate the event in terms of its success in communicating its key messages to the target audience. This will culminate in writing a report for the Division’s publication, Health Psychology Update, detailing the process and outcomes of the activity and acknowledging the Division’s support. An executive report would also be required to feedback to the DHP Committee what the PE activity has achieved, the process and outcomes and possible future direction. PE activity and evaluation (including submission of the HPU article and executive report) should be undertaken within 1 year of receipt of funding (i.e. on or before ^2nd May 2013).

Applications must come from a full DHP member but might be submitted jointly with a trainee/student member of the Division. The primary applicant must complete the attached form and a two page CV. In cases, where a trainee is making the application, a CV from both the supervisor and trainee/student should be submitted.

Completed applications should be received by Monday 2^nd April 2012 and should be sent via email to: The Division of Health Psychology Public Engagement Officer, c/o the DHP support officer (dhp@bps.org.uk)