Smart Spending and Savings: Growing Financially Confident and Brewing Better Research event

Join our Smart Spending and Savings: Growing Financially Confident and Brewing Better Research event.

We will be raising awareness of research through "Brewing Better Research with Masala Chai", a fun, interactive, and culturally meaningful activity inspired by the tradition of sharing a cup of chai together. Using an Indian chai box, participants will be guided through the different stages of the research journey in an engaging and accessible way. Through hands-on, visual, and sensory experiences, people will have the opportunity to explore how research is developed, carried out, and used to improve health and wellbeing. We hope to create a welcoming space for conversation, spark curiosity, challenge common misconceptions about research, and inspire more people to learn about and get involved in research that matters to their communities.

The ‘Brewing Better Research with Masala Chai’ session will be structured to include a 30-minute presentation with an informal Q&A element, it will be run at regular intervals throughout the event. Dr Paul Bedford, an Early Careers Researcher at the University of Leicester will talk about research using something many of us are familiar with, a cup of chai. Research can sometimes feel complicated, with lots of different steps and unfamiliar words. But just like making a good cup of chai, research is really a process where different ingredients come together to create something meaningful.

Each ingredient in this chai represents a different stage of the research journey. Some ingredients create the foundation, some add flavour and direction, and some bring everything together. If we leave one out, the final result isn't quite the same. Just as every ingredient has a role in making chai, patients, public contributors, researchers, healthcare professionals and communities all have an important role in making research better. As participants make their chai, they’ll explore each stage of the research cycle and think about how people can be involved throughout the process.

In addition, this interactive event, aimed at multi generations, will also explore how Leicester's diverse communities are responding to rising food, energy and housing costs through innovation, mutual support and community action. The event will bring together residents, researchers and local organisations to share practical solutions and lived experiences.

Smart Spending and Savings: Growing Financially Confident and Brewing Better Research is a community event designed to help individuals and families make informed financial choices while discovering how research can support healthier, happier lives. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in "Brewing Better Research with Masala Chai", an engaging and interactive activity that introduces the research journey in a fun and accessible way, encouraging community voices to help shape future research.

Led by Dr Paul Bedford, an Early Career Researcher at the University of Leicester, "Brewing Better Research with Masala Chai" uses a traditional masala chai box to explore the different stages of research. Through friendly, interactive discussions, participants are invited to share their experiences, raise issues that matter to them, and contribute to conversations around topics such as food poverty, health, wellbeing, and finances. The activity aims to make research more accessible, promote public involvement, and ensure that future research reflects community priorities and lived experiences.

Whilst at the event, visitors will also be able to access practical advice and support on budgeting, saving money, reducing household costs, managing energy bills, and finding available financial assistance. By bringing together local organisations and support services, the event offers valuable information, resources, and guidance to help people improve their financial wellbeing and navigate ongoing cost of living challenges.

The event will be led by Community Engagement Officers at the Centre for Ethnic Health Research, researchers who work alongside CEHR and volunteers from the partnered community centre (BNCHA). Speakers on the day will include. Dr Paul Bedford[SL1] , an Early Career Researcher at the University of Leicester, will lead the research awareness activity, called ‘Brewing Better Research with Masala Chai’ and engage with attendees via the CEHR research stall

Members of public, everyone is welcome

This event is ideal for individuals and families who want to improve their financial confidence, learn practical money-saving tips, and make the most of their income. It is also a great opportunity to connect with local support services and discover resources that can help with everyday financial decisions.

The event will also be of interest to people who are passionate about health, wellbeing, and research that affects local communities. Whether you are curious about how research works, interested in sharing your experiences, or want to learn how community members can help shape future studies, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Through our interactive ‘Brewing Better Research with Masala Chai’ experience, you'll explore the research journey in a fun, engaging, and culturally relevant way. This activity is designed to spark conversations, build understanding, and encourage community involvement in research that can improve health outcomes for diverse communities.

Whether you're interested in strengthening your financial wellbeing, learning something new, or meeting others in a welcoming environment, this event offers something for everyone.

48 hours prior to event