معرفی
Dr. Barbara McNamara is an Assistant Professor at the University of Bradford's School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership within the Faculty of Health Studies. Her academic journey includes a BA (Hons) in Sociology and Social Policy (2006), MA in Research Methods (2007), and a PhD (2012) from the University of Liverpool. Her research focuses on community engagement, health equity, and the socio-cultural dimensions of health. Notable projects include evaluations of food bank usage in Bradford, risk assessment tools for individuals with learning disabilities, and third-sector infrastructure development. She has collaborated with organizations like Mersey Care NHS Trust and the Metropolitan Food Bank.
- Education: PhD in Sociology (2012), MA in Research Methods (2007), BA in Sociology (2006) – all from the University of Liverpool
- Key Roles: Editor of Illness Crisis and Loss, Researcher at the Institute of Psychology, Health and Society (2013–2014), Assistant Director of Knowledge Exchange Unit (University of Liverpool)
Her research interests emphasize vulnerable populations, including women’s experiences in commercial weight-loss organizations and disabled service users’ needs. She advocates for co-production methodologies, integrating service user perspectives into policy and practice. Current projects involve quantitative and qualitative studies on food bank usage in Bradford with Dr. Leanne Rimmer. Her work bridges academic research with practical community interventions, addressing health inequities through collaborative decision-making.
Grants & Projects: Led a £498,000 National Lottery-funded study on third-sector infrastructure (St Helens CVS), evaluated the Home Office’s Women’s Conditional Cautioning Scheme, and contributed to the ‘Keeping Me Safe and Well’ risk assessment tool for learning disabled individuals. These projects reflect her commitment to evidence-based policy and community empowerment.
Collaborations: Works with the Metropolitan Food Bank, Mersey Care NHS Trust, and Liverpool City Council. Her editorial role at Illness Crisis and Loss underscores her dedication to advancing discourse on health and social care.
