Healthy Ageing Policy Research Unit Collaboration
The GMOPN are working in partnership with the Healthy Ageing Policy Research Unit based at the University of Manchester.
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The Policy Research Unit are funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and works directly in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care. There are multiple Policy Research Units that operate across the country, including the Manchester , Newcastle and LSE (London School of Economics) Units, each of which play an important role in supporting evidence-based policymaking.
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Much like the Manchester PRU’s collaboration with the GMOPN, the Newcastle PRU work closely with the Newcastle Elders Council.
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You can find out more information about the NIHR Policy Research Unit here: https://www.hapru.nihr.ac.uk/​
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National Survey on Ageing Perceptions
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The HAPRU are currently working on a national Survey on Ageing Perceptions, around understanding how people notice the physical effects of ageing, using an intergenerational approach including oral histories. The concept of this project was informed by the GMOPN Healthy Ageing Workshop which took place in Dec 2025. This workshop focused on the changing needs and priorities that people face in later life, aiming to understand how older people conceptualise this change. During the workshop, the need for intergenerational approaches was highlighted, considering input from younger people. The survey will be shared on this web page once its open, we’re aiming to reach approximately 3,000 participants across England.
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There will also be design and advisory group members made up from GMOPN members and Newcastle Elders Council to play a key role in the survey’s design.
Hospital to Community Care Shift study
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In 2026 the HAPRU will also be focusing on a commissioned project examining unintended consequences of moving caring responsibilities from hospital to community settings. This project will involve forming an advisory board made up of those with lived experience, including members of the GMOPN, as well as organisations working in the housing and ageing sector.
The GMOPN Health and Social Care Working Group involvement
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The HAPRU also regularly attend our Health and Social Care Working Group, feeding into discussions and topics of interest of group members. The partnership also ensures that national Healthy Ageing Policy developments will be shared directly with network members in our communications, including the Newsletter.