Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the key debates and dilemmas within the involvement of community partners, peer research in health and social care, participatory research, critical pedagogy and community organizing. It outlines an agenda for how they could positively inform each other and be combined to resolve their internal tensions. The book examines the Participatory Pedagogic Impact Research (PPIR) model for undertaking a research project, starting with how to create a common understanding and ownership from all stakeholders in an organization. It presents all the common processes of research, from ethics to dissemination, but from a pedagogic and participatory angle. The book discusses learning from where PPIR has been put into action in a variety of health and social care setting including homelessness, probation, and those who are multiply excluded.