Ask to see newsletters and annual reports and ask them to explain what they do. Co-operation is more likely if consumers feel that their contribution is respected and valued. And finally, ask consumers about how and when they would like to be involved. For example, it may not be easy or appropriate for a woman who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer to become extensively involved in a research project in this area. She may prefer to become involved at a later stage.
Researchers often find it difficult to access people from marginalised communities effectively.
One answer is to ask the communities themselves to do this, or ask organisations which speak on behalf of these communities, and ensure you resource them to do so. These organisations are likely to be able to access people with learning difficulties more easily than you, as they will already have a relationship with them. You can also contact the relevant national organisations that may have produced guidelines on working with particular groups or communities. Don't forget that many marginalised communities are understandably uneasy about having research done 'to' or 'for' them. Enable consumers to focus their energy on what they can do and what they wish to do, as you do with other members of the research team.