Attend an online focus group with the Patients Association and review one of 6 translations of their factsheets to ensure they’re accurate and culturally appropriate.
What’s the project about?
The Patients Association is an independent patient charity campaigning for improvements in health and social care for patients.
They’re currently translating 2 of their factsheets (‘Getting the most out of your appointment’ and ‘Knowing your rights and accessing support as a patient’) into 6 different languages.
These factsheets support communities to understand their healthcare rights, actively engage in decisions about their treatment, and improve communication with healthcare professionals.
The languages they’re translating the factsheets into are:
- Arabic
- Bengali
- Portuguese
- Punjabi
- Romanian
- Urdu
The factsheets have already been translated by Language Is Everything, an interpreting and translation service the charity works with on its helpline.
They’re now holding focus groups with speakers of these languages to ensure the translations are culturally appropriate, or whether anything needs to be changed.
Who’s organising it?
Name of project lead: Sarah Tilsed
Job title: Head of Partnerships & Involvement
Organisation: Patients Association
Email address: sarah.tilsed@patients-association.org.uk
Who can take part?
You can take part if you speak any of the following languages, alongside English:
- Arabic
- Bengali
- Portuguese
- Punjabi
- Romanian
- Urdu
Why do you want me to be involved?
By taking part, you can help ensure that the factsheets are accurate and culturally appropriate for speakers of the above language. This will help empower patients to get their needs met and navigate the healthcare system effectively.
What will you ask me to do?
The project team would like you to attend an online focus group for your chosen language. The focus group will last for 2 hours, and you’ll be in a group with up to 4 other people. You’ll be able to specify what time works best for you to take part.
You’ll be sent the translated factsheets ahead of time, and during the focus group, you’ll discuss with other participants whether you feel anything needs to be changed.
You can find the different dates and times for the different focus groups, and sign up, on the Patients Association website.
Participants will be given an £80 voucher to thank them for their time.
How do I get involved?
If you’d like to take part, please visit the Patients Association website. There, you’ll be able to sign up for the focus group for your language by completing a short form.
If you’re selected to take part, the team will then be in touch with further information.
If you have any questions, please email Sarah at sarah.tilsed@patients-association.org.uk.
Please note that the deadlines for the focus groups vary. The deadline for the Arabic focus group is 13 January.
When’s the deadline?
17 February 2026 (deadlines for the different focus groups vary)
Get involved
Sign up for a focus group and help the patients association develop culturally appropriate and empowering information for patients.