Lorraine Lawrence
Project Support Officer (EDI Researcher)

Profile

Biography

Lorraine joined York Trials Unit in April 2024 to work on the 5-year, NIHR-funded UPTURN study, which aims to support people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), particularly from ethnic minority groups.      

Lorraine gained her undergraduate degree in Hospitality Management at Manchester Metropolitan University, after which she spent time in the Caribbean working within the industry. She has undertaken various roles, including as a Reception Manager in Manchester. Personal Assistant for a Chartered Surveyors practice, and as an Executive Assistant at Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) in the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team. During her time at MFT Lorraine was involved in engagement and partnership-building with Caribbean and African communities. 

In 2018 Lorraine joined the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN) where she worked for nearly six years. She held roles, including Community Engagement and Research Officer. As a Community Engagement Officer, Lorraine gained hands-on experience in managing Black Leaders Networks for three of Greater Manchester’s 10 localities, including Tameside, Bolton and Trafford. As part of her Researcher role, Lorraine was involved in engaging and recruiting participants from Black communities for focus groups.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Hospitality Management

Research

Overview

Lorraine is interested in:

• Health disparities in Caribbean and African communities, including blood borne diseases, mainly Sickle Cell Anaemia    
• Mental health    
• Access to healthcare          
• Chronic diseases    

Projects

• UPTURN - Co-design and evaluation of an intervention to increase UPTake of pUlmonary RehabilitatioN for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the UPTURN study.

Research group(s)

• Trials and Statistics

External activities

Memberships

Lorraine is a Cancer Champion, which is a growing movement of people who live and work in Greater Manchester. Cancer Champions aim to raise awareness of Cancer screening and the importance of early detection by sharing knowledge across communities.