Community research to improve neighbourhoods in Wolverhampton

The University of Wolverhampton has been awarded £36,000 to help train members of the community to improve their neighbourhoods. 

The funding will be used to help train a diverse group of researchers in Whitmore Reans who will then carry out community-based research which will influence improvements to their own neighbourhoods.

The researchers will be able to choose specific issues to focus on, for example, housing quality, the environment, community venues, traffic and crime.

The aim of the project is to involve members of the community who would perhaps not normally engage with research and innovation.

Around 12 researchers will be trained throughout March at the Newhampton Arts centre by experts from the University’s Institute for Community Research and Development (ICDR) and then the researchers will begin their own mini-research project in their neighbourhood.

The project is one of 53 others across the UK that have received funding from the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is part of the ‘enhancing place-based partnerships in public engagement programme.’

James Rees, deputy researcher at the ICRD who will lead the research and training, said: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity to share the skills of the research team at the University through providing excellent free training in community-based research.

‘Working with local partners, the trained researchers will be able to shape and improve services, and ‘re-write the script’ for the area.

‘Following the training, which will conclude in May 2020, they will be equipped with the skills to carry out research that benefits the area.’

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