Since 2023, the Twerton & Whiteway Community Research Network have been working to develop their skills and expertise in undertaking research with/by/for residents of the area. Find out what they've been up to and their next steps.

What is community research?

When people think of 'research', they automatically think of it happening at places like universities and led by academics and enabled by communities. However, the generation of knowledge is happening in lots of ways every day in many situations.

Community research is place-based, and rather than starting with traditional research problems and methods, it starts by observing what people are already doing, what they already know, and what positive outcomes they are striving towards as a community. Then, they were able to ask the question, "How could research increase our agency as a community?". 

Community research empowers people to ask questions that matter to them and work with academic researchers to find relevant answers.

Investing in communities

In recognition of the lack of investment in the funding infrastructure within communities, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) launched the Community Research Network scheme in 2023 to empower communities to lead on research about issues that affect them. The Twerton & Whiteway Community Research Network was one of 25 projects around the UK to receive funding to develop a research agenda and practice for their community. Check out our blog announcing the Twerton & Whiteway Community Research Network.

The Community Research Network has been led by Bath City Farm and is a collaboration between First Steps BathSouthside Family Project, and Youth Connect South West, who are part of the wider Twerton & Whiteway Community Network, bringing together residents, groups and organisations in the area.

The Network aimed to use the funding to build local knowledge, skills, and capacity to support research produced with, by, and for local communities in Twerton and Whiteway and identify the areas that would form the basis fo the research agenda for their communities.

What they got up to

The Network leads collaborated with local residents, other Twerton & Whiteway-based organisations, and us at the University of Bath and Bath Spa University to develop, train, and support residents as Community Researchers. The team then built their knowledge, skills, and expertise by visiting other groups in the South West of England and across the UK and hosting and participating in workshops.

The Twerton & Whiteway Community Research Network journey

What they learnt

Through this work, the Community Research Network Team developed their understanding of research practices and processes and valuable insight into the power and value of using community-based research:

  • how it's important to focus on human interaction and language within research methodologies: “a focus group is people chatting”,
  • how focusing on an asset-based approach in community research empower residents and helps build secure buy-in and build momentum for this type of work,
  • the qualities and attributes of an impactful community researcher,
  • how to find and listen to those pushed to the edges of a community and using equitable approaches to ensure those people are able to fully participate.

Taking inspiration from Black South West Network, Wick Award, Bromley by Bow and Ambition Lawrence Weston, the team saw first-hand how a community-led research agenda can meaningfully inform community development plans and achieve significant positive change for communities.

As part of their work, they went out and about in Twerton and Whiteway, recording residents' responses to the question, "What does Twerton and Whiteway mean to me?". This film is a lovely summary of that work:

What's next

Through their work with residents, the team decided on a focus for their research, they want to make Twerton and Whiteway the most sustainable community in which to live in Bath.

They will partner with the Twerton and Whiteway communities, community-based and civil society organisations working in the area, and universities. This work will build the capacity and capability for richer, stronger community-engaged research that can easily translate into real-life change and opportunities for people and the natural environment.

Underpinning their work will be an approach that aims to transform the understanding of the Twerton and Whiteway community. This approach will focus on what’s strong, not what’s wrong, strengthen it to solve what’s wrong, and ensure that research about their community provides dignity and value for people who live there.

Focusing on developing more socially and environmentally sustainable communities in which to live, the research aims to improve the quality of life for residents through research themes that include:

  • abundant and just local food system,
  • renewable energy to reduce bills and improve the environment,
  • community transport choices to reduce isolation and loneliness,
  • young people’s agency in determining their futures,
  • inclusive structures to enhance civic power.

Interested?

We at the Public Engagement Unit are really excited by the work of the Twerton & Whiteway Community Research Network. We can't wait to see how their work continues to develop and are committed to supporting them in achieving their ambitions.

If you are interested in finding out more about their work or would like to discuss how you can collaborate with them on any of these areas, then the team would love to hear from you. Drop them a line - hello@twertonandwhiteway.org.

Dean Veall is Deputy Head of Public Engagement at the University of Bath 

Posted in: Leading Public Engagement, Participatory research

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