Newham Citizen Research Network has secured £1m funding to transform the research landscape in the local area by upskilling marginalised communities, supporting them to identify and address their own research needs, shifting power to the community, and reversing traditional research dynamics.
The money has been awarded through phase two (the implementation phase) of the Community Research Networks programme, which has been funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and will be delivered by The Young Foundation, a non-profit organisation that specialises in community research and social innovation.
Compost London CIC will lead the network, working in partnership with University College London (UCL) and its Institue of Global Prosperity, and Newham Council’s policy, research and partnerships team. Eight voluntary sector groups will join the project, focusing on three different marginalised communities in the area:
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Migrants and refugees – Newham Community Project, Care 4 Calais, The Centre for Theology and Community (CTC)
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Marginalised women – ELBWO, Deep Boroughs Network CIC
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SEND young people – Distinctive Solutions, The 5E’s, Race and Equality In Newham
In phase one of the programme (the expression of interest phase), the group received £25k and used the money to recruit lead organisations and agree project aims. Crucial insights were gained about the dynamics of community research and the importance of shifting power to communities. The network found significant enthusiasm and excitement from communities to deliver their own research on topics that are important to them.
The second phase will involve training people who have lived experience of the subject matter being researched, and knowledge of their community, as ‘citizen scientists’. Once qualified, they will share evidenced research with statutory bodies, such as local authorities and health organisations. By amplifying the voices of marginalised communities, increasing their visibility, and creating better-informed policy decisions, the project aims to create inclusive public services and relevant responses to deep-seated needs.
Sandra White, CEO at Compost London CIC, said: “We are incredibly proud to support our networks and their communities in building the research skills, knowledge, and understanding essential to amplifying their voices and speaking truth to power. In collaboration with Newham Council and UCL, we are working to transform how marginalised communities engage with and influence the agencies, institutions, and groups that hold power across the Borough. This partnership has provided a fantastic opportunity for mutual learning and growth, benefiting each organisation and the networks they connect.
“With generous support from The Young Foundation and UKRI, we can invest in the areas of society that need it most. This initiative nurtures impactful, community-led voices, empowering residents to advocate for their needs and drive meaningful change in the world of research and beyond.”
Helen Goulden OBE, CEO at The Young Foundation, said: “We know that local communities and citizens understand local needs best, and are fundamental to tackling complex societal issues. Which is why the Community Research Networks programme is so important. The insights gained from Newham Citizen Research Network and other local research networks will be vital if we are to work together to tackle some of the persistent and entrenched challenges we face. And at a national level, we hope to be actively contributing to a new and evolving infrastructure to support community research across the UK. This is core to The Young Foundation’s strategy, and as delivery partner we are proud to be working alongside UKRI to support this work over the next five years – and beyond.”
UKRI Chief Executive Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, said: “I am delighted to see the launch the second phase of UKRI’s Community Research Networks programme, in partnership with The Young Foundation. At UKRI we strongly believe that R&I should be by everyone, for everyone, everywhere. This programme offers a step-change in the way UKRI funds R&I to reflect this priority. We are putting money into the hands of communities to tackle the issues that matter most to them. I am excited to see how these nine networks will enhance connectivity within and between the UK’s regions, contributing to an R&I system that benefits from diverse expertise and understanding.”
The aim of the Community Research Networks programme is to put communities at the heart of research, awarding grants to organisations that are interested in supporting local people across the UK, and working with them to better understand their valuable role in research and innovation. The programme has awarded a total of £8.9m* to community networks across the country in this second phase, with an additional £625k awarded in the first phase.
Newham Citizen Research Network is one of nine community research projects across the UK that has received funding as part of the second phase of this project. Other grantees include a network addressing rural challenges in Durham, and a group researching economic inequality in Belfast communities.
Featured Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash.