Join us as we launch the Rural Durham Community Research Network, a partnership between Durham Community Action and the Rural Design Centre aiming to support community-led research in rural Derwentside, Teesdale and Weardale

In this workshop, we will explore different ways voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations and their members can be involved in research on topics that matter to them – from local bus services to young people’s mental health or the climate crisis. This workshop will be repeated in Derwentside and Weardale.

Workshop Content will include:

• What counts as a researchable topic, and how to choose relevant research questions.
• When should members of a community organisation do research themselves and what training and support is needed?
• What are the pros and cons of working in partnership with a larger voluntary organisation or university?
• How can community members feed into research agendas and commission research from others?
• How can communities use research findings effectively to influence policy and practice?

Follow-up training workshops on how to design and carry out community-led research will be offered for those interested. Small grant funding is available to take projects forward. Anyone with an interest is welcome. The workshops will build on earlier ones and are also open to people who have not attended the previous events. 

The workshop will be facilitated by Sarah Banks, Centre for Social Justice and Community Action and supported by Durham Community Action. 

For any enquiries please email info@durhamcommunityaction.org.uk