The Rural Durham Community Research Network supports people in rural communities to take the lead in researching the issues that matter most to them. It places power in the hands of local communities, supporting them to shape questions, lead research, and use local insight to drive meaningful change in communities.

Interested VCSE organisations, community groups, and individuals are invited to join a series of free weekly community research training sessions happening throughout April and May 2026.

We’re supporting a growing community of researchers, and in 2024, we delivered workshops, training and funded four VCSE organisations to deliver research. You can hear more about last year’s training participants’ experience here

The training sessions will be delivered by a small, friendly team of researchers and facilitators from Durham University, Durham Community Action and the Rural Design Centre. The sessions are an opportunity to develop new skills, knowledge and/or to move forward with a community research idea you might have.

Each session will cover different learning topics, and you can choose to attend all or some of them depending on your interest and capacity. 

Session 2 will focus on methods for collecting data- creative methods including photography, walking interviews, and mapping, as well as more traditional research methods including surveys, intervoews and focus groups.

It will take place on Wednesday 29th April from 10.00am – 4.00pm at Wolsingham Town Hall, and a light lunch will be provided. Attendees are welcome to arrive from 9.45am for teas and coffees. 

For any enquiries, please email jemma.austin@durhamcommunityaction.org.uk

If you have any concerns about the ability to attend the training, please get in touch as we’re able to consider alternative arrangements where needed. We’re able to cover the cost of travel to and from the training venue.