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, anon-profit organisation that specialises in community research and social innovation.

Compost London will lead the network, working in partnership with University College London (UCL) and its Institute 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:

·        Migrants and refugees - Newham Community Project, Care4Calais, The Centre for Theology and Community(CTC)

·        Marginalised women -ELBWO, Deep Boroughs

·        Young People with SEND- Distinctive Solutions, The 5E's

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.

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.

Visitwww.youngfoundation.org/community-research-networks to find out more.

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