Jessica, Debra, Chantal and Jean-Claude at the University of Birmingham Community Campus Festival
My recent two-day experience at outdoor events at the University of Birmingham and the Birmingham Settlement Neighbourhood Futures Festival during June 2025 was incredibly insightful. It was a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with local people and share perspectives on my work as a Community Researcher with BVSC and the Centre of Urban Wellbeing.
A key takeaway was the undeniable power of community-led research. These interactions solidified my conviction that accurate understanding comes from listening to those with lived experiences. Providing a dedicated space for people to share their stories not only brings pressing issues to the surface but also uncovers the deeper, often hidden, challenges within communities. This direct engagement is essential for creating knowledge that translates into practical, relevant solutions that make a difference in people’s lives.
Chantal running an engagement activity with visitors to the research marketplace
The University of Birmingham event saw an incredible turnout. The CUWB’s stand was constantly busy with visitors, and the ongoing dialogue while sharing the CUWB’s goals was a profound learning experience.
It wasn’t just about gathering opinions; it was about truly understanding the pulse of the urban community on issues that matter the most to them.
These conversations revealed a wealth of unheard voices within Birmingham. Given a platform, people were eager to share their concerns, ranging from political accountability and various forms of inequalities to issues with service accessibility, social mobility, neighbourhood safety, urban crime, and many other issues, including unresolved homelessness. The CUWB’s tent served as a space for these voices to be heard and hopefully acknowledged.
Jean-Claude and fellow community researcher, Toqueer Quyyam sharing the festival main stage with civic leaders.
Being visible as community researchers through the CUWB online panel was also a significant highlight. This visibility led to my selection as a panel member, allowing me to represent the diverse communities of Birmingham. It was an honour to share my insights as a community researcher, emphasising my role and the importance of community-led research. Furthermore, the strengths, challenges, opportunities, and what lies ahead for Birmingham as a thriving multicultural city.
The Neighbourhood Futures Festival took our thinking on tour in one local neighbourhood, providing valuable insights into empowering local people and businesses to adapt to climate change. Despite existing local mitigation efforts, it’s clear that more needs to be done to prepare Birmingham for future impacts, such as flooding and heatwaves. A critical question emerged: How can affected communities, particularly those facing various inequalities and uncertainties, effectively adapt to the impacts of climate change? Addressing the climate crisis demands both individual and collective actions to ensure effective adaptation strategies.
