The Trust has managed a long series of community-led research projects involving thousands of residents which has increased its insight into community issues, views and values. Its immersive model of research recruits, trains and employs local people as researchers. Researchers work as a team to conduct interviews and hold discussions with local people to gather information on key issues.. In addition each does a personal research project using primary and secondary evidence to create a pool of additional specialist knowledge . All participants (usually in a team of ten which meets for ten hours per week for ten weeks) are registered for a Level 3 Open Learn award in Research Skills. .https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrUhAO8GXWA
Community research projects are usually commissioned by third parties to address particular issues of interest or concern. Our first project identified the need for Sure StartResearch table provision in Broughton.
This was followed by research into Barriers to Learning which informed the Trust’s early direction. Recent topics have included a Migrant Impact on Services study for Salford’s Council’s Equality and Inclusion Unit, Community Cohesion in the first phase of the New Broughton Housing Development, User survey and public consultation for the restoration of Peel Park, and establishing community priorities in Little Hulton for Big Local Little Hulton.
Our research projects consistently demonstrate that residents are experts in their own lives and are perfectly able to generate evidence to support community change and development for the better.
We are happy to undertake research commissions using our proven model within Salford and beyond.
“To be honest it has exceeded my expectations. I didn’t think I would be so involved. It has been a real eye opener to me and has given me a valuable insight to parts of my community I didn’t know existed”. Research Team Member Feedback