This blog is written and contributed by Patricia Douglin, Community Researcher on the FoodSEqual project, funded by UKRI.
So, you’re thinking of becoming a community researcher? When I became a community researcher I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, I was thrown in at the deep end but saying that I thoroughly enjoyed it. We created a handbook for people that are thinking of becoming a community researcher so they have a guideline of how to get on with the job in hand or what to expect.
I became a community researcher because I love communicating with others in the community to gather their thoughts, experiences and opinions on what changes they would like to see in the food system or what is the hold up or the setbacks in the way things are set out for people on low incomes. Becoming a researcher opened my eyes to how much people would like to eat more healthily, what is more cost-effective, and what is generally great for their well-being. I’ve learned so much on this journey – where our food comes from, how our food is made, how far it’s travelled and what the government can do to improve what we consume.
My experience as a researcher was about the food industry & how it effects communities, however community researchers can research different challenges.
If you were a researcher what would you like to see done differently?
Gaining the trust of our community is key to great research, earning their trust so they feel comfortable to speak freely on how we can make change and how it effects the lives of the individual. Having light hearted conversation, laughing and even sometimes crying, but always finding a way to resolve any concerns or send them in the right direction to ease even the smallest amount of pressure.
My conclusion is working with the community will always be rewarding for me as I am part of the same community, we are the ones who need the system to work for us and not against us to make change.
I hope the handbook will encourage you, prepare you and give you an idea of what to expect. I hope you have a wonderful experience as a community researcher and may your endeavours be fruitful.
