Join us as we celebrate the conclusion of the Community Led Research Pilot (CLRP) and honor the learning & achievements it inspired!
Welcome to the Community Led Research Pilot (CLRP) Celebration Event!
Please join us in person to celebrate six community led research projects based in Reading and Slough, sharing learnings through their project case studies and final report.
The Community Led Research Pilot was a pilot based in Reading and Slough, putting communities at the heart of the research process – inviting local groups to develop and deliver their own research. This initiative was funded by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and co-created with the University of Reading and the British Science Association.
Together as One
Together as One, a youth-led charity in Slough, worked to explore the link between engaging in environmental social action to improve young people’s mental health. Through training, youth work, and creative projects, they worked to investigate the potential positive effects of participating in an urban beekeeping project on the mental wellbeing of young people.
Slough Anti-Litter Society (SALS)
The Slough Anti-Litter Society, founded on a vision for a cleaner and greener Slough, encourages residents to clean up, reduce waste, and embrace sustainable practices. Through community litter picks, upcycling fashion events, clothes swaps, and a repair café they are bringing the community together. This community of volunteers worked to find out about the community’s attitude and behaviour toward littering, through community organising and digital technology.
Reading Hong Kongers
Reading HongKongers CIC, founded in 2022, supports Hongkongers who have settled in the Berkshire area through the government scheme of British National (Overseas) (BNO) visa route and supports them to integrate into the local community. They investigated the impacts of community gardening on belonging, identity, cohesion, biodiversity and mental wellbeing. Additionally, they aimed to find out the possibility of cultivating native Hong Kong plants and crops in Reading.
TRIYBE
TRIYBE are a community group in Reading who “Support communities and individuals to create positive change by challenging systems of oppression, racism and inequality”. They investigated the chemicals that go into commonly used black hair products and their impact on the health and cultural identity of the local community. This initiative aimed to address concerns about the potential health effects of these products and explore natural alternatives that promote both physical well-being and cultural empowerment.
The Engine Room
The Engine Room Sound Laboratory (TERSL) investigated how sound and acoustics influence the well-being of the Dee Park urban community. The project explored the sound of emotions through concrete, the impact of colours on well-being, and noise effects on concentration.
Integrated Research and Development Centre (IRDC)
The Integrated Research and Development Centre (IRDC) addresses health and environmental challenges in underrepresented communities, including Nepalese communities, in Reading. The project aims to improve gardening practices through Nepalese customs, composting management, and food waste recycling. By growing seasonal vegetables and flowers, the project seeks to educate communities about the importance of nutrition, promote physical exercise, recycle garden waste to improve the environment and people’s health and reduce social isolation. The project aims to engage with minority communities, low income groups, senior citizens and those with disabilities by promoting healthy living, environmental sustainability, mental health and belonging through inclusive gardening.
This event is a great opportunity to connect with community and academic researchers, explore how communities are reshaping what research and innovation can be, share insights, and celebrate the power, achievements and learning from participatory approaches to research together with the University of Reading, the British Science Association. Look forward to seeing you there!