How rural communities across County Durham are building confidence to create change through meaningful conversations

This spring, community members from across rural Durham gathered in a local community venue, embarking on a community research training journey of discovery,  ideas and connection.  

The Rural Durham Community Research Network (RDCRN) training programme brought together local community groups, VCSE organisations and residents for four weeks of learning, discussion and creativity focused on community-led research. 

Participants explored how to shape research questions, collect stories and experiences, analyse information and share findings to create change. In addition to practical ideas and skills, collective confidence grew through reassurance, peer support and a feeling of ‘being in this together’.  

For many participants, this may have been the first time they had joined a research training session without feeling out of place or expected to already know the answers. 

Participants came from a broad range of organisations including North Pennines National Landscape, Stanhope SEND Support, Victim Voice Durham, Citizens Advice County Durham, Music at the Heart of Teesdale, Tell Us North and Northern Heartlands, alongside independent community members from Weardale and surrounding rural communities. 

Open conversations became a strength 

Some participants joined the training carrying doubts about whether research was “for people like them”. Concerns around time and experience were shared early in discussions. 

One participant reflected: 

‘I didn’t think research was for me’ 

The opportunity for these open conversations became one of the strengths of the training. Rather than presenting research through an academic lens, the sessions recognised lived experience, local knowledge and trusted relationships as invaluable expertise, that communities hold.  

By the end of the training, participants gained a sense of feeling reassured, inspired and more capable of developing their own research ideas. 

One participant reflected: 

“A sigh of relief at things being simpler than I make them out to be.” 

Another shared: 

“Chances to ask questions and share worries made me feel reassured and not alone in my headspace.” 

The training focused not only on practical tools and methods, but by creating a space where people felt safe enough to ask questions, validate existing knowledge, test ideas, boost confidence and learn alongside each other. 

More than training 

Throughout this year’s training, participants continued to highlight the importance of connection and conversation.  

They appreciated learning alongside others from different organisations and communities. The sessions became spaces for sharing ideas, experiences and encouragement. 

Participants were not just learning skills. Through the delivery of an open and welcoming space, they were also beginning to gain confidence and recognise their own ability to shape questions, gather insight and contribute to wider conversations about change in rural communities. 

Participation in the programme also shifted how individuals saw themselves in relation to research, with many moving from self-doubt to a sense of agency and readiness to act.  

As one participant reflected: 

 “Without doing this [researcher training programme], I would have never had the confidence to try, the course has really helped to manifest the next stage of what I want to do and pointed my feet in the right direction with deliberate intent” 

Looking ahead 

As the training came to a close, participants left with new skills, stronger connections and growing confidence in their ability to shape research within their communities. 

“It was great to hear some participants ideas for research projects and to learn about others general interest in supporting communities through research, even if they didn’t have a specific plan in mind. As usual, some of the most useful and enlightening moments came from discussions between the participants when they shared their concerns, questions and varied experiences relating to research.” – Stephen Crossley, Durham University  

The RDCRN training sessions demonstrate what can happen when community research is approached with openness, creativity and trust. 

This offers us all an important reminder that meaningful connections and ideas often begin in conversations taking place beyond formal environments. For communities, it’s shown that research can be accessible, inclusive and empowering. 

The conversations don’t end there, RDCRN brings together network members, community researchers and anyone with an interest to connect through quarterly meetings.  

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