What happens when you gather different corners of a rural community to discuss how research can help them?

During March 2026, the Rural Durham Community Research Network (RDCRN) rallied together over fifty VCSE and public sector representatives through a series of ‘Knowledge for Change’ workshops to understand how research can help participants address issues relevant to rural communities.  

Through their lived experience, representatives shared their voices, knowledge and community challenges to form ideas that could be explored further through the power of community-led research.  

A local community means different things to different people, but essentially includes a group of people who all have an invested interest in an immediate geographical area, such as a neighbourhood or town, or in a specific identity or issue.   

Rural communities are distinctly different from urban areas, with lower populations spread across larger, dispersed areas. They may have strong connections to agriculture and natural landscapes. Because of this, they may face greater challenges such as access to services, limited transport and connectivity issues.  

The workshops brought together a variety of representatives from all corners of rural communities, including churches, village halls, conservation and agriculture charities, groups that work directly with young people & families, and organisations that have an invested interest in health and wellbeing.  

Facilitated by Sarah Banks from Durham University’s Centre for Social Justice and Community Action, the workshops helped representatives explore the wealth of local knowledge that lives within their rural communities. Through open and participatory discussions, they explored how community research can be used to help them better understand their local issues, gather valuable evidence, and create change.  

Sarah remarked upon the strength of commitment and range of skills of the people attending these workshops: “There was no shortage of researchable topics suggested – ranging from active travel in Weardale to accessibility of local services and activities in Derwent Valley and Teesdale, particularly for young people. These workshops demonstrated that local people see the value of research in providing evidence to improve life in rural County Durham and a keenness to be able to carry out studies themselves.”        

For participants, the workshops created a sense of belonging, empowered individuals to feel they can make a difference and identified a number of shared issues that they want to address. One participant said, “I feel empowered”, while another participant commented, “This is a nice reminder that we are all in this together” 

Participants consistently highlighted across all three workshops concerns about rural communities feeling disconnected, services and community venues such as churches and village halls being underutilised, and community members not engaging with their local assets or opportunities.  

Being able to attract fairer and more sustainable funding, gather evidence to prove community need and understand how to address current challenges, such as social isolation, mental wellbeing and access to services, were also common themes. 

Creating spaces where community representatives can share ideas and explore their role as researchers not only empowers and increases confidence but also reminds us about the power of strong community connection and that by working together we can achieve more.  

For interested VCSE organisations and community groups in County Durham, they can continue developing skills, ideas, and connections through a series of community research training sessions starting in April 2026.  

If you want to stay connected with other RDCRN opportunities and events, register to join our mailing list by emailing jemma.austin@durhamcommunityaction.org.uk