The focus of this presentation is our Connecting New Communities project which is about understanding the nature of new housing areas and their true community needs. Through community events, arts and theatre performance and creative engagement methods, we have actively explored ways in which ‘listening to communities’ means use of creative methods, and to ensure that underrepresented groups are heard (see this video for more).

University students are making a significant impact through placements and integrated assessment work based on Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership’s (GCRP’s) community projects. We are now working with the current Year 1 and 2 Urban Planning students to build on GCRP’s work in Brockworth. This research is centred on the community needs and social connection issues for people moving into the new Perrybrook development and to understand their sense of belonging and affinity with the local area. We are exploring new creative ways to engage with the new residents and especially to hear the youth voice. Lectures, field visits and coursework all centre around this ‘real life’ work – and we are seeing a really high standard of ideas and thinking. 

This is an easy to adapt model for other subject disciplines. GCRP as a local community organisation would be pleased to work with courses across the University. Through highlighting the community sector/UoG partnership approach adopted here we hope that the links could be further strengthened, and other course disciplines and other ‘Future Plan’ students will engage.