As the USE-IT! project gains its momentum, activities in the community intensify. On 14 June, the first USE-IT! Community meeting gathered over 40 residents and representatives of organisations that are already working on the ground. We shared our thoughts and ideas around greater engagement with the local Universities which will then enable us to analyse what can be done to raise aspirations of young residents and what projects can make a positive impact on the community’s resilience and engagement in the dialogue on the future of that area.

The project represents a great opportunity for the residents to be involved in a Community research project in partnership with the University of Birmingham.

OUR OFFER: The project is looking for volunteer members of different communities to help to identify and unlock the ideas, talents and skills of local people in the Greater Icknield area: Cape Hill (Smethwick), Ladywood, Summerfield, Spring Hill (Birmingham). The future volunteer Community researchers will benefit from free accredited training in social research, on-going support and mentoring, further learning opportunities with the UoB and opportunities to earn some income once training is completed. The future volunteer Community researchers will have a large choice of possible research topics including themes such as Transports, Public Health, Art and culture or Young concerns.

If you want to work with us or know somebody who may be interested in the programme, please contact Sara Hassan: use.it.birmingham@gmail.com