Project update: Rural Durham Community Research Network
Throughout 2025, one collaboration led by the Rural Design Centre launched a new Community Research Network for rural County Durham, championing rural communities’ local expertise and connections.
Working closely with Durham Community Action and the Young Foundation
Rural Durham Community Research Network is the product of several years of working closely with Durham Community Action, to co-design the network with communities and to apply for national funding.
The result is five years of project funding, significant investment into our region and rural communities. One of nine networks across the UK, funded by UKRI and managed by the Young Foundation – in our region leading the way.
A busy year, with firm plans for the future
This year, much has been achieved working with our collaborators, the Centre for Social Justice and Participation at Durham University and Durham Community Action.
A new community researcher training programme, new funding for rural community-led research projects, and new community researchers - volunteer co-ordinators and volunteers, youth workers and young people, and community co-ordinators and creatives across Weardale, Teesdale and Derwent Valley in rural County Durham.
Watch this space and contact us to find out how we support community-led research in other geographies, to upskill and empower individual community researchers, and to inform relevant and effective policies and decisions.
Supporting Community development is essential
The demand for upskilling from community groups has been evident during this project, mirrored by the demand for community research to inform local policy.
In communities, within weeks of funding being granted to newly trained community researchers, new skills were being shared with volunteers and young people carrying out research on issues affecting them.
Video introduction
Want to know more or get involved?
If you’re interested in how we’re supporting more community-led research in other geographies, or would like to get involved in community research, then get in touch.