Walsall for All is delighted to be working with the Centre for the Study of Group Processes at the University of Kent and the Belong Network on the Beyond Us and Them Research Project, funded by the Nuffield Foundation. This research project is will explore how societal cohesion is affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Other partners taking part in the project are Bradford Council; Waltham Forest Council; Blackburn with Darwen Council; Streetgames; Volunteering Matters; Jo Cox Foundation; Near Neighbours and Spirit of 2012.
The project will test how cohesion is made worse or better, how and why individuals become involved or disengaged with groups and communities. This evidence will provide insight into how our local communities are experiencing and dealing with the current situation in Walsall.
The findings will provide a rich historical record of what is happening to societal cohesion as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, and will support policy to build resilience against future short, medium and long-term challenges.
We will be sending out surveys to residents over the next 6 months to support data collection, and holding focus groups in July 2020 and October 2020.
The University of Kent will be analysing the results and the focus groups. If you have any questions about the project or how your data is protected then do get in touch with F.Lalot@kent.ac.uk
The project has been funded by the Nuffield Foundation, but the views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily the Foundation. Visit www.nuffieldfoundation.org to find out more.