A community approach to researching, understanding and fostering social inclusion is  the lens  which the social inclusion and community engagement research adopts. Based within the University of Lancashire’s Centre for Citizenship and Community, the research seeks to achieve public value for the greater good through participatory research methods, with an explicit focus on cooperation, participation and relationships in community. Situated in West Cumberland on the Northwest of England, the research is local but with global reach.

Partnership, collaboration and active networks are central to authentic community research, and this work has active partnerships on local, national and international levels. The research portfolio within this workstream is embedded in the local community, working closely with the Council, public and third sector to achieve maximum public value through promoting evidence-based policy and practice.

This research has developed community and relational approaches to social inclusion in the following areas:

Moving forward the research will focus on family wellbeing: