Queen's Communities and Place Showcases Approach to Tackling Place-Based Deprivation
Prof. Kathryn Higgins and Dr. Andrew Grounds, from Queen's Communities and Place (QCAP), were delighted to present the work of QCAP at the Strategic Insights Lab hosted by the Department for Communities.
The lab brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from government departments, local authorities, academic institutions, and the community and voluntary sector to collaboratively identify alternative approaches to addressing place-based deprivation.
QCAP's presentation highlighted the workings of the delivery model, which includes a DfC-funded coordinator role that strengthens partnerships between the community, the academic institution, and statutory government departments. This unique approach leverages the expertise and resources of all stakeholders to drive meaningful change in deprived communities.
The presentation also showcased QCAP's data for action work, which involves developing cutting-edge dashboard tools, methodologies, and initiatives that empower place-based partners to effectively engage with and utilise data for the benefit of their communities.
Furthermore, QCAP shared several impactful activities they have delivered to tackle the complex challenges facing their community partners. These initiatives, some of which are also underpinned by wider support from research funding from several UK academic research councils include the following:
- A community substance use programme that addresses the root causes of substance use and provides support for those and the families of those affected.
- A STEAM youth summer scheme that engages and inspires young people to pursue higher educational pathways in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
- A creative arts-based approach to addressing the legacy of trauma, mental health inequalities, and well-being through artistic expression through the Market Tapestry project.
- A transitional homeless housing model called ‘You’re Home’ which provides stable, supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, helping them to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into the community.
Through their participation in the Strategic Insights Lab, QCAP demonstrated its commitment to advocating for progressive policy reform and informing strategic recommendations that can create lasting, positive change for the people and places it works with. Moving forward QCAP is keen to support community-driven solutions to the complex challenges of place-based deprivation, especially in partnership with both the statutory and community and voluntary sector.
