Agency Community Research: Uncovering the Methodology
Real change starts with real voices.
To build strong, thriving communities, we need to understand them first - what they need, what’s missing, and what’s possible.
That’s why we, The Agency are diving deeper into the communities we work within, to discuss and gather research to truly understand what is the shared vision of change.
In the Summer of 2024, we conducted community-based research in 5 locations across the UK.
Thanks to the support of The National Lottery Community Fund, these locations included Belfast, Chester, London, Manchester and Southampton.
The pilot community research project was supported by People’s Palace Projects and Queen Mary University of London.
You can now read the reports on our main Community Research page here.
Why Does Community Research Matter?
This research helps us see communities through their own eyes - spotting the biggest challenges, the untapped strengths and the opportunities waiting to be unlocked. Instead of focusing on what’s missing, we’re focusing on what’s already there, the ideas, strengths and potential that can drive real change. Our research is valuable as it comes from a grassroots approach, incorporating the experiences of people who live, study and work in the community.
Findings from the research continue to inspire young people to develop their Agency projects, ensuring they are rooted in the needs and wishes of the community. The research doubled as a community mobilisation project, driving positive change in local areas by fostering networks, dialogues and collaboration between residents to address shared challenges.
Who Was Involved?
This research was led by people from the communities themselves, not outsiders. Local artists, and researchers worked alongside young people, ensuring that every insight came from first-hand, lived experience.
Through network mapping, we linked up a range of voices, including local organisations, schools, young people, parents, guardians and many more. Tapping into networks as a team formed new relationships, allowing us to engage with new people and strengthen community ties.
“We need to give young people the skills to create opportunities themselves because they are the future leaders.” - Focus Group Participant from Chester
Research Focus
Our Community Research was guided by core questions to identify needs, existing efforts and untapped potential within these communities:
What are the community’s desires?
How are local organisations already working to meet these desires?
What are the gaps in the provision of resources and opportunities?
What are the strengths and potential of these communities?
Methodology
The research followed a three-stage approach across all locations:
Stage 1:
Marketplace Research
– Understanding local trends
Using maps and existing networks, we facilitated conversations with community members to identify challenges and explore potential solutions.
Stage 2:
Focus Groups
– Listening to community voices
We hosted interactive focus groups where participants shared their experiences, discussed pressing issues and envisioned positive changes within the community.
Stage 3:
Analysing Data
– Putting it all in context
We organised and analysed qualitative data such as verbal discussions, written notes and audio recordings, to develop a comprehensive narrative that captured the communities challenges, strengths and vision for change.
What’s next?
The research we've undertaken isn’t just about understanding communities, it’s also about creating real change. The insights we’ve gathered will continue to shape bold, youth-led projects that make a real difference, building stronger communities from the inside out.
Each month, we’ll be sharing a new Agency Community research update, exploring key themes, local insights and the voices that shaped our findings, so stay tuned for more!