On September 28th, we released a report and video of a community research pilot by the Downham Dividend Society. From March to June 2022, we worked with a group of Downham residents to identify local strengths and needs. This work was commissioned by the Sevenfields Primary Care Network.
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Downham is south of Lewisham. Although the population is diverse, the relationships between communities are becoming more complex each year. Local campaigners are aware that Downham receives less investment than parts of the borough. Similarly, it is higher in this region.
Project His partner and researcher Tim Oshodi describes his work.
“Downham Dividend Society CLT Ltd was established to ensure that regeneration initiatives strengthen the social capital of existing communities in Downham. It is the successor to Fusions Jameen, which inspired the project. The Trust believes that existing Downham communities and the ties that bind them together are assets of economic value. The municipality's time-banking approach to self-building, which requires the participation of condominium dwellers in the construction of condominiums, continues
through the municipality's wealth building approach to regeneration.
The health inequalities and intergenerational poverty that plague Downham will be overcome when the unique knowledge of Downham residents is integrated into local regeneration strategies. We demonstrate the importance of local people by providing local employment, training and business initiatives that strengthen existing community ties. We forge long-term partnerships with organizations that share our commitments and values. “Initiatives that do not involve the participation of the public to find solutions will lack the means to survive and fail.” – Adaptation by Amilcar Cabral
The purpose of the community study was to educate and assist residents to conduct research to understand what promotes and undermines Downham's health and well-being. The real-world experience of residents trained to be researchers facilitated community outreach and helped the team identify local issues of interest to people inside and outside the area. Community researchers were involved in all stages of the study. This made researchers feel responsible for the research process, increased their self-confidence and confidence in their abilities, and facilitated the development of their skills and broader social networks.
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