Join our network: community-led research events not to be missed in 2026

Across rural County Durham, voluntary organisations, community groups, and individuals know their communities best. They know what it is like to struggle with transport, feel isolated, or keep local services going with limited funding and time. In 2026, a series of free, welcoming events and workshops will create a space for sharing experiences, exploring how research can address local challenges and skill development.

These events, run by the Rural Durham Community Research Network (RDCRN), will offer voluntary organisations, community groups and policymakers a platform to connect, learn, and produce evidence, addressing issues that matter most to rural communities across Teesdale, Weardale and the Derwent Valley.

Knowledge for Change Workshops

These local workshops taking place in Derwent Valley, Weardale and Teesdale, are designed as a space for voluntary organisations, community groups and volunteers to explore the wealth of local knowledge that lives within rural communities. Workshop participants will:

• Explore how community research can be used to better understand local issues relevant to their communities.
• Discuss how to frame researchable questions that reflect community priorities.
• Explore how community research findings can be used to influence policy and practice.

Training and Funding Webinar

This short and practical lunchtime webinar, taking place on Wednesday 1st April 2026, offers voluntary organisations and community groups a quick information session to learn more about the RDCRN’s benefits.

Find out how community research training can support your team to gain essential skills and opportunities for funding to support research projects in your local community.

Community Research Training

From April to May, RDCRN will host a structured series of free training events for voluntary organisations, community groups, and individuals. These build essential skills for community-led research, with sessions including:

• Training Session 1: Introduction – setting the scene for the training and identifying initial research topics and research questions.
• Training Session 2: Methods for Collecting Data – creative methods including photography, walking interviews, and mapping, as well as more traditional research methods including surveys, interviews and focus groups.
• Training Session 3: Data Analysis – making sense of collected insight.
• Training Session 4: Dissemination and Impact – sharing findings effectively to influence change and ensuring research is robust.

These training sessions also provide participants, if they wish, with support to produce a research plan.  A research plan is a requirement to be considered for RDCRN’s next funding round, which will open in May 2026. 

Network Meetings

In addition to workshops and training, RDCRN provides regular meeting spaces where stakeholders across sectors can join the conversation.

Taking place on 20th May, 16th September & 2nd December 2026. These meetings will explore topics such as the power of creative research and how to build purposeful relationships with policymakers.

They are an opportunity meet active community research teams funded via RDCRN and to build collaboration between voluntary sector organisations, academics and policymakers, helping to strengthen relationships and develop community capacity.

What are the benefits?

This programme of events offers a chance to connect with a growing community who are working together to reshape how research is done in rural areas. Instead of being participants of research designed by others, local voluntary organisations and community groups take the lead in generating, analysing, and using evidence to create change.

For voluntary organisations and community groups

1. Stronger evidence to support funding bids.
2. An understanding of local priorities and how these can shape services and improve your local community.
3. Opportunities to build research capacity in your teams, helping you in other areas of your work.

For policy and public representatives

1. Opportunities to build relationships with communities that have gathered rich, community-led data and perspectives.
2. Collaboration with organisations already trusted in local areas.
3. Better insight into how policies can support communities, and where changes can make the biggest difference.

Whether you work or volunteer in a local voluntary organisation or work in service delivery, policy or funding, these events are not to be missed. By engaging with our network, you can help shape solutions that are relevant, meaningful, and beneficial for rural communities.

The full programme of events can be found here