Launching a Community Research Group: Importance and Impact

In September 2022, Belong in Plymouth took a big step forward in its community research efforts by creating a dedicated group for those leading conversations across the city.

Karen Pilkington kicked things off with a simple message: “This group is for people currently leading or helping to lead conversations in Plymouth.” It became a place to share stories, ask questions, troubleshoot challenges, and shape what comes next.

One of the first resources shared was a conversation recording pack. Cathy McCabe added, “We hope these instructions help make uploading easier—and that by collecting together the learning and ways people have found to do things, it’ll be a useful reference point.”

It was clear from the start that this wasn’t just about gathering data. It was about building a community of practice. Conversation leads weren’t just acting as intermediaries; they were helping to define the questions, the ethics, and the energy behind the research.

By giving people space to reflect—on methods, values, and real-world barriers—the project made space for growth. From early questions about how to record audio, to deeper reflections on safeguarding, power, and consent, the group became a microcosm of what Belong in Plymouth stands for: thoughtful, relational work grounded in the lived experience of its people.

This wasn’t a launch with balloons and press releases. It was a quiet beginning, marked by curiosity, care, and mutual respect. And like all meaningful work, it started with an invitation: “Let’s figure this out together.”