Community projects
The University is involved in a number of different projects that aim to create local benefits.
Community involvement is crucial to many aspects of our teaching as well as research, for example in developing our students' communications skills, informing our research through discussion with user groups, and investigating attitudes amongst consumers.
- On Our Doorsteps
- Coastal Regeneration Research Centre
- Community University Partnership Programme
- Research helpdesk and drop-ins
On Our Doorsteps
As part of the new University’s On Our Doorsteps programme which aims to increase the number of projects that involve university and community partners, focusing on those that are in close proximity to our campuses in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings, two new projects started in Hastings.
One of these projects focused on stimulating more and better community engagement in local planning and regeneration.
The other one aimed to improve the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) people in Hastings, Rother and East Sussex by creating strategic networks between academic institutions, students, local communities and services.
Coastal Regeneration Research Centre (CRRC)
The first conference on Coastal Regeneration, 'Beside the Seaside', took place in March 2010 at our Hastings campus. Over 70 participants from local government, the voluntary sector, business, regeneration agencies and the university attended the event which featured presentations on achievements of the research centre so far especially in the areas of Diversity and Cohesion, Planning and Regeneration, Education and Housing.
Community University Partnership Programme (Cupp)
Cupp and the Learning and Skills Group at the Hastings and St Leonard’s Strategic Partnership further funded a project which examined how aspirations towards education can be raised in the Ore Valley. Partnership projects with the local community have been especially focusing of the areas of Diversity and Cohesion, Planning and Regeneration, Education and Housing.
Cupp has also run two Community Research Forums, one focusing on Young People and Diversity and the other one on broader issues of Diversity and Cohesion. An outcome of the forums will be the development of a research project in partnership with key stakeholders (community and statutory).
The Helpdesk at our Hastings campus has further been involved in leading or supporting the co-ordination of several other events, e.g. International Women’s Day, Refugee Week, LGBT Conference, Black History Month, Faith and Struggle Seminar by the Hastings Interfaith Forum.
Research Helpdesk and drop-ins
The Cupp Community Helpdesk continues to offer the popular Research Drop-ins, a free service for local community groups who seek support in undertaking research. Find out more about the Cupp helpdesk.
The community university partnership programme (Cupp) has been an active part of the University of Brighton since 2003 and is central to the university's corporate mission. We have many years experience of creating, developing and nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships between the university and its local communities, and over 130 academics, 1,000 students and 500 community partners are now involved in the programme.
Read more about the University of Brighton's community projects across East Sussex.
