Ignite: Fast. Focused. Co-created.

Ignite in action

EAST SUSSEX: Writing workshops support wellbeing and connection

A creative writing project in Lewes brought together members of the global majority in East Sussex to explore identity, belonging, and wellbeing. Co-led by Writing Our Legacy, Diversity Lewes and the University of Brighton, the workshops fostered connection, confidence, and reflection.

The pilot has since inspired new research, deeper partnerships, and a growing model for inclusive, arts-based approaches to community wellbeing and engagement.

East Sussex: Recovery peer trainers reshape frontline training

In Hastings, people in recovery from drug and alcohol dependency are leading professional training for frontline staff, from housing officers to police. Co-produced with Seaview, East Sussex County Council and the University of Brighton, the sessions offer insight into addiction and recovery through lived experience. With a ‘train the trainers’ programme underway, this innovative model is gaining momentum and supports wider efforts to reduce stigma and create culture change. 

"We're looking at a strategy around reducing stigma. The peer trainers are changing minds by showing that recovery is possible and that addiction doesn’t define someone’s potential." Mark Williams, East Sussex County Council 

Brighton and Hove: Toolkit strengthens community-led research

A 2023 Ignite project built on earlier work training local people as peer researchers, evolving into a practical toolkit co-developed by the University of Brighton and Trust for Developing Communities (TDC). The resource supports communities to lead their own research and shape services.

It’s now informing funding bids, influencing local practice, and contributed to securing a Knowledge Transfer Partnership to establish a national community research function at TDC.

“If you're going to try and fix difficult social problems, then you've got to find out what's really going on. The people who have got the most insights are those at the sharp end experiencing poverty and exclusion. Sometimes it's only fellow community members who can build the trust that’s needed to find out what's really going on.” Athol Halle,CEO, Trust for Developing Communities

Brighton and Hove: Reimagining the past with technology

At The Regency Town House in Hove, an Ignite partnership explored how immersive technology could transform museum experiences. Using motion sensors and archival materials, visitors could virtually redecorate a historic drawing room, layering in wallpaper, portraits, and even their own image. The project blended storytelling, heritage and human-computer interaction to create a playful, participatory experience that reimagines how we engage with the past. 

"We brought the building, the assets, and the history, and the researchers brought the technology and research rigour to help us realise our ambitions.” Phil Blume, The Regency Town House

West Sussex: Crawley project

Image shared courtesy of Fotohof Salzburg. Copyright Suschitzky and Donat family. 

A landmark exhibition at Crawley Museum showcased over 100 rarely seen images of Crawley New Town by renowned photographer Wolf Suschitzky. Co-curated by the University of Brighton, Fotohof Salzburg and Crawley Museum, it marked the UK debut of the archive and drew thousands of visitors.

A participatory workshop alongside the show invited residents to share stories and photos, sparking intergenerational conversations about identity, place and change. 

“This has been a major piece of work involving academics from the University of Brighton and a real example of a strong local community organisation adding some stimulating and interesting events to the borough.” Councillor Michael Jones, Leader, Crawley Borough Council

West Sussex: Uncovering hidden marine pollutants

A research partnership between the University of Brighton and Chichester Harbour Conservancy set out to investigate microplastics but also uncovered an unexpected pollutant - fibreglass particles from boats.

By combining scientific expertise with local knowledge and involving students and community organisations, the project linked pollution to oyster decline and raised the issue with key agencies through a public symposium. It secured over £300k in follow-on funding and sparked international research collaborations. 

"Our expertise is totally different to the university’s. Helping each other gave a much better result for both organisations.” Richard Craven, Chichester Harbour Conservancy

Wales: Craftivism brings carers’ voices to parliament 

A partnership between the University of Brighton and campaigning group We Care used embroidered dusters to spotlight the lives of unpaid carers. Through workshops, interviews, and an exhibition at the Welsh Parliament, the project helped carers share their stories and influence political debate. Backed by Oxfam Cymru, it reached thousands online, won a national award, and continues to grow through podcasts, publications, and policy influencing.

"Regionally we brought together isolated carers. Nationally we brought carers’ voices to the Senedd through a display of dusters embroidered with words they had not heard before.” Ignite partners

Egypt: Preserving endangered crafts through digital tools

In Cairo, an Ignite partnership supported efforts to safeguard traditional woodcraft techniques at risk of disappearing. Working with the Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation, the project explored how digital tools could help document and share specialist knowledge, connecting older artisans with younger designers. Through workshops and exhibitions, the collaboration aimed to support cultural continuity, economic opportunity, and the long-term sustainability of Egypt’s craft heritage. 

“We’re trying to preserve endangered craft knowledge, like an endangered language, and support its transmission to younger generations through technology.” Dr Karina Rodriguez Echavarria