University College of London student Will Hale has chosen Rooted in Hull to conduct his Community Research Initiative.
It’s fair to say that out recent TV appearances with the BBC and Sky have served to raise our profile, not just regionally, but nationally as well. On a local level, we have had a lot more interest from people wanting to get involved with volunteering as well as those wanting to refer individuals suffering from isolation in the city. We have also worked with a number of social groups who continue to approach us for help.
On a wider scale we were contacted by Will Hale, who found us through one of our TV appearances. Studying at University College, London, Will chose Rooted in Hull for his project for the University’s Community Research Initiative. This involved a number of visits from London to our site in Hull, as that was the best way to experience what we do here. He got to know a number of our regular “Gather and Grow” volunteers, a project funded for the past year by the Two Ridings, Know Your Neighbourhood Fund.
Will was interested in the benefits of learning about food sustainability by investigating different growing techniques, as well as the well documented good that comes from being together with other people from the community, sharing a common goal. Having spent time at Rooted over a number of weeks, Will’s project involved handing out some disposable cameras to our volunteers who then documented their time carrying out general gardening and maintenance duties. Will gathered their thoughts and feelings about what the activities undertaken at Rooted meant to them.
His work culminated in this year’s first gallery exhibition, where the volunteers’ best photos were put on display, along with some of their thoughts about how they came to Rooted and what it means to them as individuals. Speaking to Will about what motivated him to travel all the way from London to use Rooted was both enlightening and reassuring to us that we are doing things the right way.
“I chose Rooted because the narrative around spaces like this in Hull and other cities is that they are in decline, but actually when you come and look for yourself, you can see how this urban, open space can bring people together in a way that’s really positive. I feel this is really important”. Will Hale
Without Will’s project our volunteers may never have opened up about what Rooted means to them. The cameras and the gallery really helped, as well as the anonymous nature of the platform. The results may never have been the same in a more formal setting and environment.
UCL will showcase their project on September 11th, next month
Will’s community research initiative project really highlights how important our work here at Rooted is for the local community. Donations and sponsorship make it all possible, so if you want to do your bit and help maintain this great work you can help by donating here. Hope to see you soon!
