Participatory research for health and food justice with ARC
What we did
In 2023, we partnered with the Alexandra Rose Charity (ARC) to evaluate its Fruit & Veg on Prescription pilot in Lambeth - a programme aimed at supporting families on low income to access fresh fruit and vegetables through weekly vouchers, redeemable at local markets. The project’s aim was to understand whether this approach improved diets, wellbeing and supported long-term behaviour change, particularly in the context of economic hardship and structural health inequalities.
Why we did it
Access to nutritious food remains a daily challenge in many areas across the country - including Lambeth. Further exacerbated by the cost of living crisis and the ongoing fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, this issue clearly needs addressing to ensure food security for all.
“Participatory research challenges traditional power dynamics by redistributing who holds knowledge, who gets to ask the questions, and who decides what matters.”
We believe research shouldn’t be something done to communities - it should be built with them. Participatory research challenges traditional power dynamics by redistributing who holds knowledge, who gets to ask the questions, and who decides what matters. The Lambeth project with ARC provided the perfect opportunity to put this into practice. TSIP supported ARC to lead a trauma-informed evaluation that ensured that the experiences of those most affected by food and health injustice were heard, valued, and put at the centre of the research methods as well as the findings.
How we did it
Aware of complex sensitivities associated with research, and to evaluate the impact of ARC’s voucher scheme, we didn’t just parachute in external researchers. Instead, we worked closely with two community learners, Athina and Ben, who are part of the same communities the programme serves. They became co-researchers in every sense of the word: shaping the research design, leading interviews, analysing insights, and co-authoring reflections. TSIP supported by providing community researcher training and on-going support across the project.
Their presence transformed the project. Participants weren’t just interviewees - they were neighbours, peers and fellow community members. This created a level of trust, openness, and depth that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
“When I connected with the participants, they were able to be more open in sharing their experiences. It really highlighted the importance of making time to listen with care.”
- Athina, Community Learner
“Talking to people gave me a more realistic picture of how individuals are coping and What our relationship with food looks like. It’s been a pleasure to be part of a project that impacts lives.”
- Ben, Community Learner
Key takeaway: When done right, participatory research remains the most meaningful tool
This project was a reminder that participatory research isn’t always the easiest route (for instance, we had some participants cancel interviews last minute), but it is the most meaningful when done right. It takes time. It requires unlearning. It asks us to let go of control and instead trust in process, relationships, and shared learning. We valued working with ARC who provided capacity and resources for this to take place.
By investing in a community researchers approach, we didn’t just get “better data” but we built confidence and connection. We made the research process itself an opportunity for growth.