Could Ballroom culture help young people with eating difficulties? What changes could we make to ensure the digital world is more accessible? And does where you live affect the mental health care you receive?
These are the thought-provoking questions that will be explored at an event at The Hive, where three University of Worcester researchers will share their work and answer questions from the audience in an informal and accessible setting.
The Hive Mind event, 6.00-7.30pm on Tuesday 3 November, is a way for people in Worcester to come and hear about the groundbreaking research projects taking place at the University and will be delivered directly by the people carrying out the studies.
It won’t assume any prior knowledge, and there’ll be the opportunity for attendees to ask questions and learn how the research impacts their lives.
Speaking at the event will be CC Clifford, a PhD researcher looking at how taking part in Ballroom culture can help young people who are struggling with eating-related difficulties.
Ballroom is a community and cultural movement created by black and Latino LGBTQ+ people in New York City. It is centred around events called Balls, where participants compete in different categories such as dance, fashion, performance and self-expression.
By listening to young people’s experiences, CC explores how Ballroom can create opportunities for belonging, confidence, and healing through performance and self-expression.
“Ballroom, for me, is not just the celebration of bodies, it’s the community that loves you enough for you to love yourself,” said CC. “This is a special moment for anyone to come along and continue that journey of self-acceptance, self-affirmation and support for others on this continuous journey.”
Also speaking will be Laura Burley, whose research focusses on the experiences of people in Herefordshire and Worcestershire who deliver and who have accessed support from Early Intervention in Psychosis services.
By examining the challenges and successes of delivering care in rural communities, Laura’s research aims to find practical ways to improve support and ensure people can access help when they need it most.
“My talk will really be for anyone who’d like to learn more about equality in accessing services,” said Laura. “Anyone who has an interest in mental health care, community, and equality will find this really interesting.”
“I’m also looking forward to meeting members of the wider public who live in this region, especially in rural areas, as there’ll be plenty of things I can learn from having conversations with people who attend.”
Helen Wilson will share insights from her study into digital accessibility education for schools. She said: “My part of the event will be of particular interest to parents, teachers, library users, community volunteers, disability advocates, and anyone interested in technology and digital inclusion.”
“Also, anyone who creates, shares, or consumes digital information who might want to understand how some simple accessibility practices can help make the digital world more inclusive,” she added.
Esther Dobson, Research and Knowledge Exchange Facilitator at the University, said: “The University of Worcester is carrying out some truly fascinating research, much of it focussed on issues that affect people’s everyday lives.”
She continued: “Recent projects have explored everything from how heatwaves affect women’s health, to the impact arthritis can have on farmers, helping to shine a light on challenges that don’t always receive the attention they deserve.”
“Hive Mind is a chance to step behind the research and meet the people doing that work, whether you’re interested in mental health, community wellbeing, or simply curious about how research happens, this event is for you,” Esther added.
“We’re delighted to offer this opportunity free of charge, where people can hear directly from researchers and ask their own questions in an informal setting,” she added.