Realities in Health Disparities: Researching Evidence-Based Alternatives in Living, Imaginative, Traumatised, Integrated, Embodied Systems
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Department Name: School of Health in Social Science
Abstract
We often hear 'the system' is broken, but what do we mean by this? How can changing the way we think about, define, research, evidence, monitor, evaluate and resource 'the system' lead to meaningful change for deprived communities? How will this change benefit those who have first-hand experience of trauma, homelessness, poverty, unemployment, displacement, poor mental health or imprisonment?
REALITIES takes a human-systems approach noting 'health and social care systems' (HSCS) are constructed mental representations of relationships existing in the world to promote health for people.
Our Scottish consortium of 57 people has five established asset hubs in Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Easter Ross, Edinburgh and North Lanarkshire with strong relationships uniting conflicting ways of seeing the world. Through phase 2, we co-produced a systems-level model with deprived communities, policymakers, practitioners and researchers collecting and respecting different types of knowledge and alternative evidence-bases (from arts performances to nature walks; words to statistics) as equally important to understand complexities of unjust and avoidable health differences.
Foundational funding evidenced REALITIES is able to transcend the challenge for our currently imagined HSCS. The medical model of disease shaping who and what is considered to be part of 'the health system' has brought benefits to human existence, though key actors within these place-based HSCS systems understand the limitations of this systems-framing for human flourishing. At present, they don't have a way to help reimagine them.
REALITIES provides exploration and method for this reimagining. A model representing collective pathways producing creative routes for people to get the healthcare they need at the right time of their journeys by co-researching and co-creating with them the "what, whom, how, and why" - leading to successful connections between individuals with health and social needs and community-based opportunities for health and wellbeing improvement.
We are a transdisciplinary collective of individuals with lived and felt experience of inequalities working alongside policymakers; local authorities; charities; artists; environmentalists and researchers from policy; health humanities; arts; psychology; human geography; environmental sociology; dentistry; medicine; statistics; economics; counselling; psychotherapy; management; medical anthropology; design and innovation.
We will:
understand what work is needed to enable places to reimagine and build 'systems' that create equitable health and wellbeing.
explore and explain how links between creativity, relationships and nature create healthier and more resilient communities and environments for people in deprived areas.
support creative, participatory processes, enabling communities to construct shared mental models (systems) using different ways of knowing (epistemologies) and perceiving reality (ontologies).
combine different ways of knowing, enabling a more complete representation of bio-psycho-social-political factors which create 'health' and ways in which these are experienced by marginalised people.
support communities to construct place-based versions of systems encompassing all aspects of health and wellbeing, and make purposeful changes in the nature of their relationships with each other and their environment.
explore the usefulness of 'standard' Health Economic evaluation tools to assess Social Return of Investment, working with communities to re-conceptualise and re-define measures of 'value' and 'quality of life' in relation to human experience.
REALITIES takes a human-systems approach noting 'health and social care systems' (HSCS) are constructed mental representations of relationships existing in the world to promote health for people.
Our Scottish consortium of 57 people has five established asset hubs in Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Easter Ross, Edinburgh and North Lanarkshire with strong relationships uniting conflicting ways of seeing the world. Through phase 2, we co-produced a systems-level model with deprived communities, policymakers, practitioners and researchers collecting and respecting different types of knowledge and alternative evidence-bases (from arts performances to nature walks; words to statistics) as equally important to understand complexities of unjust and avoidable health differences.
Foundational funding evidenced REALITIES is able to transcend the challenge for our currently imagined HSCS. The medical model of disease shaping who and what is considered to be part of 'the health system' has brought benefits to human existence, though key actors within these place-based HSCS systems understand the limitations of this systems-framing for human flourishing. At present, they don't have a way to help reimagine them.
REALITIES provides exploration and method for this reimagining. A model representing collective pathways producing creative routes for people to get the healthcare they need at the right time of their journeys by co-researching and co-creating with them the "what, whom, how, and why" - leading to successful connections between individuals with health and social needs and community-based opportunities for health and wellbeing improvement.
We are a transdisciplinary collective of individuals with lived and felt experience of inequalities working alongside policymakers; local authorities; charities; artists; environmentalists and researchers from policy; health humanities; arts; psychology; human geography; environmental sociology; dentistry; medicine; statistics; economics; counselling; psychotherapy; management; medical anthropology; design and innovation.
We will:
understand what work is needed to enable places to reimagine and build 'systems' that create equitable health and wellbeing.
explore and explain how links between creativity, relationships and nature create healthier and more resilient communities and environments for people in deprived areas.
support creative, participatory processes, enabling communities to construct shared mental models (systems) using different ways of knowing (epistemologies) and perceiving reality (ontologies).
combine different ways of knowing, enabling a more complete representation of bio-psycho-social-political factors which create 'health' and ways in which these are experienced by marginalised people.
support communities to construct place-based versions of systems encompassing all aspects of health and wellbeing, and make purposeful changes in the nature of their relationships with each other and their environment.
explore the usefulness of 'standard' Health Economic evaluation tools to assess Social Return of Investment, working with communities to re-conceptualise and re-define measures of 'value' and 'quality of life' in relation to human experience.
Organisations
- UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH (Lead Research Organisation)
- NHS Tayside (Collaboration)
- Scottish Ballet (Collaboration)
- NHS LANARKSHIRE (Collaboration)
- CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL (Collaboration)
- Government of Scotland (Collaboration)
- Aura (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Police Scotland (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Enable Scotland (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire (VANL) (Collaboration)
- Skills Development Scotland (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Victoria and Albert Museum Dundee (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN SCOTLAND (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- NHS HIGHLAND (Collaboration)
- Change Mental Health (Collaboration)
- APEX SCOTLAND (Collaboration)
- Phoenix Futures (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (Collaboration)
- Robertson Health Clinic (NHS Highlands) (Project Partner)
- High Life Highland (Project Partner)
- Scottish Ballet (Project Partner)
- West End Hall (Project Partner)
- Page Park (Project Partner)
- APEX (Project Partner)
- Edinburgh Health & Social Care Partnrshp (Project Partner)
- Youth Theatre Arts Scotland (YTAS) (Project Partner)
- Change MH (Project Partner)
- Scottish Opera (Project Partner)
- SFAD (Project Partner)
- CERT (Project Partner)
- Glass Performance (Project Partner)
- Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire (Project Partner)
- Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations' Counc (Project Partner)
- The City of Edinburgh CouncilĀ (Project Partner)
- North Edinburgh Arts (Project Partner)
- HTSI (Project Partner)
- Rock Trust (Project Partner)
- Inverness Open Arts (Project Partner)
- Smile4Life (Project Partner)
- SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT (Project Partner)
- NHS Scotland (Project Partner)
- Health Improvement Dept (Project Partner)
- The Binks Hub (Project Partner)
- Recovery Scotland (Project Partner)
- Red Chair Highland (Project Partner)
- Stigma Free Lanarkshire (Project Partner)
Publications
Abubakar E
(2025)
Can Topic Modeling of Local Newspaper Texts Enhance Understanding of Neighborhood Effects on Health?
in Geographical Analysis
Davis S
(2024)
Applying A/r/tography as a creative community resilience strategy in response to the climate emergency
in Local Development & Society
Davis S
(2025)
"Growing daisies through the slabs": examining community invites for creatively co-produced local transformation
in Local Environment
De Andrade M
(2025)
Transcending Measurement: What Matters When Making-with-Music for Equitable Wellbeing in Health and Social Care Systems.
in Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
De Andrade M
(2024)
REALITIES in health disparities: Researching Evidence-based Alternatives in Living, Imaginative, Traumatised, Integrated, Embodied Systems.
in Frontiers in public health
Grivas A
(2025)
Perceptions of Edinburgh: Capturing neighbourhood characteristics by clustering geoparsed local news
in Information Processing & Management
Idrees S
(2024)
Seeking Refuge in South Africa: Navigating Power, Healing, and Co-Creation in Body-Mapping Processes
in Social Inclusion
Jundler A
(2025)
Ethical Tensions: Problematising the Duality of the Community-Embedded Researcher Identity in the REALITIES Project
in International Journal of Qualitative Methods
| Title | "Precipice: Lost and Found" |
| Description | HMP Glenochil play performance of "Precipice: Lost and Found", supported by REALITIES community-embedded researcher Sam Rowe (Bethany Christian Trust) |
| Type Of Art | Performance (Music, Dance, Drama, etc) |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | Change in views from audience |
| Title | 4 performances of 'The Ballad of Jack and Stacey' |
| Description | The performance was created and performed by prisoners at HMP Glenochil, and then performed by prisoners at HMP Stirling and HMP Greenoch as part of REALITIES team member Sam Rowe's work within the criminal justice system |
| Type Of Art | Performance (Music, Dance, Drama, etc) |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | The prisoners were very passionate about performing and how it related to their own experiences. |
| Title | A Jenga of Data |
| Description | This exciting output, created by artist James Abell, emerged from collaborative work with the Binks Hub as part of the 'REALITIES Translation Series', which aims to communicate REALITIES findings in accessible and creative ways. While GDPR and data management can often perceived as dry subjects, they are critically important in their own right and as central to the REALITIES project. Ongoing challenges around interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and data governance prompted extensive reflection, discussion, and creative problem-solving. The REALITIES project manager once commented that it felt 'like a Jenga tower'- where one misstep risks destabilising everything, highlighting the complexity and fragility of navigating ethical, legal, and relational dimensions of data within community-based research. The intricacies of interdisciplinary research and engaging with data. From that, this creative output was born. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | This creative output was part of a workshop series carried out by the REALITIES team alongside the University of Edinburgh Library and the Binks Hub. |
| URL | https://jamesabellart.com/Jenga.html |
| Title | Community Visions Art Exhibition: Woven piece |
| Description | Clackmannanshire has a history of textile mills. Over the last few months, young people and parents in the Clackmannanshire REALITIES hub created a weaving piece using recycled materials, with the young people also writing messages of poverty experiences to weave in. This was exhibited at a Challenging Poverty Week installation at the Clackmannanshire library. |
| Type Of Art | Artefact (including digital) |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | This was exhibited at a Challenging Poverty Week installation at the Clackmannanshire library. |
| Title | Creative Green Sessions |
| Description | In Easter Ross, weekly creative green sessions were offered during the summer months to foster relationships, build trust and plan for future community engagement. This included mandala stone painting, nature masks, nature collage, painting landscapes, and additional sessions. |
| Type Of Art | Artwork |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | Our Easter Ross community-embedded researcher noted a real sense of enjoyment and community that attendees reported, after they had complained about not having any creative outlet in Easter Ross to take themselves and their families to. The consistency of the sessions also build a strong group connection. |
| Title | Easter Ross Wall Mural |
| Description | Community-embedded researcher Lucy Campbell co-designed and painted a community mural alongside community members, local artists, and the local youth club in Easter Ross. The theme was 'forest'. |
| Type Of Art | Artwork |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | Several notable impacts resulted from the mural: Firstly, it has become a source of pride and excitement for community members. Secondly, it was a great source of information and data to engage in next steps of the research. Parents specifically shared that in Easter Ross, there is complete lack of access to any type of free arts and creativity classes in the area. Every single participant said that they have nowhere to go to do anything creative locally. There was a huge number of attendees for what is usually a very difficult area to get engagement from. There was also significant feedback that the adults felt that art was for the children and that although they enjoyed art, they almost felt like they needed to be with the children to have permission to do it. They all expressed a desire to come to future art sessions. |
| Title | Echoes of Cultural Commons |
| Description | Video of the soundscape that captures the magic of the studio space at Silvan House (Edinburgh Hub); where attendees come together to explore possibilities, share knowledge and interest, and enjoy the process of making. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | Showcased the work being done by the REALITIES Edinburgh Hub. |
| URL | https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOantWLCC6E/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link |
| Title | Insiders |
| Description | 6 performances over the course of the summer-one performance in HMP Greenock, five at the Edinburgh Fringe festival. Summary: "With prisons rarely out of the news, Insiders gives insight into the challenges of life in jail. Danny struggles with anger and isolation. Craig thanks his newfound faith for his recovery. Middle-class Richard is a fish out of water. When tragic news upsets the rhythm of their lives, each must confront the core of what they believe about themselves, the world and what lies beyond." |
| Type Of Art | Performance (Music, Dance, Drama, etc) |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | The performances, particularly the ones at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival introduced a wide and varied audience to the work being done by REALITIES in the prison systems of Scotland. |
| Title | Insiders |
| Description | Insiders was presented at a showcase event for works developed around themes of creativity and mental health. Insiders is a play written with men in HMP Shotts which reveals the everyday challenge of prison life, which is the lived reality for thousands of men and women in our country, and yet ask big questions about suffering, faith and meaning that will resonate far beyond the prison walls. |
| Type Of Art | Performance (Music, Dance, Drama, etc) |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | 'Insiders' was written with prisoners alongside Bethany Christian Trust Creative Expressions Coordinator, Sam Rowe, who leads on the Release ReImagined workstream for REALITIES. This play is part of the data we are gathering to research social and healthcare systems and the idea of 'place'. 'Insiders' reviews: https://www.bethanychristiantrust.com/insiders-what-our-audiences-say/ |
| URL | https://www.bethanychristiantrust.com/insiders-what-our-audiences-say/ |
| Title | Journey Map: Road to Recovery |
| Description | Infographic created by and for people who use drugs (PWUD) and providers to detail psycho-social information about drug use and paths available for recovery. |
| Type Of Art | Image |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | This infographic was created by people with lived experience of drug use, which gave a sense of empowerment with the aim of ensuring they, as experts on their own experiences, are co-producing solutions and recovery pathways. |
| Title | Mind of Man |
| Description | A short, funny and powerful play co-produced by REALITIES community-embedded researcher, Sam Rowe alongside people with experience of the prison and justice systems. The play explores the impact of neurodiversity on an individual in the prison system. It was met with enormous success. It made its debut during the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. |
| Type Of Art | Performance (Music, Dance, Drama, etc) |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | Notably, the success of Mind of Man was so powerful that Sam Rowe, REALITIES community-embedded researcher, has been invited to tour every Scottish prison in the country in 2026 to perform the theatre piece in each one. He was invited to do so by PeoplePlus, the organisation in charge of Education across all of Scotland's jails. |
| URL | https://broadwaybaby.com/shows/mind-of-man/831263 |
| Title | Planetary Health Animation |
| Description | An animation by the talented artist Lea Pietrzyk, summarising the conversations and topics covered at the Planetary Health Seminar in October 2025, co-hosted between REALITIES and the Binks Hub. Led by REALITIES early-career researcher Dr Scott Davis, he, alongside other amazing speakers, dedicated the half-day to highlighting and reflecting on innovative ideas for community-led action, and new ways of thinking about environmental well-being. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | The animation was posted on our newsletter and as part of the Measuring Humanity website. |
| URL | https://measuringhumanity.org/planetary-health-seminar-animation |
| Title | Podcast-Amplifying Artistry: Art as Measurement |
| Description | Amplifying Artistry is a series from North Lanarkshire, where locals chat about their creative journeys and stories. The podcast episode delved into how art can be used as measurement for health and wellbeing. |
| Type Of Art | Artefact (including digital) |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | This directly fed into the inspiration and evidence for one of the published papers, Transcending Measurement, written by REALITIES academic and community members. |
| URL | https://www.culturenl.co.uk/amplifyingartistry/ |
| Title | Podcast-Amplifying Artistry: Arts as Rehabilitator |
| Description | Amplifying Artistry is the podcast "that turns up the volume on creativity in North Lanarkshire". They now have a segment dedicated to REALITIES; in this episode, REALITIES community-embedded researchers Lucy Campbell and Sam Rowe bring their wealth of insight on justice and recovery. |
| Type Of Art | Artefact (including digital) |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | This episode was part of the Amplifying Artistry podcast. |
| URL | https://www.culturenl.co.uk/amplifyingartistry/ |
| Title | Podcast-Cultivating Communities |
| Description | Cultivating Communities is a short podcast series exploring how community gardens in Tayside play a role in community wellbeing, food security, regeneration, and activism. For their third episode, Jek, a REALITIES community-embedded researcher for Dundee and the Community Engagement Facilitator from Ninewells Community Garden discuss how their community work began and how this has developed over the years. They also discuss their personal journeys, learning about nature and working with other people to share their expertise and knowledge. |
| Type Of Art | Artefact (including digital) |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | This episode was showcased on the Cultivating Communities podcast. |
| URL | https://soundcloud.com/web-administrator-579158878/cultivating-communities-episode-3 |
| Title | Podcast-Small Voice: Prisoners Week |
| Description | Every year in Scotland, the third week in November is designated as 'Prisoners Week' and this episode interviewed Sam Rowe of REALITIES, who encourages prisoners to write and create, and David, who connects churches and volunteers with those who are looking for a friend to support them. |
| Type Of Art | Artefact (including digital) |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | The episode was featured in the Small Voice Podcast. |
| URL | https://www.smallvoice.org.uk/sv-podcast-prisoners-week/ |
| Title | REALITIES in The Field |
| Description | A video put together by community members in the Easter Ross hub, detailing the REALITIES workshops and community building being done. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | Helped portray the impact the Easter Ross Hub's work is having on community members in the region. |
| URL | https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCzpshQPpBU7E-uM2HTA6I1Q/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22c... |
| Title | Round Our Place Ravenscraig |
| Description | Audio output compilation of the walking workshops in Ravenscraig, the importance of Ravenscraig in North Lanarkshire in terms of nature and history, using the voice interviews and reflections of community members and community organisations. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | Showcased the work being done in North Lanarkshire. |
| Title | Spiders Web Story Crown |
| Description | Book of stories written with four families in HMP Barlinnie (as part of the REALITIES Release ReImagined workstream). |
| Type Of Art | Creative Writing |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | Showcased the work being carried out by the Release ReImagined workstream. |
| Title | Suntrap Artwork |
| Description | The Edinburgh Hub have been able to use the beautiful studio and garden space at Suntrap to establish a collective studio practice and develop participant work through individual projects in print, ceramics, textile art and woodworking. This is part of the Curious Routes experiment. |
| Type Of Art | Artwork |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | Establishment of a collective studio practice and develop participant work through individual projects in print, ceramics, textile art and woodworking. |
| URL | https://curiousroutes.org/?p=5373 |
| Title | Sustainable Healer Conference: Growth for Good |
| Description | This video features REALITIES project lead, Dr Marisa de Andrade, at the The Sustainable Healer Conference in March 2025 where she presented to an audience of health practitioners. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | Captured the success of the first Sustainable Healer conference. |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFXvtM7cOgQ |
| Title | The REALITIES Illustrated Timeline: A Collaborative Journey |
| Description | A fantastic illustrated timeline by artist Jenny Capon, crunching over ten years of research and thinking into an exciting, dynamic and creative art piece. |
| Type Of Art | Artwork |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Impact | We have been invited to share this output across multiple University of Edinburgh academic and impact groups as an example of how to use creative means to portray rich visual outputs. Additionally, it was added to the Measuring Humanity website. |
| URL | https://measuringhumanity.org/the-realities-collaborative-journey-an-illustrated-timeline |
| Description | The research found that creative, community-based approaches can play an important role in improving health and wellbeing, particularly for people who are often excluded from mainstream services. By working with communities, artists, practitioners, and local organisations, the project has identified new ways that cultural, natural, and community resources can help address health inequalities. One key finding is that creative activities such as theatre, storytelling, and art can provide powerful ways for people to share their experiences and influence discussions about policy and services. For example, work with people in prison explored the issue of neurodiversity (differences in how people think and process information). The research showed that creative workshops allowed participants to reflect on their experiences and raise questions about how support systems could better respond to neurodiverse people before, during, and after imprisonment. The project also found that local community spaces and initiatives can act as important "assets" for improving wellbeing, particularly when they are welcoming, informal, and rooted in the community. Research across several hubs showed that environments such as community gardens, creative studios, and outdoor spaces can help people build connections, regain confidence, and support their mental health and recovery. These spaces often work best when they complement - rather than replace - formal health or social care services. Another important discovery is that relationships and trust are central to successful support systems. Many of the programmes showed high levels of continued engagement from participants because they focused on building supportive peer relationships and creating safe, non-judgemental environments. This suggests that relational approaches-where people feel listened to and valued-are a crucial but often overlooked element of effective health and social care support. The research also highlighted barriers within existing systems. For example, some public services are designed around buildings or structures that people with experiences of trauma or disadvantage may associate with negative experiences. The work found that offering activities in more neutral or community-based settings can help make support more accessible and less intimidating. In addition, the project identified structural challenges that affect how organisations collaborate, such as difficulties around data sharing, limited funding for preventative work, and pressures on public services to demonstrate financial savings rather than social impact. These barriers can make it harder to integrate community initiatives with formal health and social care systems. Finally, the research demonstrated that collaborative, locally designed models can be developed and adapted across different communities. By bringing together community organisations, artists, researchers, public services, and people with lived experience, the project has begun developing practical models that could be tested and potentially used in other places. Overall, the key achievement of the research has been to show that creative and community-led approaches can help tackle health inequalities, particularly when they focus on relationships, lived experience, and collaboration between communities and public systems. |
| Exploitation Route | The outcomes of this funding could be taken forward by a range of organisations-including policymakers, health and social care services, community groups, and researchers-by adapting and applying the models and insights developed through the project. One important way the work can be used is through replicating the creative and community-based models developed in the project. Several hubs have been testing approaches that combine creative activity, nature, and community support to improve wellbeing. These models-such as creative workshops, community garden initiatives, and arts-based hubs-could be adopted by other local authorities, charities, and community organisations as ways to support mental health, recovery from addiction, and social inclusion. The research also provides practical examples of how people with lived experience can be meaningfully involved in shaping services and policies. For instance, the creative theatre work exploring neurodiversity in prisons demonstrates how storytelling and co-creation can help bring overlooked perspectives into policy discussions. Policymakers, justice organisations, and advocacy groups could use similar approaches to engage people whose voices are often missing from decision-making processes. Another area where the outcomes could be used is in training and professional development for health and social care practitioners. The project has begun developing creative educational resources to help practitioners better understand the experiences of vulnerable groups, particularly people recovering from addiction or facing social exclusion. These resources could be used by training organisations, universities, and health bodies to improve professional awareness and practice. The findings also highlight the value of strong partnerships between community organisations, public services, and cultural institutions. Other regions could adopt this collaborative approach when designing local health and wellbeing initiatives. By bringing together different sectors-such as healthcare, local government, arts organisations, and community groups-programmes can draw on a wider range of resources and expertise. In addition, the project has generated evidence about the barriers and enabling factors involved in linking community initiatives with formal health systems. This knowledge can support future research and policy development by helping other organisations understand the practical challenges-such as funding pressures, data sharing, and organisational culture-and how these might be addressed. Finally, the project's work across multiple hubs has created a growing body of shared learning and examples from different local contexts. By continuing to share these findings through workshops, networks, and publications, the approaches developed through the project could inform similar initiatives across the UK and beyond. Overall, the outcomes of the funding provide tested ideas, practical models, and evidence that others can adapt to support more collaborative, community-led approaches to improving health and reducing inequalities. |
| Sectors | Communities and Social Services/Policy Construction Creative Economy Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) Education Healthcare Culture Heritage Museums and Collections |
| Description | Our findings have been used to inform policy discussions, improve professional practice, and develop new collaborative models that link community, cultural, and natural assets with health and social care systems. The work has also supported the co-design of creative and community-based approaches to address health inequalities and social exclusion. These include but are not limited to seminars and workshops that have brought together policymakers, practitioners and researchers, and lived experience community members, such as: -Criminal Justice Seminar, which provided the opportunity to discuss the future of justice policy, research, and practice. -Planetary Health Seminar, which highlighted and reflected on innovative ideas for community-led action, and new ways of thinking about environmental wellbeing. -GDPR workshop to discuss barriers and challenges with data and data management when doing collaborative, co-designed community work and research -Co-Design lab, which brought together key stakeholders to create actionable next steps using the data and findings from REALITIES up until this point, including planning for the creation of a REALITIES container In the Release Re-Imagined workstream, research on neurodiversity in prisons has been translated into creative practice through theatre and storytelling workshops with people in custody. This led to the development of the play Mind of Man, co-written with prisoners, which is being used as a practical model for ethical engagement with incarcerated communities. The performances are being shared with policymakers, prison staff, and the public, and the workstream is engaging directly with the Scottish Prison Service's Director of Policy to inform a Bill progressing through the Scottish Parliament. This has been so successful that People Plus, the organisation that has the contract for Education across all of Scotland's jails, called Sam Rowe, our community embedded researcher for the Release Reimagined workstream, to book a tour of the play across all of the mens prisons in Scotland. The approach demonstrates how prisoner voices can be safely and meaningfully integrated into policy discussions around health, justice, and social care. Across the project's community hubs, findings have been used to influence local policy and practice. In Dundee, research on community assets and recovery has informed professional education and strategic planning. The hub has contributed to NHS Education for Scotland training, supported the development of educational resources for health and social care practitioners, and participated in consultations reviewing the National Drugs Mission Plan (2022-2026). Insights from this work are also feeding into the city's strategic initiatives aimed at reducing stigma toward people who use drugs and improving integrated health and social care responses. In North Lanarkshire, evidence from the hub has contributed to the development of the local authority's first co-produced five-year strategy addressing inequalities through arts and creative activity. The hub has also piloted creative sessions bringing together community organisations, local government teams, and health partners to develop collaborative approaches that connect cultural, natural, and community assets with health and justice services. In Edinburgh, research into peer-led and relational approaches to mental health has highlighted gaps between community practice and policy frameworks that prioritise measurable economic outcomes. In response, the project has initiated the "There Has Got to Be a Better Way" initiative, bringing together partners from organisations including Creative Scotland, Social Investment Scotland, and health and social care stakeholders to explore new approaches to innovation, collaboration, and investment in community mental health. Other hubs have used findings to support local practice and partnership development. For example, in Easter Ross, evidence from community-based creative and nature-focused programmes has helped build partnerships with general practitioners and local services to support referrals and participation in wellbeing activities. In Clackmannanshire, research is informing discussions on data sharing and support models for care-experienced young people, including nature-based learning approaches that help develop emotional regulation and improve transitions into secondary school. Collectively, these activities demonstrate how the project's findings are being applied in real-world contexts-supporting policy engagement, informing professional education and practice, and developing replicable models that integrate community, cultural, and environmental resources into health and social care systems. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2024 |
| Sector | Communities and Social Services/Policy,Healthcare,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |
| Impact Types | Cultural Societal Economic Policy & public services |
| Description | Participation in Chief Medical Officer's Annual Report strategy statement |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Participation in Population Health Statement |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Took part in the consultation to review the National Drugs Mission Plan: 2022-2026. |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Description | ArtReach |
| Amount | Ā£10,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Highland Council |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | |
| Description | Creative Scotland |
| Amount | Ā£80,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Creative Scotland |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2025 |
| End | 11/2026 |
| Description | International Scientific Partnership Funding (ISPF) |
| Amount | Ā£13,700 (GBP) |
| Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | |
| Description | Thrive Edinburgh |
| Amount | Ā£1,400 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Thrive |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United States |
| Start | |
| Description | Youth Open Arts Fund (funded by Scottish Government and Creative Scotland) |
| Amount | Ā£14,144 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Creative Scotland |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | |
| Title | REALITIES in Health Disparities: Researching Evidence-based Alternatives in Living, Imaginative, Traumatised, Integrated, Embodied Systems |
| Description | The collected data from Phase 2 of REALITIES was filtered, pseudonymised and stored in the Edinburgh DataShare site, a digital repository of research data produced at the University of Edinburgh, hosted by the Research Data Service in Information Services. Edinburgh University researchers who have produced research data associated with an existing or forthcoming publication, or which has potential use for other researchers, are invited to upload their dataset for sharing and safekeeping. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | REALITIES is a multi-disciplinary project made up of a collective of community researchers, local councils, third-sector organizations, artists, environmentalists, government bodies, and academics from various fields. The project focuses on addressing the fragmentation and trauma within systems. The second phase, which ran for 9 months, focused on facilitating cross-collaborations in three Scottish localities (Clackmannanshire, Easter Ross, and North Lanarkshire) to establish asset hubs within them connecting employability, health, transport, and the environment; and to integrate marginalised groups. The REALITIES team sought to co-design and test a scalable REALITIES model, aiming to bring systemic change by fostering collaboration at hyper-local levels, addressing health disparities, and integrating diverse methodologies to improve community wellbeing across Scotland. |
| URL | https://datashare.ed.ac.uk/handle/10283/8876 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-Alness Surgery |
| Organisation | NHS Highland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Collaborator Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Impact | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-Apex |
| Organisation | APEX Scotland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Extending organisational reach, community empowerment |
| Collaborator Contribution | Providing referrals and their staff to REALITIES |
| Impact | APEX has made connections with the Clackmannanshire hub to support young people at risk. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-Architecture and Design Scotland |
| Organisation | Architecture and Design Scotland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. |
| Collaborator Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Impact | N/A |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-Aura |
| Organisation | Aura |
| Country | Czech Republic |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. |
| Collaborator Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Impact | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-Change Mental Health |
| Organisation | Change Mental Health |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Collaborator Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Impact | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-City of Edinburgh Council |
| Organisation | City of Edinburgh Council |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Collaborator Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Impact | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-Enable Works |
| Organisation | ENABLE Scotland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Collaborator Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Impact | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-Phoenix Futures |
| Organisation | Phoenix Futures |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Collaborator Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Impact | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-Police Scotland |
| Organisation | Police Scotland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Collaborator Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Impact | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-SDS |
| Organisation | Skills Development Scotland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Collaborator Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Impact | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-SFAD |
| Organisation | Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Collaborator Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Impact | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-Scottish Ballet |
| Organisation | Scottish Ballet |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Collaborator Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Impact | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-Scottish Government |
| Organisation | Government of Scotland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Collaborator Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Impact | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-Smile4Life |
| Organisation | NHS Tayside |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Collaborator Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Impact | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-Stigma Free Lanarkshire |
| Organisation | NHS Lanarkshire |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Collaborator Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Impact | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-V&A Dundee |
| Organisation | Victoria and Albert Museum Dundee |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Collaborator Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Impact | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Phase 3 Partnership-VANL |
| Organisation | Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire (VANL) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Collaborator Contribution | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Impact | During the application phase, REALITIES Project Partners provided a letter of support detailing their commitment to the project; the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the project to them; as well as any contributions their organisations could provide. For any Project Partners that joined REALITIES after the start of the project in February 2024, they linked in through their interest in the project goals and its link to their community work. Possible benefits identified included but were not limited to: capacity-building, empowering communities, strengthening community connections, improving health outcomes, development opportunities, research evidence, networking, knowledge exchange, and extending organisational reach. Contributions they could provide to the project included but were not limited to: providing referrals and staff members to REALITIES sessions, input to the advisory team, providing artists and materials for workshops, providing access to contacts, and providing access to community groups and venues. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | "Precipice: Lost and Found" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Sam Rowe, REALITIES member who leads the Release ReImagined workstream, supported the performance of a play (called Precipice Lost and Found) created and performed by inmates in HMP Glenochil about their experiences in incarceration. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Artlink ECA Festival Exhibition |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Artlink service-users took part in the Edinburgh College of Art's annual exhibition, where they showcased their work done within REALITIES experiments |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Clacks Hub Garden Week |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | In the Clackmannanshire hub, children and young people engaged in various nature-based activities throughout the week, including a hike to the Japanese Garden, Games in the Garden, and ending in a Garden Party. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Creative Green Sessions-Collage |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Lucy Campbell, our CER for Easter Ross, hosts regular Creative Green sessions as part of her hub work, where community members get together to partake in different art activities and creations to foster community, new skills and support networks. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Creative Green Sessions-Creativity on the Move |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Lucy Campbell, our CER for Easter Ross, hosts regular Creative Green sessions as part of her hub work, where community members get together to partake in different art activities and creations to foster community, new skills and support networks. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Creative Green Sessions-Mandela Stone Painting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Lucy Campbell, our CER for Easter Ross, hosts regular Creative Green sessions as part of her hub work, where community members get together to partake in different art activities and creations to foster community, new skills and support networks. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Creative Green Sessions-Nature Masks |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Lucy Campbell, our CER for Easter Ross, hosts regular Creative Green sessions as part of her hub work, where community members get together to partake in different art activities and creations to foster community, new skills and support networks. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Creative Lunchtime Drop-in Session Offer at Mobilising Communities' Knowledge Sharing Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The lifeblood behind the concept of the REALITIES project is not only that many realities are possible based off of peoples' experiences, but also that it *is* these different perspectives, expertise and backgrounds that make the project so rich. Jumping off of that, we provided a fun, engaging session using 'tarot-esque cards' we would make using pictures that we've taken of activities, locations, etc from the REALITIES project so far. People who pass by the stand were invited to pick a card and describe what they think is going on based off of it, and see how different their narrative (their reality) is compared to other members. This sparked/prompted conversation and insight into what REALITIES is doing, both in the current phase and earlier phases. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Film Showing (Please Right Back) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Academic staff, prison staff, prisoners and family members attended a screening of Please Right Back |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Insiders Play |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Insiders was presented at a showcase event for works developed around themes of creativity and mental health. Insiders is a play written with men in HMP Shotts which reveals the everyday challenge of prison life, which is the lived reality for thousands of men and women in our country, and yet ask big questions about suffering, faith and meaning that will resonate far beyond the prison walls. The event was support by Thrive Edinburgh. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Lanarkshire New Scots Integration Network presentation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | REALITIES Community-embedded researcher Deborah spoke at the Lanarkshire New Scots Integration Network event, aimed at third-sector organisations that work with refugees and asylum seekers, which led to collaborations with the Jerviston Community (African Collaboration Group) for creative sessions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Ninewells Gardening session |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | Gardening Session with Change Centre and We Are With You, where people in recovery were brought to Ninewells Community Garden to partake in gardening sessions with the purpose of building relationships, trust, and community, as well as be a fact-finding exercise for the REALITIES Dundee team. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Performance (x4) of The Ballad of Jack and Stacey |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Throughout 2024, 'The Ballad of Jack and Stacey', a play created by prisoners at HMP Glenochil, was performed by prisoners there, as well as at HMP Stirling and HMP Greenoch. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Newsletter December 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | Final newsletter for the first year of REALITIES Phase 3, highlighting work done so far, plans for Year 2, upcoming events, and AOB |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Newsletter May 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | May 2024 newsletter for REALITIES, sent via Dotdigital (a University of Edinburgh-supported newsletter website), and highlighting REALITIES updates, news, events coming-up, and AOB. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Newsletter September 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | September 2024 REALITIES newsletter, sent via Dotdigital and highlighting REALITIES work, project updates, upcoming events, and AOB. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | REALITIES Presentation (Realistic Medicine Conference) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | NHS event to share best practice around realistic medicine 'manifesto', personalised care, and decision-making; a presentation was led by REALITIES member Chris Lim, with fellow REALITIES member Jek McAllister representing Ninewells Community Garden in the Dundee hub |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Resonate Together Networking Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | Funded by Creative Scotland, this networking event saw REALITIES community-embedded researcher Shona Ulrichsen present on the REALITIES project to provide input on developing a cultural strategy. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Springboard Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | This was a day of facilitated workshops/networking spaces organized between Creative Carbon Scotland and ECCAN to offer a space to share ideas and practice on how to better link up creative and community practices/organisations. REALITIES was represented and shared its work. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Sun-Trap with Artlink |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A visit with Artlink service-users to Sun-Trap (a private garden and studio space), to connect with nature and art. In August, our Edinburgh CER invited local community organisations Mwamba, Care4Carers and Fountainbridge Canal Trust to come to the studio space at Suntrap for a day of connection and collaboration. They shared skills and interests through workshop activities in monoprinting, ceramics and woodcarving, displayed recent work and shared a delicious lunch provided in collaboration with Mwamba. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://curiousroutes.org/?p=5290 |
| Description | The Madness of Metrics and Possibilities of Pause in Open Research |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | An Open Research Conference session led by REALITIES PL Marisa de Andrade, sparking questions such as: Whose knowledge matters? How can metrics be used to explore how and who is benefiting from research? What can open research teach us about equity, impact and activism? And where does pause-and the meaning of pause-fit into all of it when we're told high numbers (usually linked to high access fees) will get you promoted? This directly led to an external collaboration with European university attendees for future publications and research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | University of Edinburgh Impact Festival session: Co-creating impact with artists |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | As part of the University of Edinburgh Impact Festival, we provided a workshop on how to co-create impact with artists when doing research. The purpose of this was not only to highlight the work REALITIES is doing but champion the importance of creative-relational methodologies. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Weekly Silvan House Art Sessions (x15) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | JanBert, the REALITIES community-embedded researcher for the Edinburgh Hub, carried out weekly art sessions with service users struggling who are neurodivergent and/or have mental health challenges, to foster community, build trust and relationships. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |