A Cumbrian university researcher has been shortlisted for a prestigious European prize.
Suzanne Wilson, of Whitehaven, is a finalist in the democracy category of the Innovation in Politics Awards.
The research fellow, who specialises in social inclusion and community engagement at the University of Central Lancashire, has focused her work on coastal communities within Cumbria.
She said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been nominated for such a special award. It’s an honour to be recognised alongside so many worthy competitors across Europe for the research I’m doing in one of the most unequal areas in the UK in terms of income disparities.”
Suzanne, who is based at UCLan’s Westlakes Campus in the Centre for Co-operation and Community Connectedness, was nominated for the award by Cumberland Council.
She has worked on several projects for the region’s local government bodies, including the Connected Communities Cumbria project and worked with 150 children and young people to speak to 646 residents from low-income coastal communities to get their views on how they would engage with their local council.
But it was her work with the Community Power scheme that led to her nomination. The 18-month project has brought low-income communities together with the council to create new ways to work together.
Community workshops were held with adults in Maryport and Workington, and with children and young people in Whitehaven and Millom.
The sessions involved people with learning difficulties, along with other groups vulnerable to social exclusion such as young mothers and those with long-term health conditions. The workshops explained different strategies for democratic participation, and these were developed with the council.
These informative sessions led to several positive outcomes, including providing an inclusive space for discussion within the communities. Residents also reported increased confidence in the council and new found awareness of local democratic processes.
Suzanne added: “I’m hugely passionate about social justice, equal opportunities and giving a voice to those left behind in society.
“I am thrilled to represent the people of West Cumbria and I share their passion and commitment to developing inclusive local democracy. These projects highlight that people do care and residents want to work together with their local councils to make their town and villages great places to live.”
Councillor Emma Williamson, deputy leader of Cumberland Council, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that Suzanne has been shortlisted for this award which is richly deserved.
“At Cumberland Council we made it our mission to properly engage and better understand our communities and the issues they face, so that we can make a real positive difference to their lives. This is something I share a real passion with Suzanne about.
“The work that we’re doing with her and UCLan is central to those efforts and has already resulted in some real benefits for us and our residents.
“We also want to be leaders of best practice and taking a new approach to issues, so it is great for her to get the recognition she deserves especially on such an international scale.”
The Innovation in Politics Awards ceremony will take place in Barcelona in May.
