UCLan’s Suzanne Wilson is a finalist in the Innovation in Politics Awards
A University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) researcher has been shortlisted for a prestigious European prize.
Suzanne Wilson, from 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, 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.
"I’m hugely passionate about social justice, equal opportunities and giving a voice to those left behind in society"
— Suzanne Wilson, UCLan Research Fellow
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 co-create new ways to work together.
Community workshops were held with adult residents in Maryport and Workington, and with children and young people in Whitehaven and Millom. These inclusive 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 in co-creation sessions.
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, who was chosen to carry the Olympic flame through Carlisle in 2012 and who won a Golden Apple Award for ‘Best Community Initiative’ in 2019, added: “I’m hugely passionate about social justice, equal opportunities and giving a voice to those left behind in society.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to hear that Suzanne has been shortlisted for this award which is richly deserved"
— Councillor Emma Williamson, Deputy Leader for Cumberland Council
“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 for 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.
Written by Kevin Brockbank