The Right to Community Infrastructure Research Project

Community spaces, services and amenities are the basis of neighbourhoods that thrive. Yet across the UK, these essential resources have been disappearing under government cuts and financial pressure. In Barking and Dagenham, a borough experiencing rapid population growth and persistent inequalities, the need for strong community infrastructure has never been greater.

The Right to Community Infrastructure is a new research project, led by Thames Life and The Open University, that aims to explore, assess and strengthen the borough’s social infrastructure. Funded by the Open Societal Challenges “Challenge us!” initiative, this project will work closely with local residents to map existing community assets, identify gaps, and develop practical solutions to ensure that infrastructure meets the needs of both current and future generations.

Over 2025 and 2026, fifteen Barking and Dagenham residents will be trained as community researchers, gathering data through interviews, surveys, mapping exercises, and other forms of research residents are interested in developing. Their findings will shape policy recommendations, funding strategies, and a toolkit for empowering other communities to advocate for their right to essential spaces and services.

Dr Dan Taylor, co-organiser of the research network, says: “This community research network is a great opportunity to learn new skills, support positive resident action in your borough and learn more about where you live. It’s open to anyone who is currently a resident of Barking and Dagenham. You don’t need any prior skills or qualifications to join, we just want your enthusiasm. We look forward to hearing from you.”

This project is participatory, community-led, and focused on finding a constructive way forwards. By putting local knowledge at the heart of the research, it sets out to influence planning, investment and decision-making, ensuring that residents have a say in the future of their borough.

Get Involved

If you live in Barking and Dagenham and want to take part in the research, visit our Community Research Network page.

For more details on the project’s aims and methods, explore the 'What’s it all about?' page.

Or if you’ve read enough and want to register your interest, send us a quick email today.

Contact Vishal Narayan, the research network coordinator: [email protected]

Please write to us by 10 October 2025 to express your interest, and we’ll arrange a short chat to discuss it.

Find out more by joining our presentation in-person or online at the Thames Life Planning Forum on Tuesday 7 October at 6pm – email Vishal for more info.