Collaboratory Researcher Profiles
Project Title: Seasons of Wellbeing: Improving the health and wellbeing of the Beaumont Leys community through the great outdoors of Bradgate Park
What were you doing before starting this PhD?
Before starting my PhD, I spent over twenty years working in community development, wellbeing, youth work, employability, equality, diversity and inclusion across Leicestershire. My work has focused on supporting people facing social, economic and cultural barriers to participation and opportunity.
Alongside my professional roles, I founded AdventurHers, which supports women to access outdoor spaces and develop confidence through nature based activities. I have also volunteered with organisations supporting homelessness, interfaith dialogue and environmental action.
I worked as a Research Assistant on a community research project and was reminded how much I enjoy research and working alongside communities to understand lived experiences and create meaningful change.
What motivated you to apply for this specific PhD project?
My family have been my greatest supporters, particularly my three sons, who motivate me to keep learning and growing. I am also grateful to the colleagues, community leaders, academics and friends who encouraged me to pursue this opportunity.
At various points in my life I was told that a research career might not be possible because I did not follow a traditional academic pathway. Their encouragement, alongside my own determination, gave me the confidence to apply through the professional competency route and pursue a goal I care deeply about.
This project brings together three areas I am passionate about: community wellbeing, social justice and access to nature.
Through my work with AdventurHers and communities across Leicester, I have seen how barriers such as transport, confidence, cost, cultural expectations and feelings of belonging can affect whether people access outdoor spaces. I wanted the opportunity to explore these issues in greater depth and contribute to research that could create meaningful and lasting change.
The Collaboratory model particularly appealed to me because it values lived experience, community knowledge and co-production.
What difference do you hope to make in Leicester through this research?
I hope the research helps create a better understanding of how people experience local green spaces and what prevents some residents from accessing them.
I would like the findings to support more inclusive approaches to wellbeing such as green prescribing, environmental engagement and community development, while ensuring local voices are heard and valued in decision making.
Ultimately, I hope the research contributes to healthier, more connected and more equitable communities.
What do you hope to be doing in 5 years’ time?
In five years’ time, I hope to be using research to influence policy, practice and community led approaches to wellbeing, inclusion and access to nature.
I would like to continue growing AdventurHers and supporting more women to experience the benefits of outdoor spaces, while also working at the intersection of research, community development and social change.
Personally, I hope my PhD demonstrates to my children that learning does not have an age limit and that perseverance can open doors that once seemed out of reach.