Building on phase one of the project, which saw the network receive £25k funding, the Rural Durham Community Network will now enable community-led research projects by developing community researchers' skills, building capacity and research infrastructure support across the county. 

Dr. Paul Cowie, Chief Executive, Rural Design Centre, said: "We are delighted to have secured funding from UKRI and The Young Foundation to continue working with communities in Teesdale, Weardale and Derwent Valley to establish the Rural Durham Community Research Network, a project which will build the foundations for community-led research in County Durham and enable communities to undertake research that delivers positive change and impact."  

Helen Goulden OBE, CEO at The Young Foundation, said: "We know that local communities and citizens understand local needs best, and are fundamental to tackling complex societal issues. Which is why the Community Research Networks programme is so important. The insights gained from Rural Durham Community Research Network and other local research networks will be vital if we are to work together to tackle some of the persistent and entrenched challenges we face. And at a national level, we hope to be actively contributing to a new and evolving infrastructure to support community research across the UK. This is core to The Young Foundation's strategy, and as delivery partner we are proud to be working alongside UKRI to support this work over the next five years – and beyond."  

UKRI Chief Executive Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, said: "I am delighted to see the launch the second phase of UKRI's Community Research Networks programme, in partnership with The Young Foundation.  

"At UKRI we strongly believe that R&I should be by everyone, for everyone, everywhere. This programme offers a step-change in the way UKRI funds R&I to reflect this priority. We are putting money into the hands of communities to tackle the issues that matter most to them.  

"I am excited to see how these nine networks will enhance connectivity within and between the UK's regions, contributing to an R&I system that benefits from diverse expertise and understanding." 

The aim of the Community Research Networks programme is to put communities at the heart of research, awarding grants to organisations that are interested in supporting local people across the UK, and working with them to better understand their valuable role in research and innovation. The programme has awarded a total of £8.9m** to community networks across the country in this second phase, with an additional £625k awarded in the first phase. 

Kate Burrows, Executive Director, Durham Community Action, said: "We are delighted to be part of this opportunity to support communities to lead research development, and to support them to influence positive change for those living in rural County Durham." 

The Rural Durham Community Network will work with key community anchor organisations, enabled by the Rural Durham CRN partnership comprising the Rural Design Centre, Durham Community Action, Durham University, Durham County Council, Newcastle University, Insights North East and Point North. 

Rural Durham Community Research Network is one of nine community research projects across the UK that has received funding as part of the second phase of this project. Other grantees include a network to create and sustain 'mental wealth' in Moray, Scotland, and a group researching urban challenges in Belfast communities. 

Visit www.youngfoundation.org/community-research-networks to find out more.