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Working together to build stronger communities

22/12/2025
Dev Acharya and Niall Galbraith

The University is working closely with local communities and faith organisations across Wolverhampton and the West Midlands to turn research into real-world impact. Through knowledge exchange and civic engagement, the University is helping to address health inequalities, promote digital inclusion, and support mental wellbeing.

Universities play an increasingly important role in civic life-not only as centres of research and teaching, but also as partners, listeners, and contributors to local wellbeing. Through our work in knowledge exchange (KE) and civic engagement, we are building stronger relationships with local communities and faith organisations across Wolverhampton and the wider West Midlands. This collaborative approach allows us to bridge the gap between academic research and everyday experience.  

Over the past two years, we have collaborated with a range of community and faith organisations, delivering workshops, research activities, and awareness programmes on health, wellbeing, and digital inclusion. Each partnership has demonstrated how shared learning and collaboration can turn ideas into positive community outcomes.

Key highlights included:

On March 2025, Dev Acharya and Niall Galbraith (University of Wolverhampton) delivered an organ donation awareness session at Hamro Nepali Samaj, Wolverhampton, supported by the NHS Organ Donation Project. The session addressed cultural perceptions, promoted informed consent, family discussions, and encouraged donor registration.

In May and July 2024, as part of the NIHR/SPHR-funded Digital Assets Study, Dev Acharya, Joyce Coker (University of Cambridge), and Fiona Duncan (Newcastle University) conducted surveys and discussions at Buddha Vihara and Guru Teg Bahadur Gurudwara in Wolverhampton, highlighting the value of digital health tools and the support needs of older adults.

In May and June 2023, colleagues from the University of Wolverhampton (Dev Acharya, Harish Gupta, Rathnakar Andugula and Mahuya Kanjilal), and Hannah Ackom Mensah (NHS Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust/Community Connexions) delivered dementia awareness and healthy ageing sessions at various faith venues in West Midlands. Additionally, an online mental health safety planning session was co-delivered to Community Connexions group members, now widely used as a community and professional resource.

Dr Dev Acharya, Senior Lecturer-Public Health/Health Studies at the University, said: ‘’Community involvement is vital for engaging underserved groups and amplifying unheard voices. Listening to communities provides meaningful feedback to inform policy, guide programmes, strengthen health promotion, improve wellbeing, and ensure interventions are inclusive, culturally appropriate, and responsive to real needs’’.

Lessons learned:

  • Co-created projects are more relevant and effective.
  • Cultural understanding builds trust and participation.
  • Knowledge empowers communities to take control of their health.
  • Strong partnerships create lasting impact beyond individual events.

 Looking ahead:

The University will continue to focus on projects that enhance digital health access, support healthy ageing in minority communities, strengthen mental health services, and develop community-led research and training.

A special thanks to Professor Opinderjit Takhar for supporting organ donation and dementia awareness programmes across Wolverhampton and Birmingham. 

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.