Walking in Their Shoes: My Experience as a Citizen Researcher

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to step into someone else’s world, listen to their stories, and see your own community in a new way? Becoming a citizen researcher gave me that chance. It changed how I think about where I live, the people around me, and the power of truly listening.

Earlier this year, I got the chance to join a health and wellness research project as a citizen researcher in Camden. The project was about talking to residents from different backgrounds about the help Camden Council gives to children and young people. I joined because I really wanted to meet more local families and learn about their experiences. What started as a small step outside my comfort zone became a powerful and eye-opening journey of community, connection, and reflection.

Getting Started: Nerves and New Beginnings

Like many people trying something new, I felt nervous at the beginning, especially when I had to approach strangers during my first fieldwork at the Camden Mela event. The idea of walking up to someone I didn’t know and asking about their experiences felt daunting at first. But I soon learned that most people were willing, and sometimes even eager, to share their thoughts, especially when they knew their voices might help bring about change.

My role was to meet residents face to face, listen carefully to what they had to say, and learn about the problems and worries they had when trying to get help for children and young people. It was an amazing experience to connect with people I might never have met otherwise. These were local parents and young people from many different backgrounds, each with their own stories, but often sharing similar concerns.

What I Learned: Listening Changes Everything

What stood out most to me during the research was how open and honest people were during our conversations. Many people shared personal stories about their families, their challenges, and their hopes for the future despite never having met before.

One recurring theme was concern for the safety of children and young people in the area. Many parents were worried about the environments their children were growing up in and the limited access to safe, affordable opportunities, such as training or job experiences, that could help their children build a better future. These conversations were not always easy, but they were important. They made me reflect on the shared desire we all have to see our children thrive, and how sometimes, all people need is a chance to be heard.

It also made me see how important it is to hear straight from the community. Because I was a Camden resident, I think many people felt more comfortable talking to me. This kind of connection, from one community member to another, is something that official research might find hard to do. It reminded me that local voices are not just important; they are needed for real change.

Sharing Voices with the Council

One of the key parts of the project was sharing what we heard with Camden Council. I hope the findings we gathered help to highlight what families in Camden are experiencing and lead to real, practical actions. While there are many steps to take, I believe that even small actions based on our research can make a big difference in someone’s daily life.

Final Thoughts: Get Involved

Being a citizen researcher taught me not just about others, but about myself too. It deepened my sense of belonging and commitment to my community. I now see that real change often begins with a simple act of listening. When we make space for each other’s stories, we start to understand the challenges and strengths that shape our lives.

If you’re thinking about getting involved in something like this, I truly encourage you to take that first step. Be open-minded and listen, even when it feels unfamiliar. You don’t need to have all the answers; your willingness to listen is enough. By making space for others, you help people feel seen and valued. You might discover unexpected strengths in yourself and see the beginnings of change, both in your community and within yourself. In the end, every story heard has the power to move us forward together.

This year, Camden’s Health and Wellbeing Team commissioned research to understand the experiences of global majority families with school-aged children accessing universal services. Camden Giving and The Young Foundation worked with local citizen researchers to carry out the project using a participatory approach, building community research skills and promoting equity. The findings were finalised and shared with the Council in November 2025 and will help shape future service delivery in the borough.