An event aimed at addressing the future of community health and spotlighting insights and priorities from local young adults will take place at the Octagon on Queen Mary’s campus on Monday 14 November from 4 to 6 p.m.
Organised by Queen Mary University of London’s Centre for Public Engagement (CPE), which works to embed public engagement within the university, and Social Action for Health, a local community-based health charity, the event is open to all – members of the public as well as staff and students. Registration is needed.
The event demonstrates the CPE’s support for community initiatives and the need to establish an intergenerational community dialogue. It will also provide an opportunity and platform for young people to share their insights and priorities about community health and discuss these with the local community and academics.

The CPE’s Community Engagement Manager Sarah Gifford said: “We strive to create an environment where the University’s ground-breaking research, inspiring teaching, and work can be shaped, shared, and co-created with the public as partners in this process. This event is a perfect example of our civic and public engagement in action.”
Furthermore, the event will showcase young people’s work around issues such as ‘how can we build trust in our communities?’ and ‘why are minoritised groups not well represented in research?’ and ‘what are the health priorities for young people?’

A group of young adults, who took part in a summer work experience placement with East London-based charity Social Action for Health, which has partnered for more than 25 years with the University, will showcase their findings at the event. They will explore how we can build trust in our communities and share their perspectives, views, and feelings regarding health and social wellbeing.

Also, students from Beal High School’s sixth form in Ilford, Essex, will share their work on health inequalities and representation in medical, and particularly genetic, research. With support from staff at the Sanger Institute, charity Social Action for Health, and their teachers, the students have researched these topics and will showcase their work in exhibition-style presentations at the event.

Ceri Durham, CEO at Social Action for Health, said: “Our work ensures that those traditionally excluded from health research and priority setting – often from communities with the worst health outcomes – are key stakeholders in driving agendas, policies, and ultimately change. This event is the culmination of months of community research and engagement with young people from a variety of backgrounds to ensure that their voices are also part of this conversation.”