Bangor University Community Fund

In partnership with Varcity (developers of Tŷ Pollecoff House), Menter Fachwen and the Discover Project, an in-depth analysis of the Pollecoff family was undertaken in order to raise awareness of Jewish history in Wales and to promote and emphasise the contribution of Jews to the history of the wider community. An exhibition was showcased at the University’s Community Day in October.  

“We have begun to raise awareness of the impact of the Pollecoff family on Bangor and beyond leading to much positive feedback” (Professor Nathan Abrams, Professor in Film).

The Community Fund supported four separate events to introduce how creative writing can both support personal and environmental wellbeing. Experts in the field of ecology, climate emergency, zoology and Welsh literature facilitated a series of masterclasses which helped to engage new audiences including local schoolchildren through the arts and sciences.

“It was wonderful to have the opportunity to respond to the enthusiasm of local students and create a bespoke event especially for them focusing on the relationships between poetry and contemporary politics at an evening event in Pontio”.

(Professor Zoe Skoulding)

In collaboration with Compassionate Cymru Garedig, Mantell Gwynedd and the School of Medical and Health Sciences, a conference at Neuadd Reichel was held to explore the ideas and perspectives from individuals interested in, and affected by, the issues of palliative and end of life care. 

“I am applying for funding for a Health Care Research Wales fellowship following on from this workshop and I hope to hold another community engagement event soon, as I was really pleased by how much interest there was in this area” (Dr Louise Prendergast, Research Officer).

Led by a Lecturer in Social Work, the Community Fund funded the production of four Welsh Language podcasts addressing social care and wellbeing in Wales, the importance of bilingual care, and how the University's MA Social Work course benefits and supports local charities, councils and third sector agencies. 

“The podcast has offered an opportunity for us to create and strengthen relationships with partner agencies, and it has offered an opportunity not only for us to raise the profile of the various agencies, but also to highlight and discuss some of the social challenges that we face in society today” (Wendy Roberts, Lecturer in Social Work) 

In collaboration with the Menai Strait’s Heritage Sailing organisation and through the development of a short promotional video, a team from the Biocomposites Centre helped to raise awareness of the sailing opportunities available to young people from disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds across north Wales as well as offering access to explore the Menai Straits on their fleet of specialist boats.

“The project has helped to improve the quality of life of some of the most marginalised groups across north Wales as well as raising awareness of sailing and the local heritage associated with it”.

(Morewenna Spear)

Through a working partnership with Creative Gwynedd, a local storyteller and a fine artist, colleagues from the School of Arts, Culture and Language organised a workshop in conjunction with a locally based Dementia group, Dementia Actif, centred around the legend of two dragons at Dinas Emrys. Images and rare books from the University’s Arthurian Collection were used to show how legends travel and how books are kept and donated to be used in the local area.

“We had overwhelmingly positive oral feedback from the participants, whose hour and a half was filled with the wonder and enjoyment of engaging with the stories and making them feel more at home. Many said they would love us to go into the retirement homes where they live because they have difficulty in participating in events”.

(Professor Raluca Radulescu)

Colleagues from the North Wales Medical School used the Community Fund to run a series of stakeholder events across the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to gain insight from patients, communities, pharmacists and other healthcare providers on the requirements and needs of a new Pharmacy degree at the University. The project engaged with multiple stakeholders including Llais, the patient voice and advocacy group in order to seek patients views.

“Overall, the events were a great success. We obtained a wealth of views that has helped shape the structure and content of our new MPharm programme to meet future workforce needs specific to the north Wales context of pharmacy care. We will continue to develop our engagement with patients and community groups and continue to work with Llais in order to develop a specialist patient group that we can call upon to engage in teaching activities, assessments and IPE sessions, as well as on-going stakeholder input as we develop the programme”.

(Professor Stephen Doughty)

A one-day stakeholder event was held at the University to identify and address the challenges to realising the health benefits associated with increasing Active Travel in Wales. Partners and representatives from Cycling UK, Living Streets, Sustrans and others were invited to participate in the day’s events and discussions centred around a pan-Wales approach with a focus on the local area.

"Our active travel workshop was a great opportunity to hear from organisations promoting physical activity in our local area. These insights ensure our research is relevant to North Wales and help us to design more innovative research. Thanks to all who attended and shared their experiences "

(Dr Emily Holmes)

As part of the World Rugby funded research project examining injury risk, staff at the School of Psychology and Sport Science engaged with some 300 female rugby players across the nine Welsh Rugby Union female hubs in north Wales and commissioned a bilingual film to capture the spirit of female youth rugby in the region. The follow-on project resulting from this collaboration will be the World Rugby funded Welsh Injury Surveillance in Girls Youth Rugby project (WISGYR). 

“The insights gained form this engagement include the importance of individualised approaches to developing relationships with hubs and the importance of continued engagement through our research project” (Dr Julian Owen, Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science).

Building on the partnership between Bangor University and north Wales Dragons and as part of Refugee Week 2023, the team welcomed 35 displaced citizens from the Manchester area in June and facilitated a day of football at the University’s 4G Football Pitch. An opportunity to share cultural experiences, the delights of North Wales all through the medium of football, a great day was had by all! 

“The nature was amazing, one side sea, one side green fields with sheep and cows. The university, hospitality and football grounds were memorable and I learned a lot about Bangor University, its culture, language and history, I enjoyed it, and it changed my mood. I needed to go on a short trip” (Mahin – visitor)

“Friday’s event was an amazing opportunity to share cultural education and awareness and create a space for discussing educational and employment opportunities. It was a healing experience for many who found new friendships and partnerships” (Chris Roberts, Engineer, Campus Services)  

The Community Fund supported two members of Professional Services staff when they travelled to Guernsey in July and represented Ynys Môn at the Women’s Football 2023 NatWest International Games. The Football Association of Wales credited the team to play in the official Wales kit and the event attracted much attention on social media. 

“Thank you for helping in making this possible” (Cerys Gadd, Student Administration).