Report from the Better Together 'Power of Us' Conference

source: Catalyst/Amal Anaam

published: May 2025

As a member of the Catalyst 4 Change team involved in organising the BVSC led 'The Power of Us' conference, held on 9 April 2025 at Birmingham City Football Club, Amal Anaam  (Catalyst's Research & Evaluation Lead) had the privilege of witnessing the energy, passion and insights that emerge when communities, researchers and organisations collaborate to drive change. The event reminded us that inclusive research should be rooted in the voices of those it seeks to represent.

One of the most impactful moments was the plenary session led by Beverly Stephens from Catalyst 4 Change and Sarah Hamed from Black Thrive Global. They reminded us that inclusive research is not about tokenism or involving communities as an afterthought. It is about listening to communities who are often frustrated by how they are incorporated into research processes- as subjects rather than co-creators.

Their discussion highlighted the importance of dismantling barriers that have historically silenced underrepresented voices and the need for research frameworks that honour lived experience. The solutions to many of our most pressing challenges lie within these communities. By shifting from ‘researching about’ to ‘researching with’, we can create more meaningful outcomes.

A particularly powerful moment was the community research panel, recruited and trained by BVSC. These researchers worked on their own projects and showcased their outputs through posters, sparking discussions throughout the day. This exemplifies what research should be: fed and led by the needs and interests of the community.

The day also included a range of panels and workshops, such as sessions from BVSC Research, Flourish Community Health Collaborative and the Community Connexions team at BCHC. Contributions from the University of Warwick, West Midlands Combined Authority, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and NIHR infrastructure teams enriched the discussions.

Topics ranged from cultural understanding and crime prevention to regional growth and removing barriers to participation. The message was clear: research is evolving. As stated by Sophie Wilson, Director of BVSC Research: “It’s being driven from the ground up by those with lived experience, working alongside academics and systems partners in true collaboration."

One key takeaway is the need to move beyond discussing problems. While identifying challenges is important, we must start answering the 'so what' questions that communities bring to the table. What does this mean for them? How will it result in tangible change? How can we ensure their voices are not just heard but acted upon?

Future workshops and conferences must prioritise actionable outcomes. This means not just understanding issues but co-developing solutions. We must create spaces where communities feel empowered to lead discussions and where their insights are not only valued but implemented.

The Power of Us conference was a step forward, but it is only one step in a much larger journey. As we plan for future events, the hope is that we continue to challenge ourselves to think critically about inclusion and equity. Let us not just talk about change but commit to enacting it together.

If you’d like to get involved or have any questions, please reach out to Amal Anaam (Research & Evaluation Lead) amal.anaam@catalyst4change.org.uk