Abstract
We describe neighbourhood community ‘walkabouts’ using photography as a pragmatic, low-cost methodology for engaging with disadvantaged and marginalised communities, to assist local authorities providing and consulting about city services. Using a health lens frame on neighbourhoods as providing or restricting opportunities for play, interaction, physical activity and nutrition for children and families, we conducted two walkabouts using photography in an ethnically diverse European city. The meeting point for Somali and other ethnically diverse community members, practitioners, elected representatives and academics in this action research was a shared wish to improve the neighbourhood public realm for child health and development, family wellbeing and confident childrearing. The methodology brought opportunities to improve local physical environments for communities, to develop relationships with neighbours and authorities, and to influence statutory planning, decision-making and urban investment. Neighbourhood walkabouts with photography can serve as an accessible platform for communication and advocacy, and help decision-makers effectively hear the voices of disadvantaged and marginalised communities.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1088-1107 |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| Journal | Cities and Health |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 10 Jul 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was not directly supported by any funding body. The University of Bristol’s Public Engagement Department and Brigstow Institute provided financial assistance for refreshments/catering, photographic curating and printing, frames, and creche staff. We offer our thanks to all participants, child and adult, for their rich contributions at all stages of the process. We thank Bristol Somali Resource Centre, Barton Hill Activity Club, Wellspring Healthy Living Centre, The Network Community Development project, TALO Somali Women’s Advocacy and Empowerment Group, Cabot Primary School leadership team and Parent–Teacher Association–we would like in particular to acknowledge Abdullahi Farah, Samira Musse, Rhian Loughlin, Muhyadin Saed, Hibo Mahamoud and Caroline Ennion. The University of Bristol’s Public Engagement Department and Brigstow Institute have been supportive throughout, as well as financial assistance with refreshments/catering, photographic curating and printing, frames, and creche staff–we especially have appreciated support from Mireia Bes Garcia and Gail Lambourne. We also thank colleagues from the Sustainable Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments (SHINE) Health Integration Team, Bristol Health Partners, Living Streets, Bristol Architecture Centre including Georgina Bolton and Shankari Raj, Playing Out, Madge Dresser, and Bristol City Councillors (especially Marg Hickman, Ruth Pickersgill, Afzal Shah and Hibaq Jama) and Council staff including Nicola Ferris, April Richmond, Keith Houghton, Keith Chant, and Richard Fletcher.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Keywords
- child development
- health equity
- migrant
- Neighbourhood
- play
- universal design