People Like Me: Findings from the Greater Hazelwood Neighborhood Commitment's England Site Visit

Executive Summary

With the generous support of The Heinz Endowments, the University of Pittsburgh embarked on an inspiring journey to England, sending a team of six dedicated delegates to explore and engage in collaborative initiatives. This site visit, born out of our commitment to transcending borders and embracing global perspectives, unfolded as part of our landscape scan for a project focused on Community and Life Sciences Integration.

Representing not only the University but also the dynamic spirit of the Pittsburgh region, our diverse delegation contributed a mosaic of unique perspectives, fostering a meaningful academic and cultural exchange throughout our travels.

The purpose of our site visit to England was both strategic and enlightening. We sought firsthand knowledge, data, and insights into the nexus of life sciences and community engagement. London offered a robust pharmaceutical and life sciences sector, providing us with a compelling backdrop for exploration. Newcastle allowed us to draw parallels in size, economic history, and the pivotal role that universities play in local economies.

Our site visit was a catalyst for inspiration, inviting us to see, feel, and discover new dimensions in Community and Life Sciences. We invite you to delve into the pages that follow as we share invaluable insights gleaned from this transformative adventure.

With gratitude,

OFFICIAL DELEGATION

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

HEIDI WARD, MBA

Director of Planning

University of Pittsburgh

SIERRA MASON, MID Project Manager

University of Pittsburgh

SONYA TILGHMAN Executive Director

Hazelwood Initiative

ABBY HORN Public Service Leader

Housing and Community Services

DR. DANIELLE DAVIS

Founder and Executive Director

Davis Consulting Solutions

DANIELLE CHAYKOWSKY

Director of Programs

Center of Life

STCA, a charitable organization, has been committed to delivering cohesive, inclusive, and innovative services for over 25 years Offerings: community cafe, job hub, volunteering programs, and a youth club.

Takeaways:

Strike a balance and refrain from over-consulting with the community

“We can’t think of the future when the cost of living is so high” - Jodie Allen

Encourage communities to support local, small businesses instead of larger retailers. Foster a mindset shift among residents, inspiring them to embrace change in their purchasing habits

We should be teaching about the stages of life so people are equipped to live successfully.

Little Village Camden

In STCA, Little Village provides infant to toddler clothing and a food bank for single moms with children aged 0-5. Operating for more than eight years, this service relies on donations, including support from the Royal Family Run entirely by volunteers, it operates Mondays through Thursdays with a daily setup and tear down to accommodate additional programming in the same space.

Rooftop Green Space

The rooftop garden at STCA cultivates locally sourced produce for the community and integrates wildflowers to attract pollinators like bees Compost bins are used to reduce food waste. The garden aims to transform Somers Town into a forward-thinking neighborhood, characterized by increased green spaces, fewer cars, clean air, and the availability of delicious, healthy food.

Host: Jodie Allen, Business Comms & Enterprise Manager

Established in 2017, The Living Centre stands as the philanthropic extension of The Francis Crick Institute (“The Crick”). Offering a comprehensive array of services, including career counseling, nutritional guidance, counseling services, community advice, midwifery, prenatal care, and accessible communal spaces, its primary emphasis is on functioning as a hub for community health and overall well-being

Takeaways:

Many think the building looks “corporate” and therefore, they do not enter.

Despite being located as an affiliate of The Crick, the Centre pays service charges (rent)

Poverty and education are the biggest barriers to living a sustainable life.

Pre-COVID-19, there were ~1,250 visitors per month Present day, the Centre averages ~700

The Centre has 23 staff members (4 FT & 19 PT). The Crick does a lot, but could do more!

MAKE at Story Garden

Nestled between big institutions (The Crick, The British Library, and St Pancras Station), MAKE was named by the community to reflect the many stories that get shared and created in the garden. Beds are leased to community members and programs go beyond gardening. The MAKE space offers textiles, woods, jewelry making, clay workshops, and more Takes ~$15k to operate

“Our gardens provoke curiosity,” says Global Generation, an educational charity that aims to showcase how disused urban space can become an oasis for both plants and people to grow

Host: Amina Begum, Community Engagement Co-Ordinator

Amina lives in and works with the community to instill the understanding that everyone plays a role in science. Despite lacking a science background, she discovered her role through The Living Centre located next door Before the Centre, Amina felt that “people like me couldn’t walk through those doors” because she was “born into poverty, had brown skin and a head scarf ” Amina has now been an employee with The Crick since 2021, working to inspire and encourage the community to embrace science.

The Francis Crick Institute, established in 2016, is a leading biomedical discovery institute dedicated to understanding the biology underlying health and disease. Housing 1,500 scientists and support staff, The Crick is at the forefront of research, with a majority of labs using genome editing tools.

Takeaways:

There was a community vote to see if a biomanufacturing facility was desired Event team works with Exhibition & Research and focuses on engaging people within a 1-mile radius. Be prepared for trial and error to get programming right (takes time to connect) 40 people are on the Public Engagement team. Take scientists out in the community; encourage scientists to volunteer time to share information

Programs

The Community Engagement team has created a variety of science based programs that allow people to feel safe and welcomed. Offerings include:

Curiosity Mornings (with coffee for adults)

Science Stories (specifically for moms)

Community Chest (grant opportunity for organizations)

Vaccination Clinic Apprenticeships and Work Experiences

The Cut + Paste Exhibition initiates discussions about science. Specifically designed programs aim to create a sense of comfort, encouraging individuals to envision themselves as scientists The displayed exhibits vary based on The Crick’s annual focus. Cut + Paste, centered on cell and gene editing, was open to the public from February to December 2023. The next exhibition will focus on the brain. Admission to the exhibition is free.

Exhibition Overview

Guide to exhibition language: Definitions for terms found within the exhibition

Access resources: Includes an easy-to-read guide, large print guide, tactile guide, magnifying glasses, colored overlays, and noise-canceling headphones

Introduction: Big questions - your answers Guests are invited to think about genome editing ethics, ask their questions, and have a say.

What are you made of? Colorful text display

What is genome editing? Colorful text display

Pass it down: Think about your traits, tastes, and talents What have you inherited? What would you pass on?

Roll the dice: Where do you draw the line? Roll the dice, match the picture with a gene-editing topic, and grab a ping pong ball to cast your vote Options include: no way; I don’t think so; hmm not sure; okay with me; or bring it on!

Record here / Make your mark: Invite guests to write, draw, or record their reflections and questions

Testimony

“The tears that I cried [while touring Cut + Paste] weren’t just for me but for all of the others who think that it’s impossible to be a part of ground-breaking initiatives, innovations, and science that can change lives. Many times, there was no hope in sight until others took me under their wings They saw in me that which I couldn’t see in myself and ensured “people like me” could find their own wings and fly away!” - Dr Danielle Davis

The People’s Museum: A Space for Us is a space to preserve local voice and the area; to celebrate an incredible ‘radical, reformers and rebels’ histories, to record the change now, as well as to campaign and preserve local working-class heritage

Somers Town, an area facing huge development pressures, is changing rapidly The museum is set up to preserve an area that feels at risk of extinction.

Programs:

Walks & Visits: custom guided walks

Film: a record of social history

Publications: fantastic tales of St. Pancras

Save our Art: restoring 1930s ceramics

Artworks: exhibitions and murals

Testimony:

“The People’s Museum was fantastic, but it was obviously something created organically, so not something anyone other than a dynamic, passionate resident could really create Part of its charm is that it’s kind of weathered and duct-taped together That said, perhaps the Community Engagement Center could incorporate some photos and stories about [Greater] Hazelwood history into its décor.”

Delegates traveled from London to Newcastle on a 3hour and 11-minute train ride This experience underscored the growing necessity for improved public transportation in Greater Hazelwood and Pittsburgh at large

Hosts: Jennine Jonczyk, NICA Program Manager

Catherine Butcher, Voice Community Manager

NICA provides aging consultancy, intelligence, and innovation for business opportunities related to longevity economies. Their mission is to “add intelligence to aging and longevity ”

Voice is a diverse, thriving international network of thousands of citizens of all ages, embedded in NICA.

Takeaways:

Newcastle is referred to as a “Goldilocks City ”

Voice started off as a small initiative by a group of faculty within the medical sciences at Newcastle University The team recognized that people needed to be involved in the research to have a better understanding of lived experiences

There is a robust, efficient platform for universities to post research projects to recruit research participants

Voice attracts a lot of retired people from middle-class, well-educated backgrounds and is becoming more diverse as they continue to grow.

In the city centre, there is Grainger Market, which brings a diverse group of people from all backgrounds. Working with City Council to use one of their retail spaces in the market to do public engagement around dementia

Realized people can be difficult to reach.

Helping businesses to develop products and services that aid in longevity For example, a community toolbox with a digital headset that measures emotions, and monitors that measure air pollution

Hosts: John Seager, Estates Director Rebecca Crow, Health and Life Sciences Senior Sector Lead

The Helix is a 24-acre, hybrid city quarter in the centre of Newcastle. Previously, the site was a brewery The site is now being revitalized for international tech and science businesses, the local community, and residents. The focus is on data science, urban science, and life science.

Takeaways:

In response to community members expressing difficulty navigating the complex, a welcome center was integrated into the site. The design, reminiscent of a circus tent, adds a distinctive and easily recognizable touch

Inside is a timeline with pictures sharing more about the development and buildings

Miniature model provides a helpful bird’s-eye view:

Dark Blue: Residential

Light Blue: University

Green: Commercial

Yellow: Undeveloped

White: Offices

Orange: Heat/Power Center

The Helix is targeted at 21- to 34-year-old adults, specifically post-graduate students

Unsociable youth conduct forced site managers to increase security, further alienating residents. Leasing space offers affordability and ample room

The Biosphere

The BioSphere is an ideal home for ambitious companies in life sciences, healthcare, and biotechnology. The site opened in November of 2018 at 90,000 sq-ft. There are 22 companies with more than 500 people employed; they are already looking to expand due to success.

“If the site only exists as an Oasis of white coats, then we have failed ” - Rebecca Crow

Children North East

Luke Bramhall, Lorna Nicoll

A regional charity that works with infants, children, and young people in their families, schools, and communities to ensure they grow up to be healthy and happy

35% of children in the North East live in poverty

Created Poverty Proofing services as a response

The goal is to get rid of the thing that is causing poverty All organizations should be thinking about the effects of poverty

Tyne & Wear Citizens (UK)

Claire Rodgerson, Wendy McConnell

A broad-based community organization that is working to tackle injustices in local communities and bring about change. Hyper-local to national campaigning.

“Lots of good people, doing lots of good things, but are powerless if working in silos ” - Claire

Method: conversations > common theme identified > workshops > create solutions for winnable campaigns

West End Schools‘ Trust

Helen Thomson, Sam Robson

A foundation trust of eight primary schools with ~3,000 children that organize to tackle injustices in local communities and bring about change (ages of 3 months and 11 years old)

STEMTASTIC!: students go to Center for Life museum and engage in STEM learning and programming

Success for All: double-decker bus with science equipment on board

Newcastle University

Liz Todd, Liz Shutt, Rachel Brown, Karen Laing, Helen Jarvis

Community-university relationships: what do community organizations including schools want from universities?

The more we recognize the different drivers, the more we can identify the gaps and create solutions University incentives are different from community incentives. Consider ”living experience.”

Help the community understand the important role of a university Adjust jargon to be less academic Looking for leaders who share similar values and can navigate the unique challenges we face in this space

Hosts: Sajda Nawaz-Bhatti, Eleanor Sparkes, Robin Beveridge, Laura Choake, Victoria Powell

Home to more than 2.6 million people, Newcastle upon Tyne is a city and metropolitan borough in Tyne and Wear, England

Takeaways:

78 Councilors representing 26 Wards in the City

Two city-centre Universities cater to a combined student population of 55,000.

Hub of the National Innovation Centres for Data and Aging

Three key priorities:

Tackling poverty

Cost of living crisis

Net zero carbon

Working to develop a city plan and vision.

Host: Jane Robinson, the University‘s first Pro-Vice Chancellor of Engagement and Place at Newcastle University

Position Overview: In her role, Jane surveys at what is done in education, research, and operations to amplify and maximize community She sits on the executive board and fosters global place-based partnerships.

There is a lot of activity happening in the communities through local organizations and schools. The university is trying to create conditions to help this happen more easily For example, providing funding for activities

“We aim to embed a culture of engagement across the University and make it easier for external partners to engage with us.”

Newcastle United Foundation is an independent registered charity using the power of “football” to connect, motivate, and inspire people in the region Through community, education, health and wellbeing, and sports programs delivered across Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, and Gateshead, the Foundation strives to improve physical and mental health, boost learning and career prospects, and provide life-changing opportunities for everyone no matter their goals in life

Newcastle United Foundation recently supported the opening of a community hub, NUCASTLE. This facility provides sporting activities and facilities that can be booked by individuals or groups They are also the host venue for numerous Foundation programs and free community sessions for adults and children.

Takeaways:

NUCASTLE opening hours: 8 a m to 9:30 p m

Visitors of all ages can use available amenities across three floors, including a multi-purpose sports hall, activity studio, STEM classroom, esports studio, and a spectacular rooftop football pitch.

Offer “ warm hubs” a free place for families to hang out, use Wi-Fi, do activities, and use facilities like showers discreetly.

Commercial renting of facilities is offered to help support hard costs of running the facility For example, esports birthday parties

Instead of presenting STEM education as a separate and distinct subject, the idea is to embed it within the context of something that young people are already enthusiastic about in this case, sports

Testimony:

“We toured a new community center in the neighborhood funded and run by the Newcastle United Foundation which has successfully engaged the local population, both as users and as staff, bringing important services to families and children.” - Abby Horn

HEIDI WARD, MBA

“I truly believe that travelers seek bridges, not walls. This site visit allowed us to lean into this guiding principle as we persist in our exploration of community and life sciences opportunities ”

SIERRA MASON, MID

“Traveling to England was such a joy! I am grateful for the time and space we had to learn and grow together as a coalition ”

SONYA TILGHMAN ABBY HORN

“The Newcastle United Foundation was probably the best part of the trip, especially the esports programming. It allows local kids to engage with university students and people all over the world – sneaking learning and broadening cultural horizons into playing video games ”

“Being able to draw clear parallels between what we saw in New Castle and what is possible in [Greater] Hazelwood, as well as what to avoid, had a big impact on my thinking and approach moving forward ”

DR. DANIELLE DAVIS

“I want to start off by saying the opportunity to join you on this trip was life-changing... I saw myself in so many of the individuals that we met and now being able to provide this same level of support keeps me humbled ”

DANIELLE CHAYKOWSKY

“Being able to learn from each other felt super powerful. Significant connections were not only relevant to the BioForge project but also to my own organization I was able to come back and speak with my staff about what I learned and saw to spark inspiration through my experiences ”

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Pitt has been a collaborator in the Greater Hazelwood community for 25 years. Pitt is also a powerhouse in the life sciences, leveraging cutting-edge biomedical research

Notable outcomes from our community-university partnerships include an enduring relationship with Center of Life, through which the KRUNK Movement public health rap initiative was created; capacity-building with the Hazelwood Initiative; medication consultations; senior programming; air quality monitors; and much more.

Explore Pitt’s history in Greater Hazelwood: community.pitt.edu/hazelwoodhistory

To align with community-led efforts, we are identifying educational and economic benefits in the emerging life sciences industry, such as educational support, intergenerational programming, innovative health assessments, and more.

Learn more about Pitt’s Greater Hazelwood Neighborhood Commitment at community.pitt.edu/hazelwood

Thank you to everyone who made this opportunity possible!