The Importance of Research

Building Strong Foundations

Research is the backbone of every project. Without it, stories lack depth, messages lose credibility, and impact is limited. A strong foundation of research ensures that our work is accurate, meaningful, and effective in driving real change.

Before any project begins, we need to fully understand the issue we are addressing. This means listening to those with lived experience, gathering data, and learning from past work. Research helps us see the bigger picture—what has already been done, what gaps exist, and how our project can make a difference.

A well-researched project gives credibility to the stories we share. It ensures that our exhibitions and campaigns are not just emotional, but also factual and impactful. Research allows us to back up personal stories with data, making them even harder to ignore.

Funders and collaborators need to see that a project is not just a good idea, but a well-planned and well-researched initiative. They need to know that we’ve done the groundwork—spoken to the right people, assessed the need, and planned for real outcomes. Without research, it’s difficult to gain the trust and support needed to bring a project to life.

Every project evolves, and research helps guide its direction. It ensures that we are addressing the right issues in the right way. It allows us to adapt when new information comes to light and ensures that we remain responsive to the needs of the people we aim to support.

Every person who shares their story with us is trusting us to represent them truthfully and respectfully. Research helps us honour that trust by ensuring accuracy, context, and a deeper understanding of the challenges they face.

This is why research is at the heart of everything we do. It transforms ideas into action, strengthens the voices we amplify, and ensures that every project we create has the power to make a real difference.

The Role of Research

Research in Planning and Development

Research is the foundation of every project we create. Before a project begins, we conduct in-depth research to understand the issue, identify key voices, and assess the potential impact. This involves speaking with people who have lived experience, consulting with experts, and reviewing existing studies, reports, and data.

Thorough research helps us shape each project with accuracy, sensitivity, and purpose. It ensures that the stories we share are not just powerful but also grounded in fact. It also helps us identify gaps—what has been done before, what is missing, and how our work can make a meaningful contribution.

However, research is not just a step in the planning process—it is ongoing. As a project develops, we continue to explore new insights, listen to different perspectives, and refine our approach. This flexibility allows us to respond to emerging issues and ensure that each project remains relevant and impactful.

UNSEEN ECHOES - Objects of Domestic Abuse | Photography Project & Exhibition
st albans photography gallery community

Ongoing Research: Gathering Data and Stories

Once a project is underway, we actively gather more information to strengthen our work. This might include sending out surveys, conducting interviews, or collecting feedback to gain deeper insights into the subject matter. These methods allow us to capture real stories and experiences, adding depth and authenticity to our exhibitions and campaigns.

Our exhibitions themselves also play a crucial role in research. By engaging with visitors and capturing their reactions, thoughts, and feedback, we gain valuable insight into how people respond to the issues we present. Many exhibitions spark new conversations, leading to ideas for future projects or revealing new areas that need further exploration.

The research we collect is not just for our own use—we share it whenever possible. We understand that research takes time, and by making our findings accessible, we can support others working in the same space. Whether it’s shaping a new project, informing funding applications, or helping other organisations and individuals, we believe that knowledge should be open and shared.

Research is more than just gathering information—it is a tool for education, advocacy, and collaboration. The more we understand, the more we can do to create real change.

Research is more than just gathering information.

It’s about listening, understanding, and using knowledge to drive real change.

Research for Everyone

Take It, Use It, Build on It

We believe that research should be shared, not hidden. If any of our findings, insights, or data can support your work, feel free to use them. Research is most powerful when it leads to action, and by sharing what we’ve learned, we hope to contribute to wider discussions, new projects, and meaningful change.

At the same time, we are always looking to learn more. If you have information that could support one of our projects, ideas, or exhibitions, we would love to hear from you. Whether you have personal insights, research findings, or resources that could help strengthen our work, please get in touch.

Collaboration and shared knowledge are at the heart of what we do. The more we listen, learn, and connect, the greater the impact we can make—together.

our research

Causes of Youth Homelessness

Youth homelessness is a growing concern in the UK and worldwide. Thousands of young people find themselves without a stable home each year, often due to circumstances beyond their control. Understanding the root causes of youth homelessness is essential for developing effective solutions and prevention strategies.

This report examines the key factors contributing to youth homelessness, categorising them into personal, structural, and systemic causes. It highlights how different factors interact, leading to housing instability among young people.

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Solutions and Recommendations for Tackling Youth Homelessness

Youth homelessness remains a significant challenge in the UK, affecting thousands of young people each year. While various government policies, charities, and community initiatives have sought to address the issue, many young people continue to experience housing insecurity, poverty, and lack of support.

This report outlines comprehensive solutions and recommendations to effectively reduce youth homelessness. These solutions focus on prevention, intervention, and long-term support, ensuring that young people can access stable housing, education, and employment.

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Dementia in Hertfordshire

Dementia is one of the most pressing health and social care challenges in the UK today, affecting nearly one million people nationwide. In Hertfordshire, it is estimated that around 16,000 people are currently living with dementia. With a county population of approximately 1.2 million, and over 220,000 residents aged 65 and above, the impact of dementia is being felt across families, care services, and communities.

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Youth Homelessness in the UK

Youth homelessness is a significant social issue in the UK, affecting thousands of young people each year. Many find themselves without stable accommodation due to family breakdown, abuse, mental health struggles, or financial hardship. Despite government efforts, charities, and social programmes aimed at tackling the issue, the number of young people at risk of homelessness remains alarmingly high.

This report examines the causes, scale, impact, and solutions related to youth homelessness in the UK, with a focus on key statistics, government policies, and the role of charitable organisations.

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Government Response and Policies on Youth Homelessness

Youth homelessness is a pressing social issue in the UK, with thousands of young people experiencing housing instability each year. The UK government has implemented several policies and initiatives to address the problem, focusing on prevention, intervention, and long-term solutions. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, and many young people continue to struggle with homelessness.

This report examines the key government responses and policies aimed at tackling youth homelessness, assessing their effectiveness and highlighting areas for improvement.

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Dementia in the UK: The Human Impact

Dementia is a life-changing condition affecting almost a million people in the UK, impacting their independence, identity, and daily life. This report focuses on the personal experiences of those living with dementia, the challenges they face, and the support available to help them maintain quality of life for as long as possible.

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our Surveys

Volunteer Experience & Motivation

This quick survey is part of a project by The Narrator’s Lens CIC and the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, exploring what motivates volunteers and what support they need.
It only takes a few minutes – your insight could help shape a better experience for others

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Barriers to Volunteering

This quick survey is part of a project by The Narrator’s Lens CIC and the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, exploring what holds people back from volunteering and what might help them get started.
It only takes a few minutes – and your answers could shape better opportunities for others.

Take Part »

Perceptions of Volunteering

This short questionnaire explores how people view volunteering – what it means, who does it, and why.
It’s part of a project by The Narrator’s Lens CIC in partnership with the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire.
You don’t need to be a volunteer to take part – just share your thoughts.
It only takes a few minutes and helps shape future campaigns and community projects.

Take Part »

Get in Touch

If you would like to work with us in any way or simply have a chat, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

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