Part of our role within the Centre for Seldom Heard Voices is to use our platform to amplify seldom heard voices. In collaboration with the BU PIER (Public Involvement in Education and Research) partnership, we engage with many community groups, organisations, activists and campaigners who are conducting some wonderful work to promote inclusion and advance social justice across our region and further afield.
To amplify these voices we are introducing a spotlight series on our webpages and are introducing a new webinar series entitled: Community Voices. The inaugural webinar will introduce the South Dorset Research group whose aim is to draw attention to and find solutions to economic and social inequalities in West Dorset.
If you have an idea for a future community voices webinar or spotlight, please contact Mel Hughes: [email protected]
Forgotten Towns: Weymouth, Portland and the coastal economy
Wednesday 20th July 1-2pm, online via Zoom
Why have communities in South Dorset been ignored for decades? What accounts for the area’s status at the bottom of national indices for social mobility? Why do people in Weymouth & Portland feel “invisibilised” and silenced?
With a population of 80,000, Weymouth & Portland is the largest urban area in the Dorset Council area. Following abrupt collapse of local industry and three decades of continuous economic decline, its young people face a “cul-de-sac” effect of shrinking job opportunities and compelling pressures to leave Dorset. A report from South Dorset Research Group is the first focused attempt to address these issues. The webinar presents its findings and opens discussion on the “coastal economy” and its implications – especially for women and young people.
Speakers: Philip Marfleet and Jenny Lennon-Wood.
Philip Marfleet is Emeritus Professor of Social Science at the University of East London; Jenny Lennon-Wood is Secretary of Dorset Trades Union Council.
For further information or to book your place email [email protected]
