Re-imagining Door 84: Empowering Communities Through Participatory Research

Explore the collaborative research conducted with Door 84, a cornerstone of community engagement for young people and nestled in The Groves district of York. The project was funded by the ISJ’s Community Research Grants

Also – scroll down to see what questions our ISJ Student Intern, Jess Dancer (third-year sociology), had for CRG Research Assistant Isobel Clare. 

A Vision for the Future: The Door 84 Research Project.Front entrance to Door 84 at The Groves.

For over 50 years, the youth centre has been much more than just a place for activities. It has served as a lifeline for children and young people, offering a safe, welcoming space to build friendships, develop life skills, and find support when needed. The ‘Re-imagining Door 84’ project sought to explore how young people, community members, and stakeholders engage with Door 84 and envision its future. By engaging in participatory research, the project captured the voices of those who use the centre and empowered them to co-create the research process itself. In doing so, the project highlighted the significance of community-driven research in fostering social justice and creating meaningful change.

Empowering Young People: A Co-creation of Knowledge.

Central to the project was a commitment to empowering young people through participatory research. Over six months, youth researchers at Door 84 were trained in research methodologies, equipping them with the tools to engage their peers and community members in meaningful research activities. These young researchers were instrumental in developing surveys, mapping exercises, and suggestion boards, and conducting interviews with a wide range of stakeholders—from local residents to educators and city councillors. This co-creation of knowledge allowed young people to directly shape the research, ensuring that their experiences and aspirations were at the forefront of the project.

Through this process, the research team sought to answer the central question: How do users and other community members engage with, imagine, and re-imagine Door 84 and The Groves? By prioritising the voices of those who may often be marginalised or overlooked, the project gave young people a unique opportunity to influence the future of the place they call home.

Community Engagement and the Role of Door 84.

The research revealed Door 84’s significant role as a community hub, offering vital services and creating spaces for people to connect. It is clear that the centre was more than just a physical location; it was a network that facilitated relationships between individuals, local services, and the broader community infrastructure of The Groves and beyond.

Data collected from participatory mapping exercises and informal conversations highlighted how Door 84 serves a diverse array of people. For many, Door 84 is not just a youth club, but a sanctuary that offers support, food, and a sense of belonging. However, the research also revealed challenges around accessibility and inclusivity that must be addressed to ensure its future sustainability.

Key Findings: Understanding the Impact.

1. Vital Services for Underserved Communities:

Door 84 plays an indispensable role in meeting the needs of underserved members of The Groves and beyond. Many of those who frequent the centre come from York’s most disadvantaged wards, highlighting Door 84’s essential role in reducing social isolation and providing access to services that may not otherwise be available.

2. Building Connections:

Door 84 functions as a connector—a place where relationships are formed. Many rely on Door 84 as a gateway to other local resources, and for some, it is the bridge to a more supportive, inclusive social network.

3. Desire for Expansion: The research found strong support among users for expanding the range of activities and sessions offered at Door 84. Stakeholders expressed a desire for more Youth and Community Sparks sessions throughout the week, as well as more diverse offerings aimed at other underserved community groups, such as neurodiverse young people, elderly residents, and families with young children. There is a clear demand for Door 84 to increase its reach and inclusivity.

Notice board at Door 84 with 'What would you change about Door 84?' at centre

4. The Need for Accessible Spaces: Increasing accessibility was a recurring theme throughout the research. Participants suggested that the physical space at Door 84 could be adapted to better accommodate more diverse groups and to ensure inclusivity.

5. Diverse Understandings of ‘Community’:

Perhaps one of the most important findings was the nuanced understanding of ‘community’ among those who engage with Door 84. While some people feel that Door 84 fosters a strong sense of community, others were more ambivalent, feeling that they were not fully included in the wider social fabric of The Groves or York. The findings advocate for increasing Door 84’s reach and enhancing its role as an inclusive community hub.

Recommendations for Door 84’s Future:

1. Expand and Diversify Programs:

Door 84 should continue to offer its current services while expanding the range of activities on offer. This includes increasing the frequency of Youth and Community Sparks sessions and offering more targeted sessions for specific community groups.

2. Increase Accessibility:

Making the space more accessible, both physically and in terms of programming, will help ensure that everyone in The Groves and beyond can benefit from what Door 84 has to offer.

3. Raise Awareness and Strengthen Partnerships:

Outreach to local groups and better promotion of the centre’s programs will help to ensure that more people take advantage of the services available. Additionally, strengthening partnerships with other local organisations and ensuring they are fully aware of the value that Door 84 provides, will help secure the resources necessary to sustain and expand its work.

4. Invest in Staff and Volunteers:

To maintain the high quality of services at Door 84, it is vital to invest in staff and volunteers. Building strong, long-term relationships with those who access the centre is key to fostering a sense of community and belonging. Volunteers, in particular, should be supported and encouraged to commit for significant periods to build these crucial connections.

Inside Door 84: A student intern led interview with Research Assistant, Isobel Clare. 

“Could you tell me about your experience researching door 84 – why were you interested in this project in particular?”

My interest in researching Door 84 stemmed from my ongoing commitment to social justice and community-based research, particularly with marginalised groups. What particularly drew me to this project was the chance to collaborate with young people, supporting them in co-creating their own research projects. This participatory approach aligned with my passion for youth engagement and allowed me to explore how research can be a tool for empowerment.  

“Which research methods did you use and why?”

Participatory ethnography was the core research method, engaging directly with Door 84 visitors and community members in The Groves through regular attendance at various sessions, including Youth Sessions, the Community Café and Pantry, and Community Sparks. We facilitated collaborative research practices by supporting Youth Researchers in co-creating their own research projects and by engaging participants in informal conversations and participatory activities. This approach allowed us to gather rich, community-driven insights into how different groups interact with and envision the broader future of Door 84. 

 “What are some of the highlights you took from this project?”

A highlight of the project was working closely with the Youth Researchers to co-create and conduct research. It was especially rewarding to help them explore complex ethical issues, like informed consent, and how it evolves in long-term research. This led to a key outcome: a board game they co-designed, which educates others on the ethical challenges researchers face. The process not only deepened the Youth Researchers’ understanding of ethics but also gave them a creative tool to share their learning and spark discussions on informed consent in research.  

 “Was there anything about this project that you found particularly challenging?”

 One of the key challenges of this project was conducting research in busy, dynamic environments like the Youth Sessions and the Community Café and Pantry at Door 84, where there were often large numbers of people engaging in various activities. These environments were vibrant and full of energy, which made it difficult at times to maintain focus on data collection and manage the logistics of observation.  Moreover, the diversity of participants—from young people to adults, carers, and community members—meant that we had to be adaptable in our approach to data collection.

“Why do you think it is important to have research projects focused on topics like this?”

Research projects like this are crucial because they centre the lived experiences of marginalised communities and help ensure that their voices are heard in discussions about the future of the spaces and services they rely on. Focusing on youth and community engagement in participatory ethnographic research not only allows community members to actively shape the research process but also empowers them to become advocates for their own needs and aspirations. 

“After identifying areas for improvement (like accessibility or expansion), do you get the chance to see your recommendations lead to positive change?”

Yes, particularly around accessibility and the desire for expansion, have been presented in a way that Door 84 could use to advocate for further funding and support to bring these changes to life. We’re hopeful that the recommendations will help secure the resources needed to improve Door 84.

 “How did you get into this type of research?”

 My PhD focused on social justice and disadvantage, specifically exploring women’s experiences with county lines in North Yorkshire and York. Through this work, I developed a deep interest in community-based research, particularly with marginalised and underserved groups. This project at Door 84 allowed me to build on that passion, focusing on how communities engage with vital services and spaces like Door 84, and the role of participatory research in centring the voices of those who are often excluded from broader conversations about social change and community development. 

“Do you have any advice for students who would like to get into this type of thing?”

 My advice for students interested in research is to be led by the issues that they are passionate about. Researching with marginalised and underserved communities requires patience, empathy, and a strong ethical foundation. It’s important to approach your work with a flexible and collaborative mindset, seeing community members not just as subjects but as contributors with valuable insights. Engage deeply with the communities you’re studying, build trust, and be adaptable in your methods. Participatory approaches, like ethnography, often require flexibility in dynamic, busy environments, and they involve navigating complex ethical challenges, especially around consent and ongoing involvement. These challenges can be incredibly rewarding, as they help you grow as both a researcher and an advocate for change. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact, focus on listening, learning, and building relationships—it’s the heart of the research process. 

“Why should students consider giving research a go?”

 Students should consider giving research a go because it offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the world. Research, especially when it’s community-based and participatory, allows you to actively contribute to social change by amplifying the voices of those who are often underrepresented or overlooked. It provides a chance to explore complex, real-world issues—like social justice, inequality, and community development—in ways that go beyond theory. 

In addition, research teaches invaluable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making. It encourages you to think deeply about the impact of your work and how to approach challenges in creative, collaborative ways.

Conclusion: A Lifeline for The Groves and Beyond

The Re-imagining Door 84 research project has reaffirmed the vital role that Door 84 plays in The Groves and across York. However, as the research shows, there is a pressing need to expand and adapt its services to better meet the diverse needs of the community.

In a time when many community and youth spaces are disappearing, Door 84 stands as a beacon of hope and connection. To ensure it continues to serve those who need it most, the centre must be supported, both financially and through stronger collaborations with local partners. By empowering young people, listening to the community, and re-imagining its future, Door 84 can continue to be a place where everyone—young and old, from all walks of life—can find a sense of belonging.