Splodge Four: My CollaborACTION Journey with Ade Johnson - Coventry Central Hall Business Development Manager

My CollaborACTION Journey – by Ade Johnson

I write this reflection fresh from a two-day doctoral-level course in Participatory Action Research (PAR), held at Durham University and hosted by the Centre for Social Justice and Community Action in collaboration with the UK Participatory Research Network.

I attended as a community developer, deeply curious about how research can truly serve society — not just through publications, but by creating impact that is felt, not just measured. Over the years, I’ve been on a journey searching for research that is rooted in real life: flexible, cyclical, accessible — and most importantly — participatory. Research that honours lived experience and shifts power to communities.

The kind that refuses to separate the “researcher” from the “researched”, “the academic” from the “Activist.” I walked into the training thinking I had an open mind. I left realising that an open mind is not a static state — it’s a door you keep learning to hold open. I'm now more determined than ever to keep walking through it.

About Me

I'm Ade Johnson, though many in the Coventry community know me simply as Chief AJ. I serve as the Development Manager at Coventry Central Hall, where my role is to build partnerships and strengthen the foundation of our community hub so that it remains a vibrant and relevant space for the next hundred years. This means staying connected to the evolving needs of our local people — and to partners across businesses, universities, charities, faith groups, and more. This is where CollaborACTION comes in.

The Roots Beneath the Forest

Before CollaborACTION had a name, its spirit was already growing — like the roots of a forest spreading beneath the surface, connecting trees to share nutrients. That’s how I think about community partnerships: unseen connections that nourish growth and resilience. CollaborACTION is a manifestation of this. It centres community engagement, honours local knowledge, mobilises shared resources, and sparks knowledge exchange in a way that truly matters.

Knowledge Action Partnership (WMKAPRE) :Link opens in a new window

This partnership for Race Equity was born out of a powerful collaboration with Dr Abimbola Ayorinde from the Warwick Medical School. What began as a conversation turned into a movement — one that brought together voices from across the community.

Impact:

• Became a guest lecturer at Warwick Medical School.
• Facilitated volunteering placements for medical students at Coventry Central Hall.
• Supported students to organise a community pop-up clinic.
• Presented at the BMJ Conference and Annual Scientific Meeting.

Public Engagement with Engineering, Technology & Management [Read more]

This 3-year pilot emerged from a conversation with Ninna Makrinov. We've hosted a co-creation workshop and an online pitching session.

Impact:

• Built connections between academia and the community.
• Improved practical and professional skills in participants.
• Led to my attendance at the Participatory Action Research training at Durham.

Cosy Creatives 2.0 – Warwick Arts Centre Partnership.Link opens in a new window

The Warwick Arts Centre joined our creative community project, helping to shape its structure while maintaining grassroots authenticity.

Impact:

• Enhanced the professional delivery of our project.
• Led to my invitation to the Warwick Arts Centre Advisory Board.
• Facilitated a meeting with the University's Chancellor.

The BENEFICIAL Study (Energy, Health & Home Improvements)

A collaboration with Lory Barile and others to study energy efficiency and health outcomes. Shortlisted for major funding.

Impact:

• Builds bridges across sectors — from research to policy.
• Focuses on climate justice and health equity.
• Strengthens collaboration between university, council, and community.

Final Reflections I’ve come to believe that participatory research isn’t a method — it’s a mindset. One that honours complexity. One that’s okay with mess. One that sees power as something to share, not hold.

CollaborACTION is a practice. A daily commitment. And a challenge to the traditional ways of doing research and development. It is about stepping into the unknown with curiosity, integrity, and trust.

I hope this blog has shown not only what I’ve done, but more importantly, what we have done — together. Let’s keep collaborating. Let’s keep acting. Let’s keep the roots connected.