ENGAGING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
At Arloesi Dolgellau, learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms or workshops. We spend time talking with people, running small focus groups, and creating simple ways for the community to share what they know about living, working, and spending time in and around Dolgellau.
That local knowledge helps us understand what matters to people and what works in practice. We use what we learn to shape our research, test ideas, and design activities that are rooted in real experience.
Sometimes this looks like a walk and a chat. Sometimes it’s a discussion around a table. Sometimes it’s a wider community conversation about climate, health, or the future of the town.
This page brings together the ways you can get involved right now — from our Climate Conversation Fund to research projects and one-off focus groups.
We’re taking part in a Health Data Research project, funded by the UK Government, that explores how local environments support health, wellbeing, and everyday activity.
Walking is one of the simplest ways to stay active — but where people walk, how safe or enjoyable those routes feel, and how accessible they are can make a big difference. Local knowledge matters here, and that’s where this project starts.
We’re inviting local residents to join a friendly, informal focus group to help identify and discuss walking routes in and around Dolgellau.
Together, we’ll explore questions like:
Which routes do people actually use — and why?
What makes a walk feel welcoming, safe, or enjoyable?
Where are the barriers, gaps, or missed opportunities?
How might local insights help shape better health and planning decisions?
Your experiences will contribute to a wider research effort looking at how health data, place, and lived experience can work together to support healthier communities — while keeping people’s voices at the centre.
You don’t need any specialist knowledge to take part — just an interest in walking, wellbeing, or the future of Dolgellau.
MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
This is one of several engagement activities we’re running this year, alongside our Climate Conversation Fund and other community-led focus groups. Each creates space for open discussion, shared learning, and practical action rooted in local priorities.
Check back here regularly — or follow us on social media — to see what’s coming up next.