Groups of people across the Isles of Scilly have been invited to contribute to a major research project currently being undertaken by Cornwall Business School.
The 2-year European Social Funded Project, which commenced in January 2004, addresses issues of social identity and social exclusion in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The researchers (Dr Deborah Phillips, Dr Sue Child and Andy Knowles from Cornwall Business School near Camborne) have an interest in economic, business and social issues relating to geographical and individual marginalisation.
Islanders are being invited to take part in the research through either participation in small focus groups or one-to-one interviews. These are to be held in St Mary’s Town Hall on 28th and 29th September. Those interested in participating in a focus group discussion are invited to contact Andy Knowles at Cornwall Business School (email andy.knowles@cbs.ac.uk, telephone 07970 707065).
The researchers hope that by talking to as many islanders as possible, they will learn more about the unique geographical and social isolation of the islands.
Dr Phillips comments ‘We are very excited about this opportunity that we have to carry out research of this nature. All too often, researchers talk about the isolation that Cornwall experiences and within this, the Isles of Scilly are often excluded. This would seem to be a huge contradiction, when perhaps the islands themselves face the biggest issues with regard to social identity and social exclusion.?
The results of the research will be published next year and it is hoped the findings may influence changes to local social and economic policies. Interested islanders are invited to visit the research website at www.si-se.co.uk where they will be able to keep up to date with how the project unfolds.
For more information please contact: Lucy Ferguson, HE Marketing Manager, 01209 616391
– Press release from Cornwall Business School