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Lifeafterhummus Community Benefit Society
Thanks to a team of 50 local volunteers supporting a small team of 3 people we run a surplus foodbank very close to UCL campuses in Somers Town (NW1 1ES) just north of the Euston Road behind the British Library. We collect surplus from circa 45 local supermarkets and stores every week using a mixture of hand carts, bicycle trailers, cargo bike and cars. This surplus is sorted thru at our surplus…
Description

Join us for our Somers Town Community Evidence & Policy Impact project

The Research Volunteering programme through the Community Research Initiative gives YOU the power to take your research and classroom skills out into the community to create a positive social impact. Through our bite size projects, you’ll work with a group of interdisciplinary peers and organisational allies to tackle a project that will draw on your research skills. These projects are flexible and designed with students in mind to give you amazing experience to fuel your CV, explore new skills, and meet other likeminded students. Each opportunity is unique, make sure to check out our page for more information.

All about the organisation

We’re a small team supported by around 50 amazing local volunteers who help us run a surplus foodbank right next to UCL in Somers Town. Every week, we collect surplus food from about 45 supermarkets and shops using hand carts, bike trailers, cargo bikes and cars. All this food—around 15 tonnes every quarter—is sorted and shared with 80 local households, plus 11 hostels, an after‑school club and a church group. Much of our work is low‑carbon thanks to our transport methods, and nearly half the people we support are children. Most of our community are Somali and Bengali families, many with English as an additional language, and rising living costs mean demand is higher than ever. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and we ask for an intersectional, respectful approach and a regular weekly or fortnightly shift. You can find out more on our Instagram.

A bit about the project

This project gives you the chance to support Lifeafterhummus—a grassroots organisation championing the needs of Somers Town residents—by helping turn community voices into evidence that can influence real policy decisions. You’ll analyse focus group findings, explore past community research, and investigate local government policies to identify a key issue affecting the neighbourhood. Then you’ll help develop a clear, solutions‑focused report that can be delivered directly to Camden Council and other public bodies to advocate for long‑term, community‑led change.

What can I expect from this opportunity?
  • Analyse real focus group data from Somers Town residents.
  • Explore previous community research on housing, planning, redevelopment, and food systems.
  • Investigate local government policy documents and priorities.
  • Conduct quantitative research on costs, feasibility, and long‑term solutions.
  • Draft a clear, accessible report aimed at decision‑makers.
  • Gain experience in community advocacy and evidence‑based campaigning.
How will my work on this project impact the community?
  • Help ensure residents’ concerns are heard by Camden Council and other public bodies.
  • Support long‑term, sustainable solutions to issues affecting Somers Town.
  • Strengthen Lifeafterhummus’ ability to advocate for fair housing, planning, and community development.
  • Provide evidence that can influence policy decisions and resource allocation.
  • Amplify the voices of a community often overlooked in redevelopment processes.
Duties

What key tasks are the volunteers responsible?

Analyse Focus Group Findings & Past Research
  • Review new focus group transcripts to identify recurring concerns.
  • Explore previous Lifeafterhummus reports on housing, planning, and food waste.
  • Use qualitative theme clustering to identify the most pressing community issue.
Conduct Further Research on the Identified Issue
  • Review local government policy documents, mission statements, and strategic priorities.
  • Explore quantitative data on costs, feasibility, and long‑term impact.
  • Identify potential solutions that align with both community needs and council priorities.
Develop a Clear, Evidence‑Based Report
  • Summarise findings in a structured, accessible format for policymakers.
  • Highlight the issue, why it matters, and what solutions are viable.
  • Ensure the report reflects community voices and is grounded in evidence.

What skills will I practice and develop during this experience?

  • Qualitative analysis, including theme identification and interpretation.
  • Literature reviewing, especially policy and community research.
  • Advocacy writing, crafting reports aimed at councils and public bodies.
  • Quantitative reasoning, exploring feasibility and cost‑based solutions.
  • Understanding community interests, especially in housing and redevelopment.
  • Professional communication, collaborating with grassroots organisers.
  • Policy awareness, learning how local government decisions are shaped.
Training
No training necessary but students may be able to sit in on focus groups if the opportunity arises and it would be appropriate

Time commitment

Projects apart of the CRIS Research Volunteering programme are intended to flex around your existing work and study commitments. The project should last no longer than 3-6 months once the project kicks off.

Approximate commitment 3 hours a week – flexible working; Bi-weekly progress updates (email); Monthly meeting check-ins (virtual)
Application deadline

This organisation is one of our community partner organisations.

Like all volunteer recruiters we work with, they have signed up to our service standards, agreeing to abide by our policy on partnership working to keep you safe and supported whilst you volunteer.

You’ll never be out of pocket for volunteering through us – with in-London travel expenses to and from your volunteering guaranteed.

In addition, the team here at Students’ Union UCL Volunteering Service is here to support you throughout your volunteering journey – you can get in touch with us at any time.