Luton residents invited to help shape the town’s future through new ‘Resident Voices’ Project
A new community engagement initiative, Resident Voices: Luton, is inviting eight to 10 residents to take part in an hour-long discussion at The Hat Factory on Monday, November 30.
Led by Venesa Coodien of Leading Luton, the initiative aims to create opportunities for residents to share their experiences, identify local priorities and explore how they would like to be involved in decisions and research affecting their communities.
The first session will take place from 3pm to 4pm and will focus on three questions: What is good about Luton? What does Luton need? And how would you like to be involved in shaping change within your community?
The project recognises that while residents have valuable knowledge and ideas about their neighbourhoods, not everyone has the opportunity or confidence to contribute to consultations and other formal engagement activities.
Rather than relying solely on traditional meetings and surveys, Resident Voices will explore how different approaches can make participation more accessible, welcoming and meaningful.
Vanessa Coodien said: “We all have something to say about Luton. We know what makes this town special, we know where things could be better, and we all have ideas about what we would like to see happen.
“But we need to make sure we’re creating opportunities for people to share those views, including people who wouldn’t normally put themselves forward for a consultation or attend a council meeting.
“This is about having a proper conversation, listening to residents and understanding how they want to be involved. We don’t want to just ask people for their opinions and leave it at that. We want to understand how to involve people in a way that works for them.”
The first discussion will help the project explore which engagement methods residents prefer and what would encourage them to participate in future community conversations and public health research.
Participants will receive a shopping voucher in recognition of their time. Places are limited, and residents must register their interest in advance. A place will be confirmed by the organisers.
Residents interested in taking part can register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/leadinglutoncohortcic/2483056
The project forms part of a wider effort to strengthen public and community involvement in public health research, helping ensure that diverse voices and lived experiences can inform future priorities and approaches.
Event details
What: Resident Voices: Luton discussion group
When: Monday 30 November 2026, 3pm–4pm
Where: The Hat Factory, Luton
Who: Local residents interested in sharing their views and helping shape their community
Places: 8–10 residents
Recognition: Shopping voucher
Registration: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/leadinglutoncohortcic/2483056