News Release

Myths and realities of life in St. Ann's

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Economic & Social Research Council

About 300 residents from St. Ann's in Nottingham are expected to take part in a one day programme of interactive workshops during the Economic and Social Research Council's (ESRC) Festival of Social Science. The event, which will explore key local issues including drug use, poverty, migration, education and social division, has been organised by sociologists at the University of Nottingham as part of the university-wide 'Community Partnership' scheme.

On Saturday 13 March, over a cup of tea and some cake, residences can share information about drug and alcohol services, local schools and the history of the area they live in. The event is open to schoolchildren, parents, teachers, outreach workers, social workers and youth workers. The day will include a series of lively talks, along with several film and arts workshops on the broad theme of inequality. "Our aim is to enrich and share knowledge as well as understanding the myths and realities of life in St Ann's," says Dr Esther Bott, the event leader.

"There will be plenty going on," Esther Bott explains, "We will be screening a documentary about poverty in St Ann's in 1969; in addition there will be a photo project for young people on the theme of 'life' in the St Ann's community, which will be accompanied by an original soundtrack recorded by participants. Both of these activities will touch on live issues in the community and we hope that this graphic material will spur people on to take part in the discussions."

Speakers include Simon Woolley, founder and national co-ordinator of the influential organisation Operation Black Vote, Dr Esther Bott, Dr Nick Stevenson and Professor Julia O'Connell Davidson from the School of Sociology and Social Policy will lead a series of workshops on the Myths and Realities of Immigration, the War on Terror and Sex Trafficking.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

ESRC Press Office:
Danielle Moore (Tel: 01793 413122, email: danielle.moore@esrc.ac.uk)
Jeanine Woolley (Tel: 01793 413119, email: jeanine.woolley@esrc.ac.uk)
Out of office hours number - Tel: 07554 333336

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1.Myths, realities and everyday life: St Ann's and beyond
Organiser: School of Sociology and Social Policy, the University of Nottingham
Date: Saturday 13 March 10:00am - 4:00pm
Venue: Sycamore Centre, Hungerhill Road, St Ann's, Nottingham. NG3 4NB.
Audience: General audience
For further information: Myths, realities and everyday life: St Ann's and beyond

2.The Festival of Social Science is run by the Economic and Social Research Council and runs from 12th to 21th March 2010, alongside National Science and Engineering Week. Events from some of the country's leading social scientists the festival celebrates the very best of British Social Science research and how it influences our social, economic and political lives - both now and in the future. The Festival of Social Science provides insight into research in a variety of formats; from traditional lectures and exhibitions to theatrical performances, film screenings and topical debates. The Festival of Social Science is aimed at a range of different audiences, including policy makers, business, the media, the general public and students of all ages. Press releases detailing some of the varied events are available at http://www.esrcfestival.ac.uk .

3.The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is the UK's largest organisation for funding research on economic and social issues. It supports independent, high quality research which has an impact on business, the public sector and the third sector. The ESRC's planned total expenditure in 2009/10 is £204 million. At any one time the ESRC supports over 4,000 researchers and postgraduate students in academic institutions and independent research institutes. More at http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk. You can now follow updates from the ESRC on Twitter (http://twitter.com/esrc), including new funding calls as they are posted.


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