The Water Cultures Network was set up in 2023 As a joint initiative between Risky Cities, Living with Water (LWW) and the Yorkshire & Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network (Y-PERN).
The aim of the Network is to build relationships to enable partnerships to work together and to be in place – in readiness to co-create bid applications, co-develop new ideas for projects, and engage in established projects using participatory, responsive, proactive, and needs-led approaches.
17th February’s event was the fourth Water Cultures network meeting, designed to involve the different projects working with communities related to living well with water in Hull and East Riding. Over forty people met (from policymakers, researchers, artists, and community organisations) at Oasis Hub in Hull to build connections, collaborate and learn.
During the meeting University of Hull academics and Living With Water – a partnership between Yorkshire Water, Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the Environment Agency and the University of Hull – led a presentation about the Flood Risk Awareness Centre, an exhibition in Hull’s city centre focussed on raising awareness about flooding to the community. Living With Water also led an interactive discussion and practical exercise about SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) using yoghurt pots.
“It has been great to experience how working together has helped to strengthen existing initiatives and create new opportunities that are needs-led, place-based and built over time and trust”.
-Juan Pablo Winter, Y-PERN Policy Fellow for Hull, East Yorkshire & the Humber
Other highlights from the event include a discussion led by representatives from Hull City Council on the Hull Green Space Strategy and presentations from community-based organisations Hull Food Partnership and Hull 4 Heroes.
The objective of the networks meetings are to showcase ongoing projects, then build connections and collaborations, maximise resources, add value and offer a connected approach to working with communities on living well with water.
If you are interested in signing up for the mailing list or attending the next event (TBC) in Spring 2025, please contact J.Winter@hull.ac.uk
