Collecting Community Voices to Shape the Future of Physical Activity in Milton Keynes
The Swans Community Partnership (TSCP) has been commissioned by The Open University to play a major role in one of Milton Keynes’ most significant community insight projects. Working alongside Leap and the MK Places and Engagement Project Board, TSCP will engage two communities identified by Sport England as “inactive”, ensuring their voices lead future investment decisions.
The project will reach over 500 residents to understand their experiences, barriers, and aspirations around physical activity. This insight will support Leap’s bid for major Sport England funding to create new community spaces designed with - not just for - local people. The work aligns directly with TSCP’s mission to champion local voices, remove barriers, and strengthen community wellbeing.
Two core engagement strands:
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Informal Semi-Structured Interviews
Across forty half-day sessions, TSCP will hold relaxed, conversational interviews in trusted community settings - from shops and food banks to parks, social groups, and local events.
The aim is to collect 120+ high-quality interviews using ethically approved research processes. Structured written records will be securely shared with the Principal Investigator, Linda Plowright-Pepper. -
Creative, Inclusive Community Focus Groups
TSCP will deliver forty creative, accessible focus groups across four age groups: early years, children and young people, working-age adults, and older adults.
Sessions will use mind-mapping, visual prompts, group discussion and other creative methods. Data will be captured through notes, photos of materials (non-identifiable), and optional short audio contributions.
Why TSCP?
The Open University selected TSCP for their deep community roots, trusted networks, proven engagement experience, strong track record in physical activity programmes, and ethical, community-led approach.
Looking Ahead:
This project will ensure future physical activity spaces in Milton Keynes reflect real resident experiences. TSCP’s work will produce insight that not only strengthens Leap’s funding case, but amplifies community voices and supports the creation of meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable activity opportunities across the city.