May 8th, 2024
 

Looking at the results of my workshops and interviews, it was clear that food played an important role in rekindling a sense of connection to the town. I could relate deeply to this — food as a way of bringing people together felt especially resonant in Paisley.
 

During my initial scoping conversations for the research, I was invited to a party hosted by a community organisation in Renfrewshire. Walking into the event, I was greeted warmly by staff members, an instant welcome that put me at ease. I soon began chatting with an assistant who was keen to share the story of the space and how it came to be.
 

The setting itself felt like a cross between a community hub and an informal shop: DIY kits sat alongside an eclectic mix of other items. The atmosphere was lively and friendly, so different from some of the more formal research settings I had experienced. Here, I felt like a participant rather than an outsider.
 

What struck me most was how natural inclusion felt in that space. No one questioned why I was there or looked at me through the lens of my research. Instead, we shared a slice of pie, and I found myself swept into a game that involved answering questions and hunting for clues around the room. A small act, but one that carried weight.
 

That moment reminded me of the quiet power of communal offerings: how food, play, and shared activity can break down barriers and create belonging. What might have been simply the launch of a new space became something richer — a reminder that my research is as much about these human connections as it is about the materialities of spaces or the formalities of policy.