We have a strong commitment to tackling poverty, exclusion and inequality in our region. The examples below showcase some of the programmes through which we support the wider community in tackling poverty.
ARU Peterborough – partnership tackling regional inequality and social mobility
Our new campus, ARU Peterborough, represents a major civic partnership between Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, and Peterborough City Council, designed explicitly to address regional inequality and low participation in higher education.
The initiative targets a city identified as a 'higher education cold spot', where only 32% of the population hold degree-level qualifications. By creating accessible, employment-focused pathways and engaging local communities directly in its design, we are helping to expand educational opportunity, support local economic development, and improve long-term social mobility outcomes for disadvantaged communities.
Supporting start-ups and small businesses in our community
ARU Peterborough collaborates with Small Business Britain’s Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme to provide free, targeted assistance to sole traders and microbusinesses, including structured training, mentoring from ARU academics, and peer-to-peer learning. The programme is designed to help small businesses plan for growth, build resilience, and develop long-term business strategies, supporting inclusive economic development at a local and national level. Each business on the Small and Mighty Enterprise programme will also have access to a supportive network of peers to share questions, challenges and solutions as they take action on their plan for growth. Access to the programme is free, removing a key barrier to participation for small businesses and sole traders.
IntoUniversity partnership – long-term support for disadvantaged young people
We work in partnership with the national charity IntoUniversity to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds through dedicated learning centres, including one in Peterborough. These centres provide sustained academic support, mentoring, and aspiration-raising activities for young people aged 7–18 living in areas of high deprivation. By working closely with local schools, charities and community partners, the programme helps address structural barriers to education and supports progression into higher education and employment for those most at risk of exclusion.
Trusted Adult Scheme – partnership supporting vulnerable young people
ARU’s Trusted Adult Scheme (TAS), delivered in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council and the local NHS Integrated Care System, provides support to young people aged 14–19 who are experiencing disadvantage or vulnerability. The programme offers safe spaces, mentoring and structured activities on campus, helping young people build confidence, resilience and engagement with education. By supporting those with the greatest needs, TAS contributes to reducing long-term risks associated with poverty, exclusion, and disengagement.
Samaritans partnership – community wellbeing and crisis support (2021–2025 ongoing impact)
ARU’s partnership with Samaritans has engaged students, staff and alumni in delivering frontline emotional support to people experiencing distress and crisis across the UK. Through training and volunteering, ARU participants contributed to the Samaritans’ 24-hour support services, including digital and telephone channels, providing a valuable service to thousands of individuals. This initiative addresses the wider social impacts of poverty, including mental health challenges and isolation, while also embedding civic responsibility and community engagement within the university community.
SHoKE (Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange) – working with local authorities and communities
Through the Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE) initiative, ARU collaborates with local authorities and community organisations across Essex and Cambridgeshire to address real-world social challenges. Student-led projects have explored issues such as employment barriers, the impact of economic disruption on young people, and inequality in access to opportunities. By working directly with councils and community partners, SHoKE helps co-create practical solutions to local challenges linked to poverty and disadvantage.
Community-facing services supporting vulnerable groups
ARU provides a range of community-facing services that help members of our local community to access services and in doing so, help to reduce inequalities. Examples include free legal advice through our law clinics, free breastfeeding support hubs, and low-cost or free health and wellbeing services. These initiatives improve access to essential services for local residents in our communities, helping to address practical barriers associated with poverty and exclusion.
Partnering with policy to make an impact in our local communities
We have a range of partnerships with policy makers at local, regional and national level to shape policy making around poverty. Through our partnership with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Peterborough City Council, ARU plays a direct role in shaping place-based strategies to address social mobility and economic disadvantage. The development of ARU Peterborough itself reflects collaborative policy decision-making aimed at expanding access to education, improving skills provision, and reducing structural inequality in the region.
Nourishing our Future study shared with MP’s and UK’s Chief Medical Officer
Researchers from ARU collaborated Essex County Council Public Health to produce a report on healthy eating for children under 5 which has been presented to UK MPs and the Chief Medical Officer. The report highlighted the public health challenge of healthy eating amongst children, with school lunch boxes often containing unhealthy choices. Cost of food and children’s preferences were found to be the biggest obstacles to healthy and sustainable choices. The researchers then worked with local schools to help children try healthier options and to help parents to identify and afford better choices for lunchboxes. The research had great impact, and led to the creation of the Essex Early Years Nourishing our Future Award (NOF Award), which will celebrate and elevate food and nutrition practices across early years settings in Essex.
Last updated: October 2026
To request additions, corrections or changes to the information in these pages, please contact: Dr Zareen Bharucha: [email protected]. Please use the subject line ‘ARU SDG’.