Community Spotlight: Aaron
Name: Aaron
Age: 40
Location: Brixton
Role: Participant
You worked on the Air Pollution project 2022/23. What did you do?
I was part of a group where they came to drop a device which monitors the air pollution.I had to complete a daily dairy for the actions I completed in my house. After that, I was invited to do research where I was asked questions about air pollution in Lambeth.
How was your experience?
It was insightful, it wasn't stressful. It made me more aware about the topic and people are trying to tackle this issue.
Were there any unexpected or surprising findings that emerged from the project? How did those findings impact your understanding of the topic at hand?
It highlighted how bad it can be in Lambeth.
Were there any specific outcomes or achievements from your involvement in the project?
I am now planning to buy a Dyson air purification system.
Did you feel like your input was valued during the project? Were there any moments when you felt particularly engaged or heard?
It made me feel like my input was valued. Every session, I was listened to. And I was engaged by the emails I received.
What motivated you to participate?
I heard about this from a friend through Instagram and wanted to be involved with helping CVR’s mission of making underrepresented people have a voice, plus I was getting incentivised for it. I did a previous project and I have been a part of the CVR community ever since.
Can you speak to the broader impact of the project? How do you think it could be useful for others?
It is the info that we need today but in the future it will be implemented in regular life.
What did it mean to you to be a part of this project?
I was very grateful, appreciative to you guys for letting me be a participant. I love seeking knowledge especially to do with the quality of my life and my fellow Londoners.
Were there any moments during the project that stood out to you as particularly impactful or meaningful?
Even though I am now aware of the problems it makes me feel hopeless.
Were there any unexpected personal or professional benefits that emerged from your involvement in the project?
Not yet, watch this space. I am more knowledgeable and I have gained connections.
Did your contributions to the project help you grow as a person or a professional?
As a person, I am more knowledgeable. Honestly, not professionally yet.
Would you recommend participating in something like this to others?
Yes, my friend could do with extra change. Plus unless you get involved in projects like this, you won’t be aware of these problems that we face as Londoners.
Is there anything else you would like to add about your experience or the project as a whole?
I enjoyed it. I feel like I have been taught about something that I wouldn't have known about. CVR should make the community have their own separate recommendations on what we can do, not just your clients.