Global Universities Making
a Local Impact
London Metropolitan University’s largest campus is located just a mile north of King’s Cross in the bustling Borough of Islington. This area, rich in history and culture, is often associated with wealth and prosperity, with some properties selling for millions of pounds.
What often surprises people is that according to the official UK government measures, Islington is the 53rd most deprived local authority area in England (of 317 local authorities) and 6th most deprived local authority in London. It has the 10th highest level of income deprivation affecting children, and 4th highest in England for income deprivation affecting older people.
This duality isn't unique to London. Across the globe, cities grapple with similar contrasts. However, amidst these challenges, universities emerge as beacons of hope and transformation.
Take the University of Delhi's Campus Law Centre, for instance. Nestled in the heart of India's capital, it offers a Legal Services Clinic. Here, law students, under the watchful eyes of seasoned faculty, provide free legal aid to the city’s residents. Thousands of miles away in Canada, the University of Toronto's Faculty of Medicine is making waves with its IMAGINE Clinic. This student-driven, interprofessional initiative offers free healthcare services to Toronto's underserved populations. Both examples highlight the transformative power of higher education in addressing societal issues.
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) highlights a different aspect of community engagement. Its community veterinary clinic, operated by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, ensures that pet care isn't exclusive to the affluent. From vaccinations to surgeries, students offer a range of services, often at reduced costs, bridging the gap between care and affordability.
Tackling local issues that matter
London Met is acutely aware of the challenges that its local communities face. A significant portion of its student body has indicators from the Indices of Multiple Deprivation. This isn't a mere statistic; it's a testament to London Met's unwavering commitment to inclusivity and quality education. It's a promise that education, a powerful tool for change, is accessible to all, regardless of their background.
This ethos of community engagement and transformation inspired the University’s award-winning Real London campaign that shines a spotlight on community members, celebrating their stories, struggles, and invaluable contributions to both London and the University. “Our community is the inspiration for all the work we do,” remarked Sophie Cloutterbuck, London Met’s Director of London Engagement.
Beyond the confines of lecture halls and research labs, London Met's civic mission takes tangible form in its five pro bono clinics. Coordinated by London Met Lab: Empowering London, which is led by Cloutterbuck, these clinics span a diverse range of services. From legal advice to support for art, architecture, and design community projects, they cater to the needs of the people and organizations in London and beyond. Since their launch in May 2021, they have become community cornerstones, receiving nearly 2000 enquiries.
ParaPride Partners
One such collaboration saw London Met’s Charities and Social Enterprise Clinic assisting ParaPride, an Islington-based charity. This empowerment charity, advocating for LGBTQ+ disabled individuals, benefited from the clinic's expertise in launching their new website and enhancing their digital presence.
Reflecting on this partnership, ParaPride Co-Founder, Daniele Lul, highlighted the mutual growth and impact stemming from such collaborations. “We feel privileged to work with such a prestigious University like London Met; our collaboration continues to impact, influence and support each other's work. We look forward to continuing our work on exciting future projects."
The ripple effect of these collaborations extends far beyond the campus walls. It's an example of how London Met is not just an educational institution but a catalyst for positive change.
As Sophie Cloutterbuck puts it, “As a civic university, we believe in being an active member of our local community. Our clinics are one of the ways we give back to the city of London. It’s not an addition to our work; it sits at the very heart of it.”
In a world marked with disparities, universities like London Met are beacons of inclusive education and community support. Their commitment to social justice and local engagement is more than a mission; it's a daily practice that benefits both students and the wider community.
This content was paid for and created by London Metropolitan University. The editorial staff at The Chronicle had no role in its preparation. Find out more about paid content.
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