Our work on SDG Goal 1: No Poverty

Intersectional Stigma of Place-based Ageing (ISPA)

The Intersectional Stigma of Place-based Ageing project, funded by Economic and Social Research Council, examines inequalities experienced in later life connected to the intersections of stigma and explores the potential of place-based inclusivity for ageing.

The project focuses on understanding the impact of intersectional stigma on underrepresented groups, with a focus on those who may be excluded due to place, age and disability.

The project will make long-lasting and impactful change by utilising the Inclusive Living Toolkit developed by University of Stirling staff and the Scottish housing sector to tackle barriers to exclusion and make homes and communities more accessible across more deprived areas of the UK.

Voices from the periphery

In partnership with researchers from Germany and England, the University of Stirling is co-leading on the VOICES project which aims to explore the marginalisation of post-industrial communities from both elite and grassroots perspectives.

It focuses on how media shapes public perceptions and identities of these communities and how residents perceive and respond to these narratives. The study compares communities in Northern England and Eastern Germany, using qualitative methods to understand their lived experiences. It also includes critical discourse analyses of media to identify potential drivers of marginalisation.

The goal of the project, which is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the German Research Foundation (DFG), is to develop a comprehensive understanding of ‘media marginalisation’ for future research in social inequality and media studies. 

Harm reduction intervention for the homeless

Funded by the National Institute for Health Research, a cross-disciplinary team including local health boards, charities and researchers from the University of Stirling, established a project to improve access to appropriate services for people experiencing homelessness and substance abuse.

By developing trusting relationships with non-judgemental staff, the study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of designing and implementing a peer-delivered, relational intervention to reduce harms and improve health and wellbeing. 

Sanctuary Scholarships

Sanctuary Scholarships are awarded to postgraduate, access, and undergraduate students who are in the UK and have applied for asylum or are staying in the UK as refugees or on humanitarian grounds. The University provides these scholarships to remove barriers to higher education for students who are already facing extreme challenges .

Care experienced students

The University of Stirling wants all students to feel like an integral part of the community but recognises that some students have lived experiences that other students might not when starting university and that they may face particular challenges that other groups may not face.

The University’s aim, as a corporate parent, is to provide advice and guidance to help care experienced students from application and throughout their student journey. From support with applications and pre-entry visits to guaranteed year-round accommodations and a range of financial support packages and laptop assistance, the University provides a welcoming and inclusive environment to allow all students to thrive.  

Colleague cost-of-living support

Every day, staff can purchase a bag of food that is considered ‘Too Good to Throw’ for £1. This is food from University catering outlets that would otherwise be wasted.

Car parking permit charges have been reduced for staff on lower salaries, and all staff can benefit from an initial two hours of free car parking.