ShoKE
Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE) is a programme led by Anglia Ruskin University, which gives students the opportunity to research and contribute to real-world solutions.
Putting Students at the Heart of Real‑World Change
Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE) is an innovative Anglia Ruskin University programme that places students at the centre of real‑world problem solving. Working directly with organisations, students tackle live research challenges and deliver practical, evidence‑based solutions that create genuine community impact.
Through SHoKE, Anglia Ruskin University students collaborate with partners like us to explore complex social issues, turning academic knowledge into meaningful action.
If you’re interested in the SHoKE programme or want to take part in other Living Better led research, check out our virtual volunteers opportunities.
How SHoKE Works
Each SHoKE project is built around a real organisational need.
Living Better sets the research challenge, based on a live issue facing the organisation.
Anglian Ruskin University students conduct in‑depth research, analyse data, and develop practical, research‑informed solutions.
Students deliver professional outputs, including:
- A polished presentation
- A comprehensive written report with clear findings and actionable recommendations
This short, consultancy‑style project gives students invaluable real‑world experience while providing fresh insight, credible evidence, and tangible outcomes.
Our ShoKE projects
1‑month student consult
In 2026, Living Better took part in the Student Consult Project, a one‑month, semi‑professional consultancy programme delivered by teams of postgraduate students and researchers.
We focused on anti‑social behaviour (ASB) and challenged students to explore:
- How can we work more effectively in areas with ASB hotspots, across both urban and rural settings?
- How could local communities be brought together to reduce ASB caused by children and young people?
The result: practical, research‑driven recommendations grounded in community realities.
Impact 24: the 24‑Hour Innovation Challenge
In 2025, Living Better partnered with SHoKE through Impact 24 – an intensive, 24‑hour challenge that brings together a multidisciplinary student team from all academic levels.
For this fast‑paced event, we focused on community voice, and asked students to explore:
The result: creative, inclusive approaches to engagement, offering fresh perspectives and practical ideas.
Driving impact across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Insights from the SHoKE projects will directly support Living Better to:
- Strengthen future funding bids
- Inform the planning of new initiatives
- Shape and enhance existing programmes
- Target resources more effectively
- Demonstrate measurable impact rooted in evidence
By grounding decision‑making in high‑quality research, these projects help us respond more effectively to local needs – creating lasting, real‑world benefits for communities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Research preview
Get involved and support our mission
Join us in transforming lives through the power of movement. Our goal is to create a healthier, more active future for everyone. By focusing on areas of greatest need, we aim to ensure that no one is left behind, and every community can thrive through sport and physical activity.
With your support, we can inspire and empower communities across the county – creating brighter futures and opening doors to opportunities that last a lifetime.