Two children touching a Van Der Graaf generator to make their hair stand on end at Chelmsford Science Festival

ARU in the community

We value the places where we're based and the people and communities we serve regionally, nationally and internationally.

Building strong and trusting partnerships is at the heart of our commitment to transform lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research.

We see our role as a focal point for community, a hub for innovation and research, and a place that turns aspirations into reality.

Read our latest combined economic, social and cultural impact report (PDF)

Discover ARU in the community

Open to the community

Woman lifting a weight
Sports and exercise

Fitness classes, campus gyms and free campus walks.

A man standing in an office
Free legal advice

Get specialist advice from our award-winning law clinics.

An office worker facing the camera, with blurred colleagues in the background
Temporary work

Register with our recruitment agency, ARU Temps. We are proud to be Living Wage accredited.

A male student helps another male get into position for performance testing
Sport and Exercise Therapy Clinic

Low-cost injury assessments, rehabilitation and sports massage.

Person with head in a machine having an eye test
Cambridge Eye Clinic

Free eye tests and specialist facilities in contact lenses, low vision and visual stress.

A smiling baby being cuddled
Breastfeeding Support Hub

Free face-to-face lactation information, support and education on our Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough campuses.

Two music therapists leading a group music therapy session for older people and their carers in a hall
Together in Sound

Free ten-week music therapy groups for people living with dementia and their caregivers in Saffron Walden.

Canine therapy student assessing a dog
Pet and canine services

Specialist pet behaviour and canine services, including canine rehabilitation, dog grooming and pet behaviour on our Writtle campus.

Cambridge School of Creative Industries performing a musical on stage
Arts and culture

Unique exhibitions at the Ruskin Gallery and professional performances at the Mumford Theatre in Cambridge.

Our community initiatives

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Community organising

We empower people by supporting refugees, voter registration, community participation, and more.

Six keynote presenters posing with information booklets at the PPIE launch in Chelmsford
Let's Shape Research Together

Our Let's Shape Research Together programme enables members of the public to collaborate with academics at the early stages of research design.

Five students huddled around a laptop
Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE)

We connect partner organisations with experienced, engaged and enthusiastic students who can bring fresh perspectives to complex problems.

MP Daniel Zeichner and Trusted Adult Scheme facilitators and participants posing with 'ARU in the Community' graffiti artwork by William 'Kilo' Pengelly
Trusted Adult Scheme (TAS)

TAS supports children and young people living in Cambridgeshire by providing opportunities for activity and engagement with trusted adults in a safe space.

View of Mill Pond and Lord Ashcroft Building

Working in partnership with ARU

By listening and learning from our communities we can help overcome challenges and work towards a more socially just and inclusive society.

We want to partner with organisations and community groups who share our core values.

Two children holding battery-powered vehicles

Events for the community

View upcoming events from ARU in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, Writtle and online: everyone welcome.

ARU in the community news

View all ARU in the community news stories