Researching with Adolescents: Giving young people a voice

About this session

How can we make sure young people are properly heard in research about them?

Adolescents today face rising rates of long-term conditions, mental health challenges, and health inequalities. By involving them in research, we can help shape policies, services and public health strategies that reflect their real needs. This kind of early support can in turn improve outcomes and reduce future burden on the NHS.

In this month’s café, Angie Pitt (PhD student in the Department of Psychological Medicine at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London) will share her journey of involving adolescents in research — from creative engagement techniques to the tricky moments when “imposter participants” apply to take part.

Angie draws on 25 years of youth engagement experience with organisations including BBC News, BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra, Girlguiding and The Guardian Foundation. Since returning to academia in 2021, her PhD research has focused on adolescent perspectives on vaccination, weaving in co-production and public involvement throughout.

Attendees will leave the session with

• Improved understanding of why adolescent voices are important in research
• Ideas to creatively engage adolescents in co-production and research
• A ‘recipe book’ of useful activities and resources for research with young people
• A checklist for ensuring your participants ARE who they say they are
• New connections with peers and experts committed to finding ways to ensure diverse adolescent voices are heard in research

About South West London Research Support Network

The South West London (SWL) Research Support Network, established by the NHS South West London Integrated Care System, is a collaborative initiative to empower local communities and voluntary organisations to conduct their own research.

Through a series of relaxed network meetings, members can engage in mutual learning opportunities with a diverse group of researchers and community members. This informal setting encourages open dialogue and the sharing of ideas, making it easier to change insights into various research methodologies and best practices.

In addition to exchanging knowledge with experienced community members and researchers, members will also have the chance to network with peers, which can lead to the formation of collaborative relationships and partnerships, that leverage the strengths and expertise of all involved.

Find out more on the South West London Research Support Network page.