Researching with Adolescents: Giving young people a voice

Join this session to understand why and how we should involve adolescents in research.

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.

Agenda:
13:00 – 13:30 – Lunch, Introductions & Networking
Arrive, connect with fellow attendees, and settle in.

13:30 – 14:00 – What is an adolescent?
Short presentation and group discussion to define and understand ‘adolescence’.

14:00 – 14:30 – Co-producing and researching with adolescents
Presentation and shared experiences of researching with adolescents.

14:30 – 14:40 – Break

14:40 – 15:10 – Trying out creative techniques
Testing and evaluating research techniques and creating a ‘recipe book’ of ideas.

15:10 – 15:40 – When an adolescent isn’t really an adolescent…
Exploring what happens when ‘fake teenagers’ try to participate in your research and the challenges of validating adolescent identities.

15:40 – 16:00 – Final Reflections & Next Steps
Share learning, agree your next small steps, and continue the conversation over informal networking.

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.