We want our research to be developed with the people it aims to help, especially young people with lived experience. Research hasn’t always worked this way, with decisions often made about people rather than with them. Young people will help set our research priorities and guide us throughout each project. Their involvement also benefits them directly, by building confidence, developing skills, and giving them the chance to improve services in the region.
To support this, we have created a Youth Strategy Group made up of 16–25-year-olds from across the region. The group meets monthly and helps guide the overall direction our research. They provide advice across all workstreams and ensure that young people’s views stay at the heart of our decision making.
Examples of their contributions to the project include:
Hobbies and Interests: Learning new things – I’m super interested in neuroscience and maths. Playing music, Playing sport – Netball, running and hockey.
Why I got involved with Bath MHRG: I’m super interested in learning about advanced research, and hearing more real-life experience and wisdom. One of my biggest reasons is that, having gone through some of my own challenges recently, I am keen to help those who may be suffering where I can.
Hobbies and Interests: Gaming and watching sports.
Why I got involved with Bath MHRG? I wanted to bust the myth that disabled people don’t suffer with mental health.
Hobbies and Interests: Digital art, singing, video games, watching anime and interested in voice acting.
Why I got involved with Bath MHRG? Honestly, I just wanted to help out others so they don’t have to go through what I had to go through.
Hobbies and Interests: Painting, sketching, writing, baking, nature and creative arts.
Why I got involved with Bath MHRG: I got involved with MHRG because I believe mental health has such a big impact on society and there is still so much to learn about it, even today, which is why the project caught my eye.
Hobbies and Interests: Crochet and reading murder mystery books.
Why I got involved with Bath MHRG: I loved the idea of using my unique life experience to better others.
Hobbies and Interests: Long distance running and yoga.
Why I got involved with Bath MHRG: I wanted to make a meaningful difference in research helping me turn some negative experiences into a positive!
Hobbies and Interests: Films, writing and social research!
Why I got involved with Bath MHRG: I’m passionate about using my lived experience to ensure that young people can access youth services and achieve positive outcomes. I’m particularly interested in the interaction between substance use and neurodiversity.
“I’m involved in the Youth Strategy Group as I’m passionate about contributing to social research through my lived experiences. As a former service user, I’m keen to ensure that young people’s perspectives are reflected in the services they access. It has been really fulfilling to turn my past experiences into a positive!”
Nathan, Youth Advisor
