Young voices are helping shape the future of mental health research as pupils from Dartmouth Academy teamed up with researchers working to improve support for young people.
Students from the academy have continued their collaboration with the University of Exeter Medical School through the Young Persons Advisory Group (YPAG), which works with researchers on projects linked to young people’s health and wellbeing.
The group has been working alongside researchers for several years, helping to shape studies by offering feedback on materials, contributing to research design and sharing perspectives intended to make projects more accessible and relevant to young people.
This month, pupils helped develop and refine a booklet explaining findings from a review into digital interventions for young people considered at risk of mental health problems. The completed booklet has now been published online.
The Young Persons Advisory Group aims to bridge the gap between researchers and young people by ensuring studies are informed by the experiences and perspectives of those they are designed to support.
The booklet can be viewed online at https://heyzine.com/flip-book/326d1a27e9.html#page/2.
Nicola Perrott, assistant principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “Our pupils have shown incredible commitment and insight through their work with the University of Exeter.
“Being part of the Young Persons Advisory Group allows them to see how their voices can make a real difference in research that affects young people’s health.
“It’s inspiring to see their confidence, curiosity and empathy growing as they contribute to such important projects.”
Matthew Shanks, chief executive at Education South West, said: “It’s fantastic to see our students actively shaping research that impacts young people across the country.
“The Young Persons Advisory Group gives them a real voice in projects that matter, helping researchers understand what is important to young people.
“Their input not only improves the quality of the research but also builds the pupils’ confidence, teamwork and leadership skills.
“This kind of meaningful engagement demonstrates the power of student voice in making a difference.”
Education South West said all of its schools hold UNICEF Rights Respecting accreditation. Dartmouth Academy is rated Good by Ofsted across all inspected categories.
