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More than voice, more than a survey! Part 1: Space

In this series of blogs, #BeeWell explores how we are using the Lundy Model of Child Participation in different aspects of the programme. We will post one blog every Wednesday for five weeks, then publish the full case study document.

The Lundy Model of Participation identifies four areas for good practice in children and young people’s participation. They are: Space, Voice, Audience & Influence. In Greater Manchester, organisations also work to include Impact as another key area of youth participation. Our blogs provide a case study on each of these key themes in our youth participation work.

 

Blog 1: Space

#BeeWell provide spaces for young people to explore mental health and wellbeing, both online and in person. We do this through events such as #BeeWell Festival. A core aspect of our co-creation approach involves the Youth Steering Group.

The #BeeWell Youth Steering Group…

  • co-designed the survey, 
  • came up with the name, 
  • designed the logo,
  • co-designed #BeeWell Day,
  • commissioned two responses to the #BeeWell data (one on physical activity and one on belonging).

The #BeeWell Youth Steering Group fulfils the space element of the Lundy Model by providing…

  • space for young people to learn more about MH/WB, policy and practice,
  • a supportive and inclusive online and in person space,
  • 1-2-1 check ins and support from #BeeWell staff,
  • group training and team building to support discussion and working as a
    team,
  • opportunities to collaborate with other groups – eg. BeeHeard, 42nd Street,
    Plan UK young ambassadors.

Youth Steering Group members are supported to express themselves and develop new knowledge and understanding about young people’s wellbeing, policy and more. Group dialogue provides new perspectives and helps young people, and those of us working with them to see things differently. 

We have found that working in groups challenges the individualisation of problems and solutions. It ensures ‘private’ issues, such as mental health and wellbeing are recognised as public issues rooted in structural injustice and oppression.

“[Being in the group has] had an impact about how we think about mental health as a whole (…) it also helps us understand that we all need a balance in life and ideas on how to get that balance.” – A member of the #BeeWell Youth Steering Group.

 

Next steps & improving space:

We want to…

  • advocate to support young people who do not access to tech for virtual meetings, to ensure they can get involved,
  • offer more opportunities to learn,
  • meet in-person at least once every few months, to ensure more young people can get involved,
  • develop practice and delivery that is more inclusive of young people with special educational needs,
  • collaborate more with other youth groups and learn with them, e.g. the Plan-UK Young Health Ambassadors.