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More than voice, more than a survey! Part 2: Voice & views

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 2: Voice & views

Young people’s experiences and opinions are sought out and captured in a variety of ways through the #BeeWell work. This includes: The #BeeWell survey (which has a more accessible version for those who need it), #BeeWell events, online and in person consultations, workshops in formal and informal educational settings and in the Youth Steering Group.

Our example of practicing the voice element of the Lundy Model is the recent delivery of workshops with more diverse groups of young people. These workshops aim to ensure that different groups of young people can offer their responses to the data and explore the why behind some of the statistics. The aim of this is to ensure that the survey data isn’t only responded to by a room full of adults.

 

Youth workshops

In the workshops we:

  • seek to find out the views from YPs who may not usually participate in MHWB voice/consultation activities,
  • work with age groups that aren’t completing the survey,
  • also making sure young people who might not be so practiced at talking about these things/participating in consultations etc can develop their ideas and offer responses to the data,
  • offer a variety of ways for YPs to participate.

The workshops are adaptable to different ages, and never assume prior knowledge of mental health and wellbeing.

The workshops are delivered where possible as part of pre-existing groups/activities with trusted staff. So it is a space that young people are comfortable with and they have staff they have existing relationships with there to help.

“#BeeWell gives a voice to young people. We’re quite young but we’re giving ideas cos we can relate more to the people our ages than adults.” – #BeeWell Youth Steering Group member

 

Next steps, improving voice & views:

We want to…

  • seek to engage more young people in Pupil Referral Units, Alternative Provision and young people who are home-educated in the #BeeWell survey, 
  • develop qualitative and more interactive ways of young people participating in data generation.