What did research project aim to do?
The resources developed through My Voice Matters in Research were developed over a two-year consultation period with stakeholders and four co-production workshops with children and young people identifying as of the Global Majority, autistic, LGBTQIA+ and/or with experience of the youth justice system. Three interpretation workshops with stakeholders were then held to refine the data analysis and outputs from the project.
Why was it important?
We know that the voices of children and young people are not as present in the mental health literature and evidence base as we would like. This guide and the related outputs of the My Voice Matters in Research Project aims to make mental health research more accessible for all children and young people, so the evidence base that informs mental health support and services is more representative of all communities of children and young people.
How did we do it?
Throughout the project, we explored how young people’s identities and life experiences can influence their participation in research. This includes factors such as race, cultural background, gender, neurodiversity, and personal history. Outputs from the project were co-created through a series of participatory workshops with young people from diverse and often underrepresented backgrounds. The ideas, strategies, and examples within these outputs come directly from what young people told us about their experiences, needs, and hopes for mental health research.
Contributors
My Voice Matters in Research was developed and led by Dr Sarah Parry and Dr Paul Gray. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the children and young people who generously shared their time, experiences, and insights with us. Your contributions have been invaluable in shaping this research guide and ensuring it reflects the voices that matter most. We are also grateful to the families. educators, and facilitators who supported young people to take part, offering encouragement and practical support for young people throughout the study.
Our sincere thanks go to the research team and Made by Mortals, whose dedication, expertise, and commitment to inclusive and ethical practice made this work possible. We would particularly like to thank:
- Chris Brett, Catherine Cowdrey, and Gina Hazell from Made by Mortals
- Research Assistants Paula Galván Rodríguez (June 2024 – August 2025) and Ashgan Mahyoub (September 2025 – March 2026)
- Dr Diana MacLeod and Dr Naomi Shenton for their voluntary support with data analysis and interpretation
- Everyone who came to the My Voice Matters in Research consultation events between February 2024 and March 2026, as well as Ashgan Mahyoub and Beatrice Namuwaya for co-hosting these events with the research team.
Finally, we wish to thank our partner organisations, schools, community groups, and especially the ARC-GM, whose collaboration and guidance have been essential in bringing this project to life.
