Young people vital to the future of south London research
CRN South London Inclusivity Panel members recently heard from a youth group about the importance of involving young people in health and care research.
The Inclusivity Panel ensures research is representative of the south London region and is based at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
The online session led by The Hebe Foundation, a Christian youth organisation that works with those aged 13 to 20, focused on the practicalities and benefits of engaging the next generation in the research process.
Chifundo Stubbs, CRN South London’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, explained why it is important that researchers engage with young people. She said:
“I would like to thank The Hebe Foundation team for delivering a fantastic session. I look forward to working closely with them to spread the word about NIHR-supported research at our youth café events this year.
“Young people bring fresh insights based on their lived experience, which can help to shape research projects for the benefit of everyone. Research relating to children, young people, their families and communities must involve and engage with them as volunteers, advisors and co-researchers.
“By opening up research to the next generation, researchers will be able to fully understand what the world looks and feels like to children and young people.”
Ana Morgado, The Hebe Foundation's Project Manager who chaired the online session, said: "It was terrific to facilitate a safe space where young people and researchers came together to discuss the importance of having them heard, shaping health research and how we can all benefit from it.
"We discussed adultism, which is about adults' power over children, equality, and diversity. We learned about the next generation's struggles regarding participation in society, an essential part of our work at The Hebe Foundation. It is fantastic to see the willingness of CRN South London's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead to make a difference on this front. I look forward to the youth café later this month."
You can find out about the latest health and care research taking place across south London on the Be Part of Research website.
Email crnsouthlondon@nihr.ac.uk if you'd like to learn more about CRN South London's Inclusivity Panel.
