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The NIHR ARC North East and North Cumbria has an active and involved Young People’s Advisory Network (YPAN). These young people help us at all stages of our work, and make a difference by supporting research that improves the health, care and wellbeing of young people across our region and beyond.

Elaf is a member of our YPAN, and in this blog, she shares her experiences of getting involved in research.

“Being part of research has shown me how powerful young voices can be when we’re given the chance to be heard.”

I joined the YPAN as I was eager to get involved in research, have my voice heard, and gain meaningful experience that would make my university application stand out. Initially I thought that opportunities for young people to contribute to research were limited- even though we have the right to be involved in studies that affect us.

Before joining YPAN, I didn’t know that groups like it even existed or that researchers genuinely valued the perspectives of young people. Since then, my views have changed. I now believe more researchers are actively looking to include young voices — especially in studies that are about young people. Young people’s voices are being heard in research, and I feel they’re genuinely valued.

I joined YPAN to help shape research that impacts me and others my age. It’s allowed me to engage with topics that interest me, offer a unique perspective that researchers might otherwise miss, and ensure that research is relevant and meaningful to young people. Since joining, I’ve gained confidence in sharing feedback with professionals and developed skills in communication and collaboration. It’s also helped me feel more connected to the world of research and healthcare.

I first heard about YPAN through an academic I was supporting as a young research advisor. I wanted to deepen my involvement and broaden my experience. I was keen to get involved in more research and gain more experience.

When I first joined YPAN, I immediately felt welcomed and valued. After reaching out to Felicity (who is the ARC NENC Public Involvement and Community Engagement Manager), we arranged a Zoom call to talk about the group and what being a member would involve.

From the start, it was clear that this was a space where young people’s voices genuinely mattered, as well as having opportunities to get involved in research, if the topic interested us.

Developing new skills

One project I contributed to was the Rooted in Nature study, which used arts-based and traditional methods to explore how nature supports health and wellbeing. My role was to ensure that research about young people could be understood by young people.

I co-designed documents, reviewed study materials like participant information sheets, and had the opportunity to co-author a book chapter reflecting on my experience as a young advisor. I am a co-author of a peer-reviewed academic paper and book chapter. I have gained experience in reflection writing as well as thematic analysis, and I learned how to code transcripts line by line to identify and develop themes.

Growing in confidence

Felicity has been incredibly kind and helpful throughout my time with YPAN. She always goes out of her way to make sure everyone feels supported and informed. When I needed help with my personal statement, she took the time to go through it with me; cutting it down, improving the structure, and helping me express myself more clearly. When I was exploring the idea of studying pharmacy, she connected me with a second-year pharmacy student so I could ask questions and learn more about the course.

Being part of YPAN has not only given me the chance to influence real research but has also helped me grow in confidence and feel more connected to the world of research and healthcare. I’m really grateful to be part of such a thoughtful and inspiring group.

Inclusive and supportive

Initially, our meetings were held online, but we’ve since moved to in-person sessions. These are usually held in the same central location, close to public transport, which makes it easy for everyone to attend. The environment is always warm, inclusive, and supportive. Everyone listens, respects each other’s opinions, and contributes in a way that feels meaningful. There are always snacks and refreshments too, which is a bonus.

Our meetings usually last around two hours and include presentations from researchers working across a wide range of topics. They come to share their work and ask for feedback or ideas from us as young people. Often, these meetings open the door for us to get more involved in research projects by participating or advising.

Research projects I’ve been involved in

Being part of YPAN has given me the chance to work on a variety of impactful research projects, including:

Universal Credit and the two-child limit
A researcher visited our group multiple times to discuss the impact of Universal Credit policies on children. Many of us were shocked by what we learned — such as the two-child limit — and we had open conversations about how these policies can affect families. It was eye-opening and important

Animations for Health Communication
We explored whether animations can be used to improve the way health information is shared. In our focus group, we discussed how animations — especially for people with language barriers — can make complex information easier to understand than just text or images. We discussed what makes animations useful.

Autism Project Steering Group
This project aims to create more inclusive school environments by training staff to support autistic students’ mental health. As a young advisor, I attended stakeholder meetings, reviewed documents, and shared my perspective to help the project stay focused on its aims and timeline.

Young people’s attitudes towards energy drinks
I took part in a focus group to help shape the survey questions and wording to best explore how young people view energy drinks and how best to ask meaningful questions.

Exploring the effects of gambling
We discussed, in a focus group, the impact gambling can have on families and how advertising often presents it in a colourful and fun way — rather than showing the real harm it can cause. This made us think critically about how messages are framed.

Social prescribing for neurological conditions
A researcher came to discuss early ideas for a project about social prescribing for children in hospital with neurological conditions. We gave feedback on whether the proposed ideas seemed feasible and appropriate for young people and their families.

Regional Young People’s Research Partnership
I take part in this initiative which flips the usual model — instead of researchers bringing topics to us, it empowers young people to identify and lead on issues that matter to us. I’ve participated in regular meetings and even chaired one, which helped build my confidence and leadership skills.

I also trialled a survey for the ARC to check whether it was user-friendly and not too time-consuming, and gave feedback based on my experience. As a group, YPAN also created a Venn diagram that outlines what we expect from researchers and what researchers should expect from us. Another member and I co-wrote a blog about this, which was published on the ARC NENC website for researchers to learn from.

Being part of YPAN has helped me develop as a person, gain new skills, and contribute meaningfully to research.

Most importantly, it’s shown me how powerful young voices can be when we’re given the chance to be heard.

Get involved

If you would like to join our Young Person’s Advisory Network and make a difference by contributing to research, please email [email protected]