Context
As part of the Better Lives Safer Communities Youth Hub evaluation, four Newcastle Youth Panel members worked with HDRC Newcastle and the Voice and Influence team to gather children’s views while further developing their own research and facilitation skills.
Action
The young researchers led two focus groups with 11 children aged 5–11, using discussions, games and activities they designed themselves, to help participants feel comfortable in sharing their experiences. They then reflected on the sessions and identified ways to improve engagement with younger children.
Result
Youth Panel members demonstrated leadership and research skills while helping to shape the evaluation. The project highlighted the value of youth-led research and showed how HDRC Newcastle helps develop young people’s capabilities to become active partners in generating evidence and influencing decisions.