Lived and living experience contributions to research are becoming more prevalent within the mental health sector. As we continue to incorporate lived experience roles into mental health research, we should critically evaluate the ways in which we do this and avoid tokenism or the exploitation of young people’s expertise and willingness to contribute.
This presentation will explore the different experiences of a young person through various lived experience roles. It is a reflection from a researcher and a young person with experience as a youth advisor and peer researcher on how researchers can authentically engage with young people and the steps young people can take to meaningfully and safely engage in research, addressing the challenges, whilst also highlighting the rewards and benefits.
The following key points that will be touched on in the presentation:
• The need for rapport and relationship building
• Setting of clear expectations and honest conversations
• A new perspective on why this work is so important
• Tips on how you can incorporate lived and living experience perspectives into your research
• How to move beyond tokenism
• How to foster authentic partnerships