Development and Evaluation of the PREMISE Youth Advisory Board
Tracks
Conference Centre Room 2
| Monday, March 28, 2022 |
| 12:08 PM - 12:28 PM |
Overview
Ms Chloe Conroy & Ms Cheryl Ou, The Matilda Centre For Research In Mental Health And Substance Use, The University Of Sydney
Speaker
Ms Chloe Conroy
Research Assistant
The Matilda Centre, University of Sydney
Development and Evaluation of the PREMISE Youth Advisory Board
Abstract
Background: The PREMISE Youth Advisory Board (YAB), made up of young people from across Australia, was established in 2019 at The Matilda Centre to provide a critical opportunity to listen to the perspectives and aspirations of young Australians in mental health and substance use research. This study aimed to collate and understand the insights and ideas the YAB members had for youth involvement in this critical research.
Methods: A review of existing youth participatory models was conducted to inform the development of the YAB. An online survey was distributed to YAB members between February and March 2021, 17 months post launch of the YAB.
Results: The YAB has met with a number of research teams at the Matilda Centre to share their insights and ideas to inform the planning, development, and implementation of 22 projects. YAB members have also played a critical role in informing the strategic direction of the Centre.
All YAB members reported they enjoyed their experience on the Board (N=6), with the majority indicating they developed various skills, knowledge, and capabilities as a result of their involvement. This included critical thinking, mental health literacy and research skills. All YAB members reported that they perceive youth involvement in research to be important because it; improves the quality and appropriateness of research, increases participants understanding of materials/measures, and improves dissemination and implementation strategies. Two valuable documents have been created by the YAB to guide and inspire further research and strategy - ‘Research Priorities and Principles’ and ‘Key Considerations for Youth Research’.
Conclusion: Understanding youth perspectives of their involvement in research critical to ensuring the optimisation of co-production and participatory approaches. These findings have implications for the ongoing participation of the YAB at the Matilda Centre and also for the development and evaluation of youth participation models more broadly.
Methods: A review of existing youth participatory models was conducted to inform the development of the YAB. An online survey was distributed to YAB members between February and March 2021, 17 months post launch of the YAB.
Results: The YAB has met with a number of research teams at the Matilda Centre to share their insights and ideas to inform the planning, development, and implementation of 22 projects. YAB members have also played a critical role in informing the strategic direction of the Centre.
All YAB members reported they enjoyed their experience on the Board (N=6), with the majority indicating they developed various skills, knowledge, and capabilities as a result of their involvement. This included critical thinking, mental health literacy and research skills. All YAB members reported that they perceive youth involvement in research to be important because it; improves the quality and appropriateness of research, increases participants understanding of materials/measures, and improves dissemination and implementation strategies. Two valuable documents have been created by the YAB to guide and inspire further research and strategy - ‘Research Priorities and Principles’ and ‘Key Considerations for Youth Research’.
Conclusion: Understanding youth perspectives of their involvement in research critical to ensuring the optimisation of co-production and participatory approaches. These findings have implications for the ongoing participation of the YAB at the Matilda Centre and also for the development and evaluation of youth participation models more broadly.
Biography
Chloe enjoys her work as a research assistant at The Matilda Centre, working across a variety of projects including a trauma in schools project that aims to develop a support program for students at risk of experiencing trauma symptoms during adolescents. Chloe also enjoys her work as part of the PREMISE Youth Advisory Board Team, where she helps work towards ensure young people are given a voice and opportunities to shape research at the Centre.
Ms Cheryl Ou
Youth Advisory Board Member
University of Sydney
Development and Evaluation of the PREMISE Youth Advisory Board
Abstract
Please see Chloe Conroy
Biography
Cheryl Ou is the current spokesperson for the Youth Advisory Board at PREMISE NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence. She is passionate about supporting the community, and helping people live their best lives. Her life highlights are launching a community advisory committee for a sleep clinic, and moving to Queensland with her partner and two lazy greyhounds.
