The My Voice Matters in Research project aimed to make mental health research more accessible for all young people, so the evidence base that informs mental health support and services is more representative of all communities of young people.

The voices of young people are not as present in the mental health evidence base as we would like. This is particularly the case for young people from diverse and often underrepresented backgrounds, including justice-involved young people. The two-year My Voice Matters in Research project was developed and led by Dr Sarah Parry and Dr Paul Gray. 

The outputs from the project were co-created through a series of participatory creative workshops with justice-involved young people, Global Majority young people, neurodiverse young people, and LGBTQIA+ young people. The young people shared what inclusion means to them and how researchers can better engage diverse voices, especially those too often left unheard. All the ideas, strategies, and examples within the outputs come directly from what young people told us about their experiences, needs, and hopes for mental health research.

Please visit the project’s website ARC GM | My Voice Matters in Research 2024-2026 to see the interactive learning modules, research activity guides, and handouts that bring together the practical recommendations, creative ideas, and suggestions from young people themselves. Whether you’re a researcher, educator, community worker, or group of young people, these materials will help make your research more welcoming, accessible, and impactful for all. 

Main contact: Paul Gray