The Importance of Youth Voice

Participatory Action Research (PAR) is a process in which researchers work collaboratively with individuals who identify as part of the population being researched. For HYPE, this meant pulling together a group of youth and young adults with mental health conditions. HYPE’s young adult advisory council is involved in all parts of the project, from research methodology to dissemination of the results. The Young Adult Council offers their perspective from the personal insight of lived experience.

The Young Adult Advisory Council is made up of approximately sixteen members and is facilitated by young adult researchers. The group represents individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions, some of whom are being served in supported employment (SE), supported education (SEd), vocational rehabilitation, and/or mental health services.

The Young Adult Advisory Council meets several times a year to provide feedback and insight, using virtual meeting software. During these meetings, the members review project elements and provide advice.