Youth co-researchers aged 12-17 years will be working alongside peer youth co-researchers aged 18-24 years to generate new insight into the lives, needs, and aspirations of children and young people in Cumberland to co-produce a new Youth Strategy that places their lived experiences at its heart.
Taking an innovative co-research and co-production approach, they will be working collaboratively with peers, academics, youth workers, and other cross-sector professionals, from across the Cumberland area to ensure that all young people, particularly those whose voices are often unheard, are actively involved in addressing key issues such as inequality, inclusion, and opportunity.
Young people have consistently expressed the need for a stronger voice in decisions that affect their lives. Their right to be heard is recognised internationally through the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which highlights the importance of involving young people in shaping services and policies that impact them.
The message from young people is clear: if it impacts them, it should involve them.
Councillor Emma Williamson, Cumberland Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Children and Family Wellbeing said:
“I’m proud to see our young people leading the way in designing a Youth Strategy that reflects their ambitions and experiences. Their insight is invaluable, and this work ensures their voices are not just heard but embedded in decision-making. It’s an exciting example of partnership and shows our commitment to empowering young people to influence the services and opportunities that shape their lives.”
Martin Birch, Director of Children and Family Wellbeing at Cumberland Council, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity to truly place children and young people at the heart of everything we do in Cumberland. By creating space for their voices to shape our Youth Strategy, we are not only listening we are acting on what matters most to them. Co-designing with young people ensures our approach is grounded in lived experience, responsive to real need, and ultimately more impactful in supporting positive futures for all.”
Prof Amanda Taylor-Beswick, Professor of Digital and Social Sciences, Institute of Health, University of Cumbria, said:
“I am delighted to be supporting this really important piece of work in and with Cumberlands young people, research active youth workers and research interested council staff. The project mirrors the intentions of the University of Cumbria, to make an impact on the lives of the people of this region, with them, alongside them, and to be adopting the Cumbria Youth Co-research approach makes it all the more meaningful.”
Mike Siddall, HDRC Research and Innovation Manager at Cumberland HDRC, said:
“We are really pleased to support this project, which strongly aligns with HDRC Cumberland’s commitment to boosting research capacity and capability within Councils to embed a culture of using high-quality, locally relevant evidence to inform policy and drive improved outcomes for our communities.
“This is an exciting and important piece of work that places co-produced research at the heart of strategy development. A commitment to co-production, collaboration and meaningful partnership working across council services, communities, and external partners ensures that the voices of those most affected are central to decision-making and can inform real change.”
Youth and peer youth co-researchers work as part of Carlisle Youth Zone who host on behalf of the Cumbria Youth Co-Research Collective. More details on the Collective can be found on Carlisle Youth Zone's website.
Cumberland Youth Matters is delivered in partnership by Cumberland Council, Cumberland Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC), University of Cumbria and Carlisle Youth Zone. Cumberland HDRC is part of the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) and hosted by Cumberland Council.