Kent Youth Research Network

We have received funding from the National Institute of Health and Care Research to set up a Kent Youth Research Network (KYRN).

The ambition of this is to have a connected network focused on involving children, young people and their families in research that affects them, ensuring their thoughts and perspectives (or points of view) are used to influence future policy and service developments.

The four components of the network are young researchers, research participants, practitioner network, and researchers.

Young researchers

The young researchers project is a chance for young people aged 11 to 17 from around Kent to get involved, develop, and carry out their own research around health and social care topics that are important to them.

Young researchers are given the opportunity to receive training from the University of Kent.

As well as the chance to complete their own pieces of research, young researchers will gain experience and guidance which will help in their own personal development.

Register your interest in being a young researcher

Learn more about young researchers

Interested in learning more? Watch our videos to find out about:

• previous young researchers by watching our video on young people's experiences of the Kent Youth Research Network.
• young researchers and why it's important for young people to be involved in research.
• Young Researchers Training Residential in February half term.

You can also find out what the young researchers thought of the training they received (PDF, 584.8 KB) during the half term break.

Take part in one of our surveys

Our team of young researchers are currently working with the University of Kent to research 2 projects and would like your views on social media and how it affects self-esteem and political attitudes and behaviour. Take part in the surveys for social media and how it affects:

• self-esteem
• political attitudes and behaviour.

When the young researchers have concluded their research project later in the year, we will publish the findings.

KYRN achieves ‘highly commended’ in the ARC KSS Research Week Poster Competition

The poster, which shows all the elements of the KYRN, including the Kent Young Researchers, was on display at the Applied Research Collaboration Kent Surrey and Sussex Research Week Symposium where the judges commented:
“Great poster, visually interesting and impactful, lively and busy, highlighting various areas of progress. A project that's giving voice and power to young researchers, training them and celebrating the achievements of lots of mini projects within the overall mission.”

View the Kent Youth Research Network poster and the other competition entries.

Research participants

As part of KYRN there will be opportunities for both young people and parents and carers in Kent to take part as participants in research that affects them, via activities such as surveys and interviews.

Practitioner network

The practitioner network is for a diverse range of organisations who work with young people and their families and care givers. The network is a chance for them to undertake research with young people and to further develop their youth voice activities so they can be linked into for research or focus groups.

Limited funding is available to ensure supporting or involvement in research does not incur costs to your organisation. This can be for additional staffing, venue costs, or rewards for young people’s involvement.

The opportunity to take part in this research will be coming soon.

Complete our practitioner network registration form

Researchers

KYRN is an excellent opportunity for researchers, organisations and research students to hear and gain insight from the young people of Kent. Young researchers gave their options on what what professionals and researchers should consider when planning a research project involving young people.

If you are a researcher and would like support with participants for your research, complete our support request form and we will get in touch with you.

Complete our support request form

Parish council mapping

We surveyed parish councils about:

• what projects they support for 0-19 year olds and their parents
• how they support their community with the cost of living crisis
• intergenerational projects in their parish.

Read the parish council mapping report 2024 (PDF, 478.5 KB).

If you have any questions about the Kent Youth Research Network (KYRN) contact us at Youthresearch@kent.gov.uk.