Described as an ‘invaluable experience’ by attendees, the programme explored lived experience in research, as well as the research process, methods and skills.
A paid training opportunity for young people
During October and November this year, we ran our inaugural Young People’s Training Academy, exploring lived experience in research and the research process, methods and skills.
It was open to all Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG) members working alongside McPin and our partnered projects. Around 40 young people attended over five weeks and were paid for each hour they attended.
The Academy was run by our research and training manager, Abi Burgess, and saw several members of our research and involvement teams share their advice and experiences.
The programme aimed to provide young people with top tips on how to do research well, particularly around including and promoting lived experience – something which is at the heart of all our work.
I believe that the more open and transparent researchers are about what is involved in research, whether that's different kinds of methods, or how research is funded, the more meaningfully we can involve people with lived experience.
Abi Burgess, McPin Research and Training Manager
Abi said: “When designing the training academy, I really wanted our young people to get an insight into the whole research process, both for their own interest but also because knowledge is power.
“I believe that the more open and transparent researchers are about what is involved in research, whether that’s different kinds of methods, or how research is funded, the more meaningfully we can involve people with lived experience.”
The training covered a range of topics to help skill them up in research methods and the research process, including an introduction to the research process and research methods, and using lived experience in research.
There was also a wrap-up session on careers in research which Carla Searle, our partner from the University of Birmingham (The Mental Health Mission), assisted with arranging. This final session saw a range of researchers join a panel to share their advice and experience with the young people.
We asked the young people who attended how they felt about the experience.
This experience has strengthened my background knowledge of research and data. It has also been most interesting to explore the psychology behind different approaches to research and the mechanics of the research process itself.
Joshua, training attendee
“I couldn’t have got more out of the Academy!”
“As a YPAG member, I have been proudly working with The McPin Foundation for about a year and couldn’t have got more out of the research training academy!” said Joshua Cottrell.
“This experience has strengthened my background knowledge of research and data. It has also been most interesting to explore the psychology behind different approaches to research and the mechanics of the research process itself.
“The sessions also helped with my Dentistry degree, having featured the hierarchy of evidence and bias. I feel privileged to have been able to participate and highly encourage others to do so – a huge thanks to all involved!”
“It’s allowed me to better understand the world of research”
Aalok felt the Academy allowed them to better understand the world of research as a first-year university student, saying it was ‘immensely valuable’ for someone at the beginning of their academic career.
“The insights from the final session of the training academy were valuable as they taught me that a job does not have to be a linear path,” they said.
“This reassured me greatly as a person who has not yet fully committed to a particular career path. Finally, I felt the session where we learned to read academic articles will be incredibly helpful in the future.”
It has inspired me to look at research in my own time and has allowed me to understand patterns between my school studies of sociology and psychological research.
Usman, training attendee
“It definitely boosted my confidence”
Dylan noted that this was the first training they’d been offered, despite having worked in service user voice roles since 2019.
“It was amazing that McPin offered paid training that taught not only the fundamentals of research but also encouraged each of us to think about our interests, our skills, where we might like to end up as well as talking about where to look to find opportunities that suit us in the future.
“It definitely boosted my confidence and it has motivated me to look at taking on more work in this space, as I feel more valued and appreciated overall.”
“A deeper and more meaningful understanding of research”
For Usman, receiving this training offered a deeper and more meaningful understanding about how and why research is conducted, allowing them to see the bigger picture when it comes to research timelines.
“It has inspired me to look at research in my own time and has allowed me to understand patterns between my school studies of sociology and psychological research.
“Alongside the addition to my personal perspective, the training made me curious, and genuinely wanting to know more about research methodology in more depth and participate in my own development.
“Training has allowed me to better understand my role within research, and how PPIE can positively influence research.”
I developed a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes process, from funding options to how findings are disseminated, peer-reviewed and published.
Ellie, training attendee
“An invaluable experience as a young person with a passion for research”
Last but not least, Ellie Brooks-Hall described the academy as an ‘invaluable experience’ as a young person with a passion for research.
They said: “I developed a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes process, from funding options to how findings are disseminated, peer-reviewed and published.
“Training is key to meaningful involvement, as it makes the entire research process feel more transparent and less overwhelming to young people, allowing them to feel included and valued in the research space.
“I will take the skills and knowledge I developed forward into my future career, and I know that it will allow me, and other young people, to make valuable contributions to research in the future.”
Find out more about how we invest in and involve young people in mental health research with the McPin Young People’s Network, and sign up to our networks to stay up to date with future training and involvement opportunities.
