Advice for other young people after my first ever conference

Our project looked at methods of co-analysing data with young people and academics. We developed a methodology that is acceptable to young people, feasible for researchers, and produces valuable research.

We wanted to share our findings so that they could benefit other researchers and young people who want to do this approach.

With the project coming to a close, I was given the opportunity to travel to Birmingham to present our findings with other YPAG members at the Phenomenology of Health and Relationships (PHaR) conference.

Sharing themes from the Agency project

Upon arrival it was surreal to finally meet people I had come to know via online meetings in person and there was certainly a buzz about the place.

It struck me how friendly and welcoming everyone was, which certainly helped to calm any nerves I had – our presentation was first, so this was much needed!

Study lead Michael Larkin kindly opened our presentation, establishing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, which continued throughout the day.

Consequently, when it got to my part to present, I felt more than comfortable discussing our use of themes throughout our analysis. These included the importance of being ‘seen’ and feeling recognised, drawing on support to build a good life, and more.

I emphasised the importance of themes when categorising topics that repeatedly come up in interactions, as well as those which were less common.

For example, recognition and empathy from practitioners were commonly seen as successful and meaningful. By contrast, being asked ‘tickbox questions’ and blame being put on the patient were seen as unhelpful.

The rest of the morning (and tea break) flew by and so arrived lunch. This was a nice chance to have a break and an informal chat with my group, over a lovely plate (or three) of curry, having only worked with them in a professional capacity so far.

The afternoon sessions that followed also greatly interested me. As a dental student, it’s crucial to me to recognise the importance of mental health and psychology in all healthcare interactions – not just in those that take place in the setting of a psychiatry ward.

Applying what I learnt to dentistry

One of the last activities of the day was “Medications and care: a reflexive workshop” exploring embodiment, spatiality and meaning by researcher Zoë Boden Stuart (Open University).

It was about our associations with drugs, delving into perception and feeling about certain factors, including touch, sound, smell and sight.

It was incredible to see what everyone associated with just the packaging of certain drugs – from memories to remembering times of hardship, coming to terms with ageing, restriction, stress and frustration.

To me this exercise also illustrated the importance of association and triggers. I have been able to apply these ideas to dentistry, in keeping with the concepts of systematic desensitisation (e.g. tell, show, do) and getting to the core of the triggers of dental phobia and anxiety.

Making conferences accessible

Overall, being able to attend and present at my first conference was a distinct privilege and I am so thankful to Michael, and McPin’s Public Involvement in Research Manager Rachel, who supported me throughout, and everyone else involved for making the experience both seamless and available to me.

I have come away from this experience inspired and hopeful that similar will follow. I would also like to thank McPin for facilitating the travel and time of YPAG members.

For young people especially, travel and expenses can prevent us from being able to attend events such as these, so I am very grateful to The McPin Foundation for removing this barrier.

Advice for young people attending conferences

To other young people reading before their first conference, I hope my top three tips help make your experience as worthwhile as possible:

1. Be prepared – knowing about the talks and workshops that will take place should go towards your engagement and allow you to take advantage of the opportunities to ask questions.
2. Make use of the opportunity to meet people – from my experience, a conference is a coming-together of like-minded individuals. You may feel nervous to meet new people and start conversations, and it is likely that others are too, but my advice is to go for it, because you could make new connections and learn something new.
3. Enjoy it! – I found it to be eye-opening and enjoyable – enjoy the novelty and make sure to embrace the experience.