The CHiLL Approach
Our approach involves flexibly engaging young people as research partners using participatory approaches.
What is our Approach?
We are undertaking the study in three areas:
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A suburban housing estate in an affluent city in the South of England​
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A remote, semi-rural coastal town in the East of England
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A neighbourhood in a post-industrial town in Northern England
In each study site the project involves working closely with young people and local stakeholders as partners, ensuring the research is embedded in local lives and agendas.
Within an overall study framework young people help decide on specific research tools and questions and engage in joint analysis, sense making and priorities for change.
The project involves four phases of work
Phase 1
Working with a core group of young people (10-15) from diverse backgrounds using visual and participatory mapping approaches to explore, communicate and make sense of their everyday lives.
Participatory research with young people is supplemented with interviews with key stakeholders and informal observations of young people’s use of their local places.
Phase 2
Peer research with a wider group of young people using approaches designed by the young co-researchers to capture a diversity of experiences. In this phase young people also conduct interviews with adult residents.
In parallel, focus groups are conducted with parents to understand their perspectives on young people’s lives and their influence.
Phase 3
Involves young people communicating their research findings to wider community groups to inform intergenerational learning, dialogue and identifying priorities for change. Young people are supported in exploring, and where possible implementing, actions for change.
Phase 4
Strong partnerships have been developed nationally in each area with local stakeholders. Learning from the project has been continually played back to partners to inform dialogue and change.
Overall project learning will be communicated to key national stakeholders in knowledge exchange and policy learning workshops.