What is 'In Our Own Words?'
In Our Own Words is a peer-led research training programme. It gives young people the chance to become Youth Researchers.
You’ll learn how to run your own research project, exploring topics that matter to you. Especially around mental health and wellbeing.
Building on the success of our first programme, we are looking for young people aged 14 to 18 (or up to 25 if you have additional needs or disabilities) to become Youth Researchers.
Through this programme, you will investigate how to create positive change in the field of mental health and emotional wellbeing. Not only from your own perspectives, but by gathering insights from your peers. You’ll get trained (in social research) at the University of ÖйúPÕ¾, lead your own research project, and share your findings with professionals to help improve young people’s mental health services. You will also get paid (with gift vouchers equivalent to an hourly rate)
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Who can get involved?
We’re looking for young people who:
- are aged 14 to 18, or up to 25 if they have additional needs or disabilities
- live in ÖйúPÕ¾, go to school/college here, or access services in the county
- want to share their experiences and help shape mental health support for young people
We’d especially love to hear from:
- young people, who have experience of mental health services in ÖйúPÕ¾
- young carers
- care-experienced young people
- LGBTQ+ young people
- neurodivergent young people
- young people with disabilities or extra support needs
- young people from communities that are racially minoritised
- young people living in places where things like good schools, safe parks, health services, or job opportunities aren’t as easy to access.
What is ‘Peer-led’ Youth Research, anyway?
A peer-led approach means that the people who have real-life experience with a topic—like mental health, school stress, or youth services—are the ones leading the research.
So instead of adults or professionals doing all the work, young people like you (or others with shared experience) help decide what questions to ask, how to ask them, and what to do with the answers.
In a project like In Our Own Words, young people who’ve experienced mental health challenges help lead the research. They choose what matters most, talk to others with similar experiences, and help share the results in a way that makes sense.
Imagine a project about mental health in schools. Instead of adults doing all the interviews, students are trained to ask other students about their experiences. This way, the research feels more real and relevant.
Why is it important?
It’s more relatable: People might feel more comfortable opening up to someone their own age or with similar life experiences.
More honest answers: Because it feels more like a conversation than an interview.
More powerful insights: Peer researchers often notice things that outsiders might miss.
Last year our Youth Researchers joined the project because of their own experiences with mental health. They wanted to use their voices to help improve support for other neurodivergent young people in ÖйúPÕ¾.
If you'd like to find out more about this, read our 2024 section below.
In Our Own Words 2024
The project empowered neurodivergent young people and young carers to become peer researchers. They explored mental health and wellbeing experiences among their peers. They were also supported by professional researchers and mentors. These included the ÖйúPÕ¾ University, MindWorks and Healthwatch.
Youth Researchers were trained in social research methods. This enabled them to design and conduct studies on topics they were passionate about.
- School-based support during diagnosis
- Support for neurodivergent youth out of education due to mental health challenges,
- Teacher training on neurodivergence, and
- Understanding the mental health experiences of LGBTQ+ neurodivergent young people.
- Strengthened youth involvement in mental health research
- Highlighted the value of lived experience expertise
- Emphasised youth-led research, with participants paid for their work.
Funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research, it ran from March to October 2024. The project provided recommendations to improve mental health services and support for neurodivergent young people.
Watch our video, co-produced by the Youth Researchers, to hear what it was like to be part of the programme:
How do I take part?
If you’re thinking of applying to become a Youth Researcher, then here’s a few more things you’ll need to know:
No experience needed!
We’re looking for enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. If you’ve used mental health services before, that’s great—but it’s not essential.
You’ll be up for learning, sharing, and making a difference.
This is a chance to use your voice and help shape research that matters.
Training commitment
- Around 5 hours per month of in-person training
- A bit of extra work outside of sessions to support your research project
Location
Important: Training will take place at the University of ÖйúPÕ¾ in Guildford.
We can help with public transport costs if you need support getting there.
Applications will close at 9pm on Sunday 5th October 2025.
Not ready to be a Researcher?
We’re also offering a small number of Project Advisor roles – perfect for young people who want to be involved but aren’t ready to lead a full research project.
Youth advisors:
- help to facilitate discussion sessions with other young people around key themes like mental health, emotional wellbeing, and services for young people.
- help us reach underrepresented voices by consulting with young people in your community
- encourage others to share their views on important research questions
Although we’re only officially recruiting for 2 to 3 Youth Advisor roles, we expect to work with 4 to 6 young people throughout the project.
This means that you might join us at different points in the project and your involvement can depend on your availability, interests, skills, and location.
Contributing to Youth Research questions:
Once our Youth Researchers have designed their research questions, we’ll need support from young people like you to make sure the research reflects real experiences and ideas.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Answer our research questions: We’ll post them here once available —your views matter!
- Spread the word: Encourage your friends and peers to share their thoughts too. The more voices we hear, the better!
- Help us reach everyone: Got ideas on how we can connect with young people who don’t always feel represented? We’d love to hear them at user.voice@surreycc.gov.uk
Are you a professional? Here's how you can help
We’re asking for your support in sharing this opportunity across your networks – whether that’s with youth groups, schools, community organisations, or professionals working with young people.
It's a great opportunity for young people:
- to be heard
- gain new skills
- boost their confidence and
- get paid! (with shopping vouchers equivalent to an hourly rate)