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.

You can also hear from previous young researchers by watching our video on young people's experiences of the Kent Youth Research Network.

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

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.

To sign up complete our 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.

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.

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