Peer Research Project - funded by the Ideas Fund
Da Café youth committee, OPEN volunteers and staff have a vision to create a safe space for young people in Lerwick, where they can come together, feel a sense of belonging and ownership.
The project is a youth-led community action research project to develop ideas for a new safe space for young people. The exciting part is that young people will lead and undertake the project, supported by researchers who will offer expertise, knowledge and training.
Professional researchers:
Jennifer Russell, Anderson Solutions, Lead Researcher has 21 years’ experience in consultancy, working for the public and third sectors doing research, evaluation and strategy.
Dr Amy Calder is a qualitative researcher and holds a PhD in Criminology. Amy has worked for YouthLink Scotland for 7 years and leads on using participatory research methods to demonstrate the impact of youth work and support both the sector and young people to develop research skills
Peer Researchers:
Akira Foster and Shannon Boston are employed part-time by OPEN, VAS to lead the research and consultation with young people in Shetland.
There are a number of ways to participate in the research project and share your views:
Akira and Shannon are currently running focus groups with online, face to face or 1:1, please contact them by email or message the OPEN Project FB page to arrange a suitable time. 18-25 year olds are currently being offered a £10 Tesco voucher to participate, with the meetings lasting no longer than one hour.
Another option is the online survey: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/3GH1J2/
Padlet is an online tool that you can add pictures and comments to our map and describe what you would want in the community – here is the link which people have been using: https://padlet.com/openproject/our13y3hjv6ujbuk
Findings
We will present the findings to decision makers and will advocate for the ideas to become a reality.
Contact details:
If you would like to find out more or get involved then please contact una.murray@shetland.org
OPEN peer researchers can be contacted Akira.foster2@shetland.org / Shannon.boston@shetland.org
Or message OPEN Project FB page