In Our Own Words: Giving Surrey’s Youth a Voice

In Our Own Words is a collaborative project led by Surrey Youth Voice, Surrey Youth Focus, Surrey County Council, the University of Surrey, Mindworks, Healthwatch, Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum, and Surrey Heartlands. Designed for neurodivergent young people and young carers aged 12 to 25, the project aims to amplify voices that are often underrepresented. It empowers participants by training and supporting them to become Youth Researchers, equipping them with the skills and confidence to lead their own inquiries into mental health and wellbeing. Through expert guidance from professional researchers at the University of Surrey, the young participants gained hands-on experience in social research, from developing questions to designing and conducting their own studies on topics they care deeply about.

The Youth Researchers have developed a series of recommendations based on their studies, focusing on: improving experiences of waiting for support; enhancing teacher training and in-school provision for neurodivergent students; addressing barriers to education and work attendance; and increasing awareness and understanding of neurodiversity within the wider community.

Read the recommendations here:

For more information about the project, visit: ‘In our own words’ – Surrey Youth Focus