“An opportunity to learn grow and contribute to meaningful change”
Mehjabin, 20, from Tower Hamlets, is one of 12 young people who co-produced research about emotional support, young people and the cost-of-living crisis. She writes about being a peer researcher.
Being a peer researcher on the Emotional Support and Young People (ESYP) project was an incredibly fun and fulfilling experience. There wasn’t a single moment where I didn’t enjoy the process.
As well as enjoyable, the role was highly flexible, ensuring that everyone’s schedules were considered, making it easy to balance alongside other commitments.
One of the most memorable aspects was meeting a variety of people, from my peer-researcher team to members of the wider community.
It is a privilege to be a part of empowering our community and giving them the means to have their voices heard. I have heard many stories and learned many things from people I have met in this project, a lot of which I’ll take with me as I develop both personally and professionally.
Step out of my comfort zone
As a peer researcher, I developed a strong understanding of qualitative research methods and learned to adapt them for our community.
Leading 1-1 interviews, facilitating group discussions, and presenting research findings in various settings significantly improved my communication and public speaking skills.
Presenting was one of my biggest challenges, but continuous practice, preparation, and support from the team allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and build confidence.
Helped me grow
When I first joined the ESYP project, I felt uncertain, as this was entirely new to me, and I didn’t know what exactly my role entailed.
However, taking on more opportunities and progressing from stage to stage helped me grow.
It was amazing to collect and collate findings as we progressed, as we could already see the fruits of our hard work and see that our contributions meant something and actually worked. This was probably the most rewarding aspect of the whole journey.
The participatory approach made me feel genuinely included and valued; our input wasn’t just heard but actively incorporated into decision-making.
From co-designing the project aims at the very beginning on Zoom calls to planning the final launch event for policy-makers and officials, we really have contributed from start to end. I appreciated that we were guided and supported throughout the process, making the experience feel collaborative rather than top-down.
Transformative experience
This wasn’t just a research project; it was a transformative experience. I am grateful for the unexpected opportunities it provided, not only within the ESYP project but also externally.
This helped to broaden my horizons beyond research, allowing me to attend networking events, theatre trips, focus groups and research fairs as well as collaborating with universities. It opened so many doors and new opportunities to all of us, allowing us to see the greater impact of research and building connections. they’re not really aware of benefits that they could be eligible for. I feel like the benefit system is designed to support people who are in need, but the way it is done is complex for individuals to understand.
Engaging and insightful
Having worked as a peer researcher on the ESYP project, I’ve been taking part in a community wellbeing project at Toynbee Hall. These sessions have been trialling ideas from our ESYP research for mental health support that’s relevant locally.
It has been fascinating to experience the community wellbeing sessions from a participant’s perspective. The sessions have been engaging and insightful, especially knowing how they were shaped by our research!
They have been unique and incorporated a variety of activities such as ice-breakers, team-building exercises, fun games, and even food and drinks, which made everyone feel comfortable and at ease.
I found the skills-focused workshops very smoothly integrated and at the perfect level for a mixed group like ours.
It has been incredibly rewarding to see how our work as peer researchers has directly influenced the structure and aims of the community wellbeing project, and how it has positively impacted the participants too!
Invaluable skills, connections and confidence
Looking back, my time as a peer researcher on the ESYP project was more than just a role; it was an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful change.
The experience provided me with invaluable skills, connections, and confidence that I will carry forward. It was a privilege to be part of a project that emphasises collaboration, learning, and real impact, and I look forward to seeing how the findings continue to shape future initiatives.
Research and Policy at Toynbee Hall
Toynbee Hall is committed to participatory action research (PAR) – a type of peer research. We believe that the best research comes from working hand-in-hand from the very start with people affected by the issue.
If you are a Tower Hamlets resident, aged 16-22, and would like to hear about future opportunities or the community wellbeing sessions, please get in touch: research@toynbeehall.org.uk
