Exploring the margins: Marginal young people and participatory research practices.

Official statistics in the United Kingdom suggest an increase of mental disorders amongst young people, aged between 17-19  years old,  from 1 in 10 in 2017  to 1 in 4 in 2022 (NHS). This is further compounded for young people from marginal (underserved) communities due to existing socio-economic and inequalities (Winsper et al.2023).  There is an increasing emphasis to address equality, inclusion and diversity in (mental) health research through  collaboration, empowerment and equity via co-creation which incorporates co-production and co-design. Inherent in this shift for inclusivity, researchers work in partnership with non-governmental organisations (NGO) dealing with vulnerable people.  This paper reflects on the processes of working alongside marginalised young people (male) aged 16-18 living in a city in the northwest of England, through participatory workshops to co-produce research priorities. The workshops were co-designed with the partner charity on a model developed by them, focusing on young black boys as participants from the locality, emphasising what gave them joy. This model altered on account of the socio- economic and diverse identities of the young people who took  part. The paper explores the seismic and systemic obstacles young people face, stemming from the minutiae inherent in agreeing to take part in (co-produced) research, for example information sheets and obtaining consent–when English is not understood, spoken and or literacy in one’s own language. I ask about  voice and participation in co-creation  and the significance partnerships (NGOs) as part of the process of co-creation. The paper draws upon critical perspectives on practices involving co-creation/ co-production whilst highlighting the need for contextualisation of young people’s marginality living outside of familial, employment or educational institutions. It concludes by considering embedding participatory workshops as part of research practices that incorporate ethnographic approaches as a necessity to undertake co-production with young people that is both ethical and sustainable.