Youth voices celebrated at public partnership in research event

Alumni members of the Wolfson Centre’s youth advisory group have contributed to a School of Medicine public partner panel.

Cardiff University’s School of Medicine patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) event took place on Tuesday 18 November in Cornerstone, Cardiff.

The event brought together researchers, students, and members of the public to celebrate involvement and engagement in health research. One of sessions was the public partner panel, where diverse voices shared their experiences and insights on shaping research and policy.

Among the panellists were Tammie Esslemont and Nathan Jackson, graduate members from the Wolfson Centre for Young People’s Mental Health youth advisory group (YAG). They shared insights on best practice engagement and meaningful ways in which the public can shape research.

Tammie, a founding member of the group, has worked with the centre for four years and is passionate about eliminating barriers for young people in mental health services.

Tammie said: “The buzz of the room was fantastic, so many interesting questions from a crowd of passionate people who clearly cared about making true collaboration with public and patients become commonplace in all research! I really enjoyed the opportunity to speak at this event and would love to do so again! Da iawn pawb!”

Joining her was Nathan, an award-winning social entrepreneur and lived experience consultant who has advised on mental health research and funding panels across the UK, including with the Wolfson Centre since 2021.

Nathan said: “I absolutely love representing the Wolfson Centre at these types of events as a wonderful example of PPI and bringing the perspective that they’ve helped me develop over the years. So great to see such an appetite for the ever-vital patient and public involvement too.”

Speaking about the centre’s commitment to youth involvement, Emma Meilak, Public Involvement Officer, said: “Our mission is to make youth mental health research inclusive and impactful. By working with young people like Tammie and Nathan, we ensure that their voices guide the development of all aspects of the centre’s work and strategy.

The showcase event also featured lightning talks, creative engagement sessions, and the launch of a new PPIE training programme and resource hub, reinforcing Cardiff University’s commitment to embedding public involvement at every stage of research.

Learn more about the Wolfson Centre’s Youth Advisory Group and their collaborations with young people.

The showcase event also featured lightning talks, creative engagement sessions, and the launch of a new PPIE training programme and resource hub, reinforcing Cardiff University’s commitment to embedding public involvement at every stage of research.

Learn more about the Wolfson Centre’s Youth Advisory Group and their collaborations with young people.