Peer Research is a participatory research method which empowers people with lived experience to lead and conduct research to effect positive change in their own communities.
At StreetGames, young people living in low-income, underserved neighbourhoods are at the heart of all our work. When we do Peer Research, they are involved in all phases of the research: from designing and defining, developing research tools, collecting and analysing data, and writing up and disseminating findings.
Why Peer Research?
The voices of young people are extremely important. With insight gathered from young people, engaging sessions can be developed that meets the needs of the individuals, ensuring that they remain ‘active for today and tomorrow’. Evidence shows that having the right Doorstep Sport offer can and does increase attendance, support personal development and improve physical and mental health. Having young people’s voices heard allows for Doorstep Sport activation to be successful and meet the needs of all young people in the community.
Peer Research is a mutually empowering process that amplifies the voices of those furthest from power, equips participants with both specific and transferable skills, unifies communities, and catalyses change through the power of shared experience.
Peer Research can also enhance the research in a number of ways:
- Gathering better data: mutual solidarity creates a safe and supportive space to gather rich, authentic, nuanced data that goes beyond what would typically be shared in a traditional research interview.
- Access to ‘less heard’ voices: peer researchers can often connect with people who might be unwilling to engage with professional researchers. In addition, peer researchers can use their networks and relationships to involve people that may not otherwise have been included.
- The added value of lived experience: Peer researchers have their own lived experiences, and that knowledge and inside understanding of the issues being studied can enhance the research.
- Better dissemination of the research: co-producing and publishing accessible peer research means that more people can engage with reliable data about the experiences of young people and feel connected to the issues that affect them and the solutions they need.
- Meaningful Youth Action: Both peer researchers and research participants are motivated by a desire to create positive and meaningful change and are eager to be more involved in shaping the policies and decisions that affect their lives.
What does Peer Research at StreetGames involve?
Peer Research in action
