Research
Our research
Through mixed-methods and participatory approaches, we explore needs, hopes and trends with communities. Creating an ongoing cycle in which research, learning, innovation, social action and change drive one another, we collaborate with diverse partners in places all over the UK, unlocking new insights. Our research programmes have an immediate, ongoing and practical impact.
Our participatory approach
Informed by experience
With personal understanding of a research topic, peer researchers are often able to meaningfully connect with others, who have similar experiences.
What is peer research?
Peer research in practice
Young people who trained as peer researchers with us in the East Midlands town of Corby share the value and impact of their work.
Watch on youtube
Join our Network
Our Peer Research Network is a space for those working or interested in the sector to connect, share ideas, discuss best practice, and collaborate.
Free registration
Setting standards for quality
Our 10 active principles guide our design and delivery peer research projects
Read our 10 principles
Find out more
Please get in touch if you would like to discuss membership of our Network, training, or peer and participatory research approaches.
peerresearch@youngfoundation.orgResearch projects and programmes
Peer Action Collective
Peer Action Collective programme tackles the root causes of youth violence in communities across the UK.
Community Research Networks
This programme is a two-phase funding opportunity, putting community networks at the heart of research.
Citizen Science
This three-year, collaborative project seeks to share best practice and explore what works in ‘citizen science’ research around the UK, supporting five UKRI-funded projects.
Tackling physical inactivity across the capital
Groundbreaking partnership with London Sport to tackle inequalities in physical inactivity across the capital.
15-minute neighbourhoods
What do residents want and need? We worked with local communities to identify what they feel should be accessible on their doorstep.
The Community Tune-In
Songs tell stories, bring people together, create special memories and share culture and traditions. This project celebrates the UK’s diverse communities through music.
Civic Strength Index to help London build back better
Co-designed and co-created by Londoners, our Index explores post-Covid community strengths.
Evidence of the lived experiences of poverty in the UK
A synthesis of The Young Foundation’s work exploring the nature of poverty and low income in the UK since 2009.
Beyond buzzwords – Embedding a systemic approach to EDI across the UK’s professions
Report involving more than 7,000 members and learners from 12 professional bodies in the UK offers insights into experiences of EDI initiatives.
Our food system: community research exploring access to healthy food in East Birmingham
Drawing on East Birmingham residents’ lived experiences, this report offers policy recommendations for healthy food systems.
No Wrong Door: How an integrated employment and skills system can support Londoners
Commissioned by the Mayor of London, this report explores the needs of people accessing skills and employment services.
Rights and risks: Migrant labour exploitation in London
Commissioned by the Mayor of London and supported by FLEX, this report hears from London’s migrant workers, gaining a deeper understanding of their working conditions and the struggles they face through peer-led research.
Kickstarting careers in research
This report shares learnings from The Young Foundation’s participation in the Department for Work and Pensions’ Kickstart Scheme.
Training
We offer a range of research services, which can be tailored to your needs and those of the communities you work with.
With networks all over UK tackling a wide range of societal issues, we are collaborative, dynamic, and bring a multi-disciplinary approach. We are always open to developing new partnerships, and we thrive on delivering work that we believe will make a positive difference. Work with us if you want to:
- understand what people in communities think, feel and experience
- support communities to take action on the things they care about
- learn how businesses, public institutions, and communities can come together to shape a fairer future
- drive innovation and support ventures that tackle our greatest social challenges
- have impact, leading an innovative project with a strong community dimension
Explore our training courses, consider our bespoke and tailored training opportunities, or get in touch for a conversation.
Work with us
We conduct research with charities, organisations, local authorities, and with diverse communities, designing and delivering tailored approaches. Find out how we could support you.
Get in touch