Young Voices was a programme working with young people in Plymouth to promote healthy relationships and prevent peer-on-peer sexual harm. The programme was part of our Together for Childhood work, collaborating with local residents and agencies to help prevent child sexual abuse.
Between 2019 and 2022, 96 young people aged 13-16, known as ‘Young Campaigners’, were involved in the design and development of campaigns. Six youth-focused campaigns were shared across Plymouth’s secondary schools and one campaign was created for parents and carers.
The Young Voices programme was evaluated through focus groups and interviews with the Young Campaigners, students in participating schools, teaching staff and the project team.
The evaluation considers:
Authors: Claire White and Kandy Sisya
The Young Voices programme engaged young people in the design, development and delivery of healthy relationships campaigns and enabled them to build strong relationships with safe and supportive professionals.
The Young Voices programme enabled young people to share their views, learn from each other, and have comprehensive discussions about healthy relationships. Young people felt this approach helped them to learn more about the topic than the standard approach to sex and relationships education in their school.
Young Campaigners were provided with a safe space to discuss healthy relationships and gain new insights and perspectives. Young people said being involved in the programme gave them confidence that their voices were being heard.
Students watching the campaigns said the messages were clear and relevant, and delivered in interesting ways. Students felt they were more likely to accept advice from peers, and wanted more participation in sex and relationships education so they could discuss the topics with the biggest impact on their lives.
Please cite as: White, C. and Sisya, K. (2023) The power of Young Voices in Plymouth Together for Childhood: how participation can improve outcomes in learning about healthy relationships and preventing peer-to-peer sexual harm. London: NSPCC.
Briefing on the data available about HSB, including scale of the issue, technology-assisted HSB and characteristics of young people who display HSB.
Training, lesson plans, a whole-school approach framework and a dedicated helpline to support secondary school teachers and leaders embed sex and relationships education across their whole school.
Learn more about Together for Childhood, an innovative, evidence-informed approach to bring local partners and families together to prevent abuse.
