How participation can improve outcomes in learning about healthy relationships and preventing peer-to-peer sexual harm

Key finding

Participation empowers young people and increases their understanding of peer-on-peer sexual harm, crucial steps towards prevention.

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. 

Other findings

Young Campaigners said the participatory approach gave them a deeper understanding of healthy relationships 

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.

The participatory approach provided safeguarding opportunities, by empowering young people to discuss their experiences and seek help if they needed it.

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. 

Young Campaigners’ lived experiences and insights helped them generate powerful campaigns

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.