NKBL Youth Action Research Project Jane Dailly

Background and Context The NKBL programme is informed by the contribution of a youth work approach to prevention outcomes and the importance of involving young people as active partners rather than the subjects of prevention programmes. To date, the involvement of young people in local NKBL programmes has focused on supporting and involving young people as delivery partners (e.g. as NKBL peer educators). The aim of the NKBL Youth Action Research Project is to further build on this involvement

The NKBL Youth Action Research Project Will provide support young people 6 in local NKBL areas to undertake a piece of action research related to knife carrying and knife crime. The research might focus on the extent to which it occurs; the reasons it occurs, how it affects them and their communities; what works to address it We hope that the findings of the research will help to inform local prevention policies, youth work and educational practices related to prevention and community responses to knife carrying and knife crime.

Youth Action Research Young people investigate meaningful social topics, participate in research to understand the root causes of problems that directly affect them, and then take action to influence policies through the dissemination of their findings to policymakers, their communities and other stakeholders. Youth Action Research “mirrors” the principles and core processes of effective youth work It promotes young people’s involvement in their communities and the development of leadership skills. It emphasises the development of young people’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to be experts on issues of importance to them, and to act for change in collaboration with their peers.

Participative Democracy Certificate The young action researchers involved in the programme will be supported to achieve the Participative Democracy Certificate. This SCQF Level 5 Award supports learning in research, decision-making, group work, and reflection. This award is externally verified by YouthLink Scotland.

What’s Involved? Successful applicants will receive a grant of £6,000 to support the development and delivery of their youth action research project Each project is required to develop and deliver a robust youth-led research project that supports young people to explore the issue of knife carrying and knife crime in their communities and make recommendations re solutions/approaches to intervention Each project is required to support the young people involved to work towards the achievement of the Participative Democracy Certificate.

What’s Involved? YouthLink Scotland will provide a programme of support that will include: Practice development sessions for the youth work practitioners involved in how to use an action research methodology to support youth work practice Dedicated support to each project (practitioners and young people) in relation to the development and delivery of their own action research project and the use of research findings locally.

What’s Involved? Involvement in the programme will require a significant level of commitment and it is essential that applicants are aware of this and have capacity to complete their project to the standard required. Applications should have senior level support/ commitment to the project (sign off) Projects will run between June 2015 and December 2015 Application details coming soon

Questions? Group discussion