Co-producing better mental health research with young researchers in educational establishments

This chapter explores the learning experience of a teacher who returned to his previous school to conduct research. The research aim was to investigate the efficacy of a recently introduced mental health school strategy from the students’ viewpoint. Initial research concepts were to collect student data and draw conclusions. However, due to issues of power and trust, the study evolved into a collaborative exercise, which saw the researcher work with young people as partners. The research became a voyage of discovery as the working partnership between the researcher and young people matured into a transformational process for both parties. Young people's lived experience became a central tenant of the research methodology and process. What transpired was a better community research project that demonstrated benefits for both the individuals involved and the community. Whilst the focus of this work was school-based, there are lessons to learn for studies aiming for collaboration within communities.