So round the spiral again: a reflective participatory research project with children and young people

Historically the voices of children in research have been silent. They are often seen as victims or beneficiaries of research rather than co-researchers or partners. This is beginning to change with rowing awareness that involving children in the design, delivery and evaluation of services can make services more accessible to them and their peers. This article reviews the processes involved n a research project commissioned by Children’s Fund, which investigated the use and non-use of services within a local area. The involvement of children was paramount and resulted in the recruitment f nine young researchers between the ages of 7–13. Various cycles of participatory action research evolved throughout the project and this article focuses specifically on two—recruiting the researcher and training young researchers. We consider the cycles of reflection and action crucial to any participatory project and discuss how lessons were learned to inform further stages of the process. Themes such as challenges, power and participation are discussed throughout

Reflections on a participatory research project exploring bullying and school self-exclusion: power dynamics, practicalities and partnership working

Young people who self-exclude from school often cite bullying as a central reason; yet there is a paucity of research on this topic. Moreover, there is no participatory research exploring this issue alongside young people. Using participatory research, we worked with Red Balloon Learner Centres, who provide educational/therapeutic support to young people after self-exclusion. In phase one, we worked with staff and young people to co-develop an understanding of bullying and co-design the research methods and analytical framework for the study. In phase two, young people from across the Centres participated in focus groups. This participatory process highlighted how the intentions and realities of this approach often conflict with one another. Reflections therefore include: Power dynamics : The research team had a wealth of knowledge from lived experiences, to practical knowledge/experiences to academic knowledge. By recognising these contributions, power was perceived as fluid, ever changing as the project developed. Practicalities of participation : Young people had competing priorities and some chose not to participate. We were respectful of this and worked flexibly to provide participation opportunities. Partnership working : Building rapport with Red Balloon was essential for sensitively identifying young people interested in the research and encouraging/supporting them throughout their participation. This research adds to literature on the need for flexibility and responding appropriately to experiences when involving young people in sensitive research. It further offers a strong rationale for involving young people in future studies to develop support that better fits the needs of bullied young people to reduce incidences of self-exclusion

Australian energy policy: shortfalls and roadblocks for sustainable change

As a result of the principles laid down by the global community, there is a growth occurring in renewable energy. However, there is a lack of Australian Government policy to preserve fossil fuels, in particular oil and gas in Australia. The Australian government is not keeping up with the changes that are occurring in the market place and with the current and future needs of the Australian society. This is having an impact on the community and businesses. This paper explores three case studies that indicate the impact on businesses and the Australian community due to the lack of comprehensive federal Australian Energy Policy. The three case studies explored are: The South Australian Electricity Crisis; The status of Australia’s gas resource and the regulatory regime; and Australia’s national strategy for the Conservation of oil. The paper concludes that the Australian Government should not wait for crises to occur whereby businesses and the community suffer before implementing appropriate policies. Pro-active policies can assist in a smooth and painless transition to a reduction in fossil fuel use, the preservation of fossil fuels for future generations and an increase in the use of renewable energy