Young adult peer research
We’re running a new research project to explore the impact of work with young adults — and we need your help!
We’re teaming up with a charity called Esteem to better understand how their work supports young people.
We’re looking for young adults aged 14–26 to get involved in different ways, including three paid opportunities to take on leadership roles as Peer Researchers.*
Even if you’re not selected for a paid role, there will be other exciting ways to take part and share your voice.
What is a Peer Researcher?
Peer Researchers are young people with lived experience of the issues being explored. You don’t need to have a research background — just an interest in listening, learning, and sharing ideas. We welcome young adults who are already involved with Esteem, as well as those who aren’t but who bring different experiences and perspectives.
Paid Roles: Join the Research Team.
Here are the three roles we’re recruiting for:
1. Lead Researcher (Peer Researcher) ×2
Take the lead in planning and running this project between May and September 2025.
You’ll work closely with the project lead and other peer researchers to decide how to carry out the research and help deliver it. This might include:
Joining group training
Reading short articles or listening to podcasts
Writing interview questions
Conducting interviews and focus groups
Using digital tools and AI to explore the data
Time commitment: Around 6 full days, split across meetings and events (June–September, exact dates agreed with you)
Pay: £600 fixed fee
Skills & experience: No experience needed — just curiosity, commitment, and a desire to lead. You’ll need to enjoy learning new things and working as part of a small team.
2. Focus Group Leader (Peer Researcher) ×2
Help plan and lead focus groups to find out what young people think about Esteem’s work.
You’ll:
Join training with the research team
Help write questions and lead group discussions
Welcome participants and explain the project
Listen, take notes and use digital tools to record what’s shared
Work with others to analyse the responses
Time commitment: Around 3 full days, split across meetings and events (June–September)
Pay: £300 fixed fee
Skills & experience: No experience needed. It helps if you’ve talked to or led small groups of young people before — but what matters most is your enthusiasm and interest in the project.
3. Creative Leader (Peer Researcher) ×2
Lead a creative project (this could be film, photography, graphic arts or other creative media) – supporting young people at Esteem to share their stories through photos or short videos.
You’ll:
Plan and deliver creative workshops
Support young adults to create their own visual projects
Help run a final session where participants present their work
Time commitment: Around 3 full days, split across meetings and events (June–September)
Pay: £300 fixed fee
Skills & experience: No formal experience needed, but an interest in photography, video, or creative storytelling is great. Experience running small creative groups is a bonus.
