Roundtable tackles youth wellbeing challenges

A North East university has brought together community leaders, policymakers and researchers to explore ways of improving young people’s wellbeing.

The University of Sunderland hosted a roundtable discussion at Hope Street Xchange, bringing together representatives from community organisations, local government, academia and youth groups to examine the challenges facing young people today.

The event formed part of the North East Community Research Partnership and focused on issues including mental health, housing, poverty, employment, racism and transitions into adulthood.

Participants shared frontline experiences and local insights to help identify practical solutions and priorities that could inform future research, policy and community initiatives.

The session aimed to strengthen collaboration between organisations working with young people and ensure lived experiences are reflected in decision-making.

Contributors included Lucy Tiplady, senior research associate at Newcastle University; Ruth Walker, of the All Together Consortium and academic tutor at the University of Sunderland; Mariam Shaikh, of the All Together Consortium and a community and youth work apprentice at the University of Sunderland; Kumareswaradas Ramanathas (RAM), executive manager of Young Asian Voices; Shaun Hair, member of Youth Parliament for the City of Sunderland; and James Fildes of Space North East.

The discussion was jointly organised by the University of Sunderland’s Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion and Teesside University’s Institute for Collective Place Leadership.

Organisers say the event, which was funded by University College London (UCL),provided an opportunity to explore how stronger partnerships between communities, researchers and policymakers can help address inequalities and improve outcomes for young people across the North East.

Dr Robin Finlay, partnerships manager and research associate at the University of Sunderland’s Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion, who chaired the discussion, said: “Tackling inequalities and supporting youth wellbeing is a social urgency that requires a united, regional response.

“This event highlights the vital civic role of the University of Sunderland and the Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion in bringing together diverse stakeholders. By collaborating across sectors, we ensure our research directly serves our city and the wider north-east.

“We hope this discussion lays the groundwork for practical, co-produced research and policies that offer real, measurable support to our region’s young people.”

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