Empowering children to shape the future of research on social inequality and health

Social inequality is a key cause of poor health and reduced wellbeing for individuals and communities. Lack of access to adequate and healthy food, appropriate and comfortable housing and good quality public services has a negative effect on people's general health and life expectancy. Economic barriers to participation in social and cultural activities further undermine personal wellbeing, giving rise to feelings of isolation and increasing levels of anxiety and depression. In recent years, health inequalities have worsened in the context of the coronavirus pandemic and cost of living crisis.

Children are disproportionately affected by social inequality, with recent data suggesting that up to one in three children in the UK are living in poverty (Joseph Rowntree Foundation). Levels of deprivation are especially high in parts of North-East England, including Middlesbrough and the South Tees region.

The future of health and care is currently a prominent topic of public debate. The 75th anniversary of the founding of the National Health Service has prompted people to compare past and present experiences and to think about the future of health and care in the UK.

However, the voices of children, and especially those experiencing social inequality, are rarely heard in national debates about public health.

This matters for two reasons.

Firstly, being listened to is a vital ingredient for children's wellbeing. Children need opportunities to give free expression to their experiences and perspectives and to know that their thoughts and feelings are taken seriously.

Secondly, knowledge and understanding of children's lived experience can positively inform the development and delivery of public services supporting the health and wellbeing of children.

Standard research methods (such as surveys, interviews and focus groups) may not be the best way to capture children's perspectives. By contrast, creative approaches enable children to explore, reflect on and share their thoughts and feelings in ways which are inclusive, enjoyable and rewarding.

This project is a collaboration between the Centre for Culture and Creativity at Teesside University, the Health Determinants Research Collaborative, Tees Valley Education Trust and the Live Well Centre in Middlesbrough.

Arts and Humanities researchers from Teesside University will work in partnership with Tees Valley Education Trust to co-design a programme of creative workshops for children living in areas of high multiple deprivation in the South Tees region in North-East England.

Children will have the opportunity to explore, express and communicate their lived experiences and perspectives on social inequality and health and wellbeing through a series of interactive and inclusive workshops, including comic-making, creative writing, dance and performance.

They will work with artists, writers, musicians and performers to co-produce outputs capturing their voices through anthologies of artwork and creative writing and short animated or documentary films.

Public audiences, health professionals, policy makers, and researchers will have opportunities to learn from the experience and insights of children. The Live Well Centre, a multi-agency health hub in Middlesbrough will host public displays, exhibitions, screenings and talks. The Health Determinants Research Collaborative (a partnership between Teesside University and public health and local government in the South Tees region) will host knowledge exchange events, where the outcomes of the project can be shared with community-based researchers, public health leaders and practitioners from across the region.