Young People Matter Lab
Our team welcomes you to our research lab, where we are dedicated to study youth mental health
"The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases." – Carl Jung
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About us
Formed in 2022 and affiliated with King's College London (KCL), our research lab is dedicated to improving young people's mental health through meaningful and relatable research and public engagement and community events. Our diverse and expanding team includes students (undergraduates and postgraduates), research assistants, assistant psychologists, clinical psychology and psychiatry trainees, and mental health professionals. United by a common goal and passion, we strive to make a positive impact on mental health outcomes for young people. Our approach Co-production is at the heart of our research methodology. This approach involves collaborating with young people, their families, and other stakeholders as equal partners in the research process. By valuing their lived experiences and expertise, we ensure that our research is relevant, effective, and truly reflective of the needs and realities of those it aims to serve. We believe that those with lived experiences are the true experts, and their insights are invaluable in shaping our research. Areas of focus
Our research extends across a variety of settings, including national clinical services, educational institutions, including primary and secondary schools and universities, and charitable organisations. Our current studies are focusing on eating disorders, the transition from primary to secondary education, conduct problems and development of relatable serious game applications, and psychotherapy outcomes. |
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As of 2023, about 1 in 5 children and young people aged 8 to 25 years had a probable mental disorder. Specifically, 20.3% of 8 to 16-year-olds, 23.3% of 17 to 19-year-olds, and 21.7% of 20 to 25-year-olds were affected (NHS England Digital).
In 2023, 12.5% of 17 to 19-year-olds had an eating disorder, a sharp rise from 0.8% in 2017. Among 11 to 16-year-olds, the rate was 2.6%, with girls being four times more likely to be affected than boys (NHS England). |
Why it matters?
Eating problems among young people in the UK have become a growing concern, reflecting broader trends in adolescent mental health. Approximately 1.25 million people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder, with a significant proportion being young people aged 11-18. Mental health problems, in general, are more prevalent among those from socially deprived backgrounds. Adolescents in these areas are at a higher risk for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders. The interplay between socio-economic deprivation and mental health is complex, with deprivation often leading to increased stress and reduced coping mechanisms, further compounding mental health issues. There is a critical need for more resources and faster access to mental health services. Currently, many young people face long waiting times to receive the support they need, with some waiting over two years. Addressing these challenges requires increased resources, better access to mental health services, and targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations.
Eating problems among young people in the UK have become a growing concern, reflecting broader trends in adolescent mental health. Approximately 1.25 million people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder, with a significant proportion being young people aged 11-18. Mental health problems, in general, are more prevalent among those from socially deprived backgrounds. Adolescents in these areas are at a higher risk for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders. The interplay between socio-economic deprivation and mental health is complex, with deprivation often leading to increased stress and reduced coping mechanisms, further compounding mental health issues. There is a critical need for more resources and faster access to mental health services. Currently, many young people face long waiting times to receive the support they need, with some waiting over two years. Addressing these challenges requires increased resources, better access to mental health services, and targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations.