Challenge
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry commissioned Verian to deliver Children and Young People’s Voices, the largest child interview-led research exercise ever undertaken by a UK public inquiry. This qualitative research study was designed to capture direct experiences of the pandemic amongst 600 9-22 year olds, ensuring that Children and Young People (Module 8) - UK Covid-19 Inquiry was guided and informed by what children themselves said.
Approach
This research was trauma-informed at every touchpoint, and interviews were participant-led to ensure that children and young people could share their experiences in a safe and meaningful way.
The research sample was designed to be broadly reflective of UK demographics, alongside targeted groups of those which evidence suggested were particularly impacted by the pandemic. This included children and young people with disabilities or other health conditions, and children and young people who lived in particular settings during the pandemic, including those in care settings, detention settings or secure accommodation or in temporary or overcrowded accommodation.
Children and young people who interacted with other particular services and systems, such as those who were in contact with social services, mental health services, the criminal justice system or those who sought asylum, also shared their experiences of these during the pandemic.
Impact
The findings from this groundbreaking research highlight the challenges experienced by children and young people, revealing a multitude of profound, distressing and life-altering ways the pandemic affected them. They also provide insight into the factors that helped children and young people during this time.
The report Children and Young People's Voices Research Project - UK Covid-19 Inquiry provides crucial evidence for Module 8 public hearings, which opened on 29th September. The opening submissions highlighted the importance of this research in allowing the Inquiry to see into the reality of children’s lives during the pandemic.
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