Co-produced LARC study sheds light on young people's knowledge and attitudes in Greenwich Borough, praises stakeholder

Healthwatch Greenwich collaborated with a group of young individuals on a research endeavour from July 2022 to February 2023. The main focus of this project was to explore the contraceptive practices and knowledge among young people, specifically their understanding of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). By embracing the principles of co-production, the project recruited a team of young individuals as "co-researchers" who assisted us in designing, executing, and enhancing this significant research undertaking.

Sarah Crossman, Livewell Programme Development Lead at Greenwich Health, spoke to Jahan Foster, our social research manager, about Greenwich Health’s role in commissioning this co-produced project into young people’s contraceptive use and knowledge. You can find the full report on our website here.

What was the value for Greenwich Health in supporting a co-produced piece of work such as the LARC project?

It was important for Greenwich Health to work with Healthwatch Greenwich as they had a proven track record in producing targeted research by working closely with local communities. This research has allowed us to gain valuable insight into knowledge and attitudes to LARC usage in the under 18s in our borough.
 

What insight into young people’s contraceptive practice did Greenwich Health gain from working with young people as co-researchers?

By working with young people as co-researchers, young participants felt more comfortable opening up about sensitive issues. As a result, we gained both expected and new perspectives on young people’s attitudes towards contraception, for example the importance of bodily control.

What did you enjoy most about bringing young people into this project?

Involving young people is effective for gaining deeper insight into young people’s issues as they can report from first-hand experience. It was very rewarding to be able to listen to and learn from the co-researchers and see them gain valuable skills and confidence as the project progressed.

How did this co-produced piece of research support the work of Greenwich Health?

This research will allow Greenwich Health to ensure that we can provide services that are appropriate for young people and will also help inform our social media messaging and campaigns.