Leaders and academics from the Institute for Life Sciences (IfLS) and the Southampton Institute for Arts and Humanities (SIAH) hosted over 50 researchers and practitioners from across the region for an interdisciplinary poster and networking session on young people’s health and well-being.
The event formed the foundations of a regional network to share expertise, insights and interdisciplinary approaches to this important area.
Research covered a wide range of topics, including pathways to health through cultures of neighbourhoods; youth, leisure and connection to nature; adolescent diet, nutrition and food behaviours; well-being in youth sport; measuring social isolation and much more. Many of the studies showcased emphasized the importance of working alongside young people to co-design research that matters to them.
Regional organisations that joined included Bournemouth University, Solent University, Universities of Portsmouth, Southampton & Winchester, University Hospitals Dorset, University Hospital Southampton, NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Health Innovation Wessex, Healthier Together, Family Mental Wealth, Wessex Health Partners, Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council.
Joanna Sofaer, Professor of Archaeology and SIAH Co-Director said,
“There is a high degree of inequality in Southampton and parts of the central South. The effects of deprivation on young people create specific health challenges which become exacerbated in the adult population. Most critically these relate to alcohol consumption, mental health and obesity. By sharing our expertise today and making new connections, we aim to build critical mass in the region for future collaborative opportunities.”
Mary Barker, Professor of Psychology and Behavioural Science and IfLS Deputy Director added,
“It has been fantastic to meet colleagues from across the region, all working hard to improve the health and wellbeing of our young people in the UK and overseas.”