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Report exploring young people’s wellbeing uses Greater Manchester data

26 Oct 2022

The report was commissioned by Policy@Manchester and produced by the Education Policy Institute

BeeWell

It has used multiple public datasets, including the findings from the Manchester-based #BeeWell programme, to present links between neighbourhood characteristics and young people’s wellbeing. The report provides a thorough analysis of this crucial data which gives insight into the mental health and wellbeing of young people in Greater Manchester.

Professor Neil Humphrey, Professor of Psychology of Education and #BeeWell Lead, praised the report by saying: “The #BeeWell team is delighted to see the publication of this important report by our colleagues at EPI, which speaks to the role of place as a determinant of young people’s wellbeing. The findings have important implications for policy and practice.”

Findings

In summary, the Education Policy Institute (EPI) found that neighbourhood characteristics are significantly correlated to different domains or drivers of wellbeing. Other key findings from the report showed that:

  • Young people’s wellbeing and affect appear to be negatively correlated with higher levels of income disparities.
  • More health deprived areas were associated with fewer young people reporting good health and more young people reporting experiences of discrimination related to a disability.
  • Neighbourhood crime risk was associated with fewer young people reporting that they felt safe or that people in their area were trustworthy.
  • A higher density of sports facilities was associated with better self-reported physical health.
  • A higher density of charities serving children and young people was correlated to higher wellbeing at the neighbourhood level.

#BeeWell

These conclusions are supported by data from the #BeeWell programme, a project supported by our University. #BeeWell is a pioneering project that listens to young people’s voices and celebrates their wellbeing, and Policy@Manchester is engaging with stakeholders to raise awareness of its success, at a local and a national level. Our researchers continue to work with the Anna Freud Centre and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to provide tailored responses to these surveys and ultimately support student wellbeing.

The findings above have also been incorporated into the #BeeWell neighbourhood dashboard. You can read the new report by the EPI.