Meet the team
Sophie Pannett-Smith (she/her)
Age: 19
Why I joined YPAG: I am really interested in mental health and the research around it. I joined to learn more about research and how it is carried out and to work with some very interesting people.
What I have gained from YPAG: I have had a chance to improve my knowledge on mental health, ethics, and the process of doing research.
Fun fact: I go to the University of Birmingham.
Asher Wood (she/her)
Age: 19
Why I joined YPAG: I joined YPAG because it looked like an exciting opportunity to get involved in mental health research whilst working with some very talented people.
What I have gained from YPAG: During my experience in YPAG, I’ve participated in various co-produced projects that have the potential to help millions of people across the UK.
Fun fact: I was born in Hong Kong.
Heather Day (she/her)
Age: 17
Why I joined YPAG: Joined YPAG to help remove the taboo element around mental health with helping in the research.
What I have gained from YPAG: Got extra mates and better knowledge of specific projects – eg antidepressants, ChildLine.
Peter Lewis (he/him)
Age: 18
Why I joined YPAG: For experience in a semi-professional setting and collaboration on useful real-world projects.
What I have gained from YPAG: I’ve learned about research processes and practised implementing them myself, as well as having teamwork and public speaking opportunities, and lots of experiences for my CV.
Fun fact: I will study Law at university beginning September 2022.
Juniper Sweet (she/her)
Age: 17
Why I joined YPAG: I want to study medicine and become a psychiatrist when I’m older, so I joined to get some experience of research in mental health, as well as meeting new people.
What I have gained from YPAG: I’ve taken part in multiple exciting projects which will help people going through numerous mental disorders, as well as being involved and trained in some completely unique projects I never would have gotten to experience alone. It’s given me a brilliant understanding of research and a foundation for both my A Levels and university, and I have met so many truly talented people along the way.
Caitlin Brookes (she/her)
Age: 18
Why I joined YPAG: I wanted to get experience in research & academic writing, so the YPAG was a really good opportunity to find out more about the process and develop my skills. It also seemed like a great way to meet some interesting new people.
What I have gained from YPAG: I’ve gotten a lot of confidence in how to express my opinions to different people. The projects we’ve worked on have been really fascinating, and I’ve developed skills in data analysis and content creation, so its such an amazing experience overall.
Cassia Bennett (she/her)
Age: 18
Why I joined YPAG: I have been interested in mental health since doing psychology GCSE and wanted to continue to learn through taking part in research projects with the YPAG group and help people with the work that the YPAG does.
What I have gained from YPAG: I have gained research skills which will be helpful for studying at university next year as well as learning practical skills useful in everyday life.
Eve Lownds (she/her)
Age: 19
Why I joined YPAG: I joined YPAG because it was an opportunity to meet with likeminded people and talk about mental health while getting involved in research.
What I have gained from YPAG: During my time in YPAG I have met with researchers, learned more about how mental health data is collated and also had some fabulous storytelling training. I’ve really enjoyed sharing my passion for podcasting and having the opportunity to teach others.
Fun fact: my first language was Portuguese.
Clara Sayers (she/her)
Age: 16
Why I joined YPAG: I wanted to take part in academic research where I could have a positive impact to improve mental health services and make information more accessible.
What I have gained from YPAG: I have learned lots about research and had the opportunity to co-author an academic paper. Through working with big organisations (like Childline), alongside other young people, I have gained confidence,and improved my communication and leadership skills.
Grace Simpson (she/her)
Age: 17
Why I joined YPAG: It was the perfect opportunity to get involved in current and ongoing research about ways to improve and develop mental health services and feel like you have a voice and you can make a difference.
What I have gained from YPAG: I have been able to work on big projects with big companies like Childline to co-produce important mental health research as well as meeting some great people along the way and developing my confidence and public speaking skills.
Some of our team are getting over exams and pondering on their Bios … Cameron Eilbeck, Simeon Lewis, Emme Earl, Felicity Biggs, Alice Emburey, Amelia Crook