“Everyone had a Lovely Time” : Perspectives on the Realities and Challenges of Co-authoring Research Publications with Young People

Young people have a right to be involved in things that affect them, including research. Whilst there is growing interest in young people’s involvement in research, many publications about involvement are written by adult (professional) researchers with young people’s voices and perspectives included indirectly, if at all. This commentary takes the form of a dialogue between the authors, both based in the UK: the first is a qualitative health researcher and public involvement facilitator, and the second a doctoral researcher who first got involved in research and co-authoring as a young person using mental health services. Their conversation reflects on their learning from their varied experiences of co-authoring, and what it might mean to do this meaningfully and inclusively.