Our YPAG
The Voice of Young People, at the Heart of BrainWaves
The Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG) helps shape BrainWaves from the inside. It’s a group of young people aged 11–18 who work with the BrainWaves team to make sure our research, lessons, and resources reflect what students actually think, feel, and need.
YPAG is about students being listened to, taken seriously, and having real influence over decisions that affect them.
What Is the YPAG?
Our YPAG is a group of students from different schools and backgrounds who meet online to share ideas, give feedback, and help guide BrainWaves.
As part of YPAG, young people help shape:
- The wellbeing topics BrainWaves focuses on
- The language we use in surveys and lessons
- How students experience taking part in research
- How BrainWaves communicates with young people
YPAG sessions are designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and supportive. This means BrainWaves is built with students, for students.
Why the YPAG Matters
Our YPAG helps make BrainWaves better, fairer, and more useful for students. By listening to young people at every stage, BrainWaves can:
- Create wellbeing support that feels relevant and real
- Avoid assumptions about what students need
- Make research more ethical and student-centred
- Gives students a chance to build confidence, develop skills, and be part of something bigger than their own school.
A Safe Space to Speak Up
Students are encouraged to share their views in ways that feel comfortable for them, whether that’s speaking, writing, or contributing in other ways.
The goal is for everyone to feel confident sharing what they really think. It’s a space where:
- Different opinions are respected
- Quieter voices are encouraged, not overlooked
- Students can challenge ideas and ask questions
- Young people feel listened to and valued
Get your school/college involved
Whether your school is already part of BrainWaves or you’re looking to join, your ideas drive real change.
Being part of BrainWaves means you’re not just learning about wellbeing, you’re helping improve it for everyone.