Are You a Premature/Pre-term, NICU Baby?

FROM NICU TO NOW

YOUNG PEOPLE’S VOICE IN RESEARCH

Were you in the NICU as a baby?

We’d love to hear your story!

The Neonatal Medicine Group at Imperial College London is looking to set up a group for young people (aged 17-24) to help shape neonatal research.

Why join?

Inform neonatal research

Share your thoughts and opinions about starting life in the NICU

Gain experience for your CV

Get paid for your time!

We can arrange 1-1 interviews online, or in person group workshops.

Thank you for your interest in joining our YPAG(YoungPeopleAdvisoryGroup). This document provides additional information; please contact us if you have any questions.

What is YPAG?

A Young Person Advisory Group is a group of young people who come together to share their views, experiences, and opinions on research that affects them. In our case, we are focusing on research related to babies who were born too early or were sick, like those who spent time in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Your input will help shape research projects to ensure they reflect the needs and experiences of young people.

Can I join?

We are looking for anyone aged between 17 and 24 years old who has either spent time in a NICU as a baby or has had a sibling who did. You need to live in England to be eligible.

What is involved?

The project will begin in January 2025, starting with an online meeting to introduce everyone. We plan to host around three meetings, with at least one of them taking place in London (you will be paid for your time and travel). We want to hear your thoughts on research involving babies who are born premature or sick, and we are particularly interested in your views on how doctors and researchers should handle the data collected from babies as they grow into adulthood. The project will run for 6 months, but we hope to keep the group going if it’s successful. You’ll have the opportunity to guide how we run the group, giving you a voice in shaping the project.

What are the benefits of joining the group?

If you join our YPAG, you'll play an important role in improving research by sharing your unique experiences. Some benefits include:

You will be paid for your time-£25anhour

You can add this experience to your university or job applications Wecanprovidereferencesforuniversity, college, or work

You'll gain research experience

You'll develop new skills, including training opportunities

You'll meet new people from different backgrounds and cultures

Do I have to commit?

No, joining the group is entirely voluntary. While we encourage you to attend all sessions, we understand that life is busy, and you’re not required to attend every meeting.

What next?

If you’ve decided you’d like to join the group,please apply using this link: https://forms.gle/JFqPDnbvTjdCNNVK6 .If you're under 18, we require permission from a parent or guardian to participate.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Annemarie(a.lodder@imperial.ac.uk)

WhatsApp07805416103

Or Jo (jo.craddock25@imperial.ac.uk)

Mobile: 07966386923