IGEs – Information Gathering Events

To achieve its purpose and be effective, the Reach project must be responsive to the needs, experiences and concerns of young people across the age range from 13-21. To do this, we’d like to gain an accurate understanding of how young people experience bullying, be it physical, verbal or cyberbullying.

To fully understand their experiences of bullying and to ensure we engage the broadest spectrum of young people, Reach is organising Information Gathering Events.

Who is involved?
The events will be held over the next two years in schools, academies, FE colleges or universities located in the four authorities participating in the Reach Project: Bath& North East Somerset, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bristol. Similar events, but on a smaller scale, will be held in other young people’s settings such as youth or community centres. The events are free and are arranged by Reach in conjunction with PSHE Co-ordinators or youth workers.

What happens?
IGEs also offer an opportunity for young people to showcase their talents as they provide the entertainment with their own bands, dance groups, art exhibitions, fashion shows, etc. as part of each event. At intervals during the event, young people will take part in short, structured group interviews with trained researchers (e.g. locally based Sociology or Psychology undergraduates), who gather evidence using a set of pre-defined questions and discussion topics.

The evidence gathered from these events will ensure that the Reach resources are fully informed by the personal accounts of young people. Schools and colleges will also be able to use this invaluable current and specific local data to inform anti-bullying policies. Hosting an IGE can feed into any anti-bullying work you are already doing or provide an opportunity for your school or college to kick-start a new anti-bullying campaign.

Interested?
If you would like your school to host an IGE, or if you would like to become involved as a researcher, please get in touch with Reach.

For further information, please contact: director@eachaction.org.uk or call 0117 946 7607