Institute of Policinghttp://hdl.handle.net/10034/6159032024-03-29T07:47:02Z2024-03-29T07:47:02ZAn evaluation of a violence reduction partnership network: Mixed Methods Network AnalysisWilkinson, Dean JohnThompson, AlisonKerslake, DebbieChopra, IshaBadger, Sophiehttp://hdl.handle.net/10034/6280432023-12-01T01:40:47ZAn evaluation of a violence reduction partnership network: Mixed Methods Network Analysis
Wilkinson, Dean John; Thompson, Alison; Kerslake, Debbie; Chopra, Isha; Badger, Sophie
The work of the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership forms a network of stakeholders,
organisations and providers in a geographical area adopting a Public Health approach to Violence
prevention and reduction. The chosen area of focus for the evaluation had experienced complex
deprivation, significant implications due to Covid19 restrictions and a lack of outdoor recreation
space.
Network Analysis methodologies are increasingly being used in criminological research and
evaluations to assess the structures of social and economic networks. This study explored, using a
mixed-methods network analysis methodology, the nature of the established violence reduction
network in a specific geographical location in West Midlands.
A breadth of network activity is taking place across the community, however, the network analysis
highlighted gaps in terms of specialist provision for early years and support from those with lived
experience. It was perceived that a lack of continuity, in terms of changes in key roles, has affected
the network. Funding mechanisms were perceived ineffective, and not encouraging of development
of localisation services. Relationships between Network members were predominantly positive with
organisations having good communication and accessing support from one another; however,
identifying shared goals and better collective working would benefit the network.
This study pioneers using an innovative, mixed methods network analysis to explore a public health
approach to violence prevention and reduction. Quantitative data collection and analysis allowed for
assessment of the networks capacity and density, whilst qualitative data provided insights and
detailed accounts of how the network functions.
Children and young peoples’ lyrics and voices capturing their experiences within Youth Justice ServicesPrice, JayneWilkinson, DeanCrossley, Charlenehttp://hdl.handle.net/10034/6276172023-07-13T13:08:56Z2023-04-05T00:00:00ZChildren and young peoples’ lyrics and voices capturing their experiences within Youth Justice Services
Price, Jayne; Wilkinson, Dean; Crossley, Charlene
The research aimed to explore young peoples’ authentic experiences of YJS during the covid-19
pandemic. By adopting the creative arts-based method of lyric writing, the research team sought to
empower participants through collaboration and participation and to facilitate them leading the
narrative (Deakin, Fox and Matos, 2020).
This research adopted a creative arts-based method in which participants worked alongside an artist
to generate lyrics that captured their experiences within YJS’. Such an approach demonstrated a
commitment to participatory, child-first approaches.
Two main themes were identified: identity and relationships. The young people vocalised resistance
to frequent labelling and their ambitions to move away from past criminal identity and behaviour.
Relationships with practitioners could be source of frustration within this but were also highlighted
as valuable and supportive.
As data collection was remote, owing to the covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns, the
opportunity to develop relationships with young people within the YJS’ prior to conducting the
research was restricted. This approach may have also impacted upon recruitment of participants.
The sessions presented short-term interventions and whilst follow-up sessions were offered, many
did not take them up. Although the research sample is small and cannot be considered
representative, it allows for a valuable insight into the experiences of young people at a particularly
challenging time.
Upon receiving our findings and recommendations, the first YJS research site has sought to further
embed a relationship-based practice model and greater creative/participatory socially prescribed
psychosocial therapeutic interventions, including music groups, and spoken word artists to work
with children and young people.
2023-04-05T00:00:00ZDeveloping creative methodologies: using lyric writing to capture young peoples’ experiences of the Youth Offending Services during the Covid19 pandemicWilkinson, DeanPrice, JayneCrossley, Charlenehttp://hdl.handle.net/10034/6267512023-05-12T13:59:49Z2022-04-12T00:00:00ZDeveloping creative methodologies: using lyric writing to capture young peoples’ experiences of the Youth Offending Services during the Covid19 pandemic
Wilkinson, Dean; Price, Jayne; Crossley, Charlene
The Covid19 lockdowns (2020-2021) disrupted all aspects of usual functions of the Criminal Justice System, the outcomes and impact of which are largely still unknown. The pandemic affected individuals across the wider society, this includes the social circumstances of young people involved within Youth Offending Services (YOS) (Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation, 2020; Criminal Justice Joint Inspectorates, 2021). This population is frequently drawn from marginalised circumstances and rarely given the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the services they are involved in.
This paper outlines a creative methodology and method used to uncover the experiences and perceptions of the young people undergoing an order within a YOS during the Covid19 lockdowns. The arts-based approach entailed a novel and creative method using an artist to engage with young people through a virtual platform, supporting them to devise lyrics which captured their perceptions and experiences of the YOS during this time.
The artist developed a successful rapport with young people based on, familiarity with and passion for, music. He promoted their strength, improving their confidence which was perceived to elicit more in-depth perspectives that might not have otherwise been obtained using more traditional methods. As such, the method and methodology outlined developed the young peoples social and communicative skills whilst producing meaningful feedback that can contribute to the YOS recovery plan and thus future of the service.
This paper reports on a novel arts-based research methodology, implemented to capture meaningful data from participants during the Covid19 pandemic.
This paper reports on a novel arts-based research methodology, implemented to capture meaningful data from participants during the Covid19 pandemic.
This author accepted manuscript is deposited under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC) licence. This means that anyone may distribute, adapt, and build upon the work for non-commercial purposes, subject to full attribution. If you wish to use this manuscript for commercial purposes, please contact permissions@emerald.com
2022-04-12T00:00:00ZDoes sexual identity and religious practice have implications for individual’s subjective health and wellbeing? Secondary data analysis of the Community Life SurveyWilkinson, Deanhttp://hdl.handle.net/10034/6267502023-11-07T13:42:47Z2022-07-31T00:00:00ZDoes sexual identity and religious practice have implications for individual’s subjective health and wellbeing? Secondary data analysis of the Community Life Survey
Wilkinson, Dean
The health and wellbeing of LGB individual’s has gained attention in recent years, with increased recognition of the unique stressors associated with physical and psychological health concerns. Religious status and psychological health have been explored in the general population, however, few studies have explored sexual identity and religious status for implications on mental health and wellbeing. A secondary data analysis was performed on the Community Life Survey (Department for Culture, Media & Sport, 2019). A multivariate interaction was found between age, religious practice and sexual identity when considering four scores for wellbeing. An ANOVA of the Combined wellbeing scores revealed significant difference between sexual identity groups with the LGB group scoring lowest for combined wellbeing score and highlighted a significant interaction between religion and sexual identity. General health scores revealed significant difference between groups for religious practice. The implications of these findings for policy and practice are discussed, emphasising the importance of understanding and challenging cultural norms in service settings. There is a need to understand LGB individuals’ experiences and access to services to support mental health and wellbeing as key groups, such as LGB, are at greater risk of lower levels of wellbeing and increase levels of dissatisfaction.
2022-07-31T00:00:00Z