Critical Health Promotion and Participatory Research: Knowledge Production for and with Young People Experiencing Homelessness in Scotland

In Scotland, one-third of homeless applications come from young people. Experiencing homelessness has a strong impact on the overall well-being of a young person, and the involvement of those with lived experience in policy design and implementation is currently more acknowledged and required. In this chapter, we present a research process that addresses the need to improve young people’s participation in the design of interventions to promote health. This work was underpinned by the principles of critical pedagogy (Paulo Freire), co-production and community development that place the young person at the centre. Eight workshop sessions on wider health issues were co-designed with partners from National Health System (NHS) health boards, third sector organizations and young people. We proposed and discussed a methodological and theoretical framework that enabled researchers to understand health promotion linked to social justice from the perspective of young people experiencing homelessness. The process of conducting this research in an inclusive, multidisciplinary, participatory and liberating manner was perceived as essential to create good opportunities for young people to critically reflect on their experiences towards social change.