Navigating Wellbeing Through Youth Work and Participatory Research: Insights from Post-COVID-19 Scotland

This article draws on doctoral research conducted at the University of Glasgow and examines the role of youth work and participatory research in shaping young people’s wellbeing in post-COVID-19 Scotland. This study focuses on how participatory methods, such as photovoice and photo-elicitation, can foster socio-political awareness and agency among young people, engaging Scottish youth and local stakeholders. Using empowerment theory, critical pedagogy, and feminist theory, this research reveals how youth participation contributes to personal and collective empowerment, offering insights into the complexities of supporting youth wellbeing. The findings indicate that young people gained control and awareness of community needs through youth work and research engagement, reflecting critical consciousness. However, this study highlights challenges in achieving sustainable change, as structural barriers often constrain the transformative potential of these initiatives. Despite the safe spaces for connection and skill-building provided by youth work, some participants experienced disillusionment when their contributions did not lead to tangible outcomes. This study recommends more inclusive and responsive youth work practices, emphasising the importance of genuine youth-led decision-making and aligning stakeholder efforts with youth aspirations. It contributes to discussions on youth agency, community engagement, and the critical role of supportive relationships in fostering resilience post-pandemic.