The panel is separate to the COSMO study itself, however all its members are applicants to Sutton Trust programmes who have faced disadvantages and barriers of various kinds. They have been appointed by the Trust to help give a voice to the experiences of this generation of young people, complementing the COSMO study.
While the main study captures a wealth of data, the Sutton Trust COSMO Youth Panel will be a source of more detailed lived experiences, particularly from disadvantaged groups. They will help to further illustrate the study findings, as well as informing how the COSMO research study is shaped in the coming years. By sharing their perspectives and experiences through blogs, stories and in the media, the Youth Panel will also help the public to better understand the challenges faced by this generation through personal stories.
We intend to work with the panel through the length of the COSMO longitudinal study, with the hope of following them as they progress to university, vocational training and the workplace.
Help and support
COSMO Youth Panel members have been offered links to further support on the issues addressed by the panel's work. If you are impacted by the issues covered here, support is available from the following organisations:
The Mix
Free, confidential advice and support for young people on a wide range of issues including relationships, health, money, crime, safety, work and study. You can call them on 0808 808 4994, or get advice via webchat at www.themix.org.uk
Phone: 0808 808 4994
Website: www.themix.org.uk
Family Lives
Support on a range of family issues including parenting, school and relationships
Phone: 0808 800 2222
Website: https://www.familylives.org.uk
Citizens Advice
General issues including benefits, housing, debt and consumer issues
Phone: 0800 144 8848
Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Talk to FRANK
Free, confidential advice on drugs and alcohol. You can text them on 82111, phone FRANK for free, or get advice via webchat at www.talktofrank.com
Phone: 0300 123 6600
Website: www.talktofrank.com
ChildLine
A 24-hour helpline for young people aged up to 19. It is confidential and calls are free. You can also get advice by email or through a 1-2-1 chat at www.childline.org.uk
Phone: 0800 1111
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Samaritans
Free, 24-hour service about anything that is troubling you, including how you look, problems at school or college, how people are treating you, and worries about exams or money.
Phone: 116 123
Website: www.samaritans.org
NSPCC
Support and advice for adults concerned about the welfare of a child.
Phone: 0808 800 5000
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk