Using the Kailo Co-production Framework to strengthen young people's sense of belonging in Camden
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Authors
Gill Hannan
Ysabella Hawkins
Contact
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Issue Date
06-May-26
Type
Conference Abstract
Language
Keywords
Working with people and communities , Embedded researchers , Communities cohesion
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background
Kailo supports young people to understand and shape local, non clinical factors influencing their mental health. Camden is testing and adapting the Kailo framework with adolescents (13–15), using creative arts to engage with systems thinking and co production. UCL will evaluate its structural fidelity, equitable co design principles and population level outcomes.
Objectives
We want to create conditions in which young people develop the power to address what matters to them locally. We are testing how the framework can strengthen local system capacity and equitable youth engagement by:
• Establishing a shared, locally grounded mission.
• Embedding a youth centred, power sharing culture.
• Ensuring inclusive recruitment and participation.
• Supporting systems exploration, prioritisation and co design.
• Engaging system leaders while protecting youth influence.
• Creating pathways to implement co designed ideas.
Stage at Submission
Following evidence review and borough-wide engagement, young people selected “belonging” as the priority theme. In March, the “Small Circle” phase begins, where 8–15 adolescents undertake sustained co production facilitated by Holborn Community Association, our Community Arts Partner.
Methods
The approach moves systematically from broad insight-gathering to targeted co design.
• Rapid review of local evidence.
• Consulting professionals (community, statutory, health and education) on perceived pressures on young people and opportunities for change.
• Cross borough engagement with multiple youth groups, exploring with a community engagement specialist what makes them feel “glad, sad or mad.”
• Prioritisation event where 26 young people assessed the synthesised findings, potential impact areas, energy and influence for change.
Next:
• Over 12 weeks, the Small Circle will explore belonging: mapping the system, identifying levers, generating and prioritising ideas and designing a locally actionable intervention.
• A “Big Circle” of stakeholders will advise on system dynamics and help embed the intervention.
Learning So Far / Discussion Points
• Ensuring the sustained process offers intrinsic value for participants (confidence, creativity, connection) as well as a route towards a final product.
• Applying the framework as scaffolding, offering a clear structure without constraining community led creativity.
• How skills and networks built during Kailo create a legacy and add value to other co-production work in Camden.
• Conditions for scalability of youth led insight and design into Local Authority work on social determinants.