Improving communities based on the voices of children and young people in Wales: Findings from RPlace

Abstract Background The opportunity for children and young people (CYP) to play, socialise, explore and contribute within their community is fundamental to their wellbeing. CYP’s involvement in community development generates enthusiasm, motivation and a sense of belonging and significant national and international work is being undertaken to enhance child and youth participation. This paper explores what factors are important to CYP when they are involved in community development. Methods RPlace is a co-produced website and mobile application by CYP for CYP. CYP rate (from 1 to 5 using the Place Standard Tool) and review their local communities across six categories, including safety, activities and play, meet friends, accessibility, green space and cleanliness. Early pilot data for RPlace collated 311 responses from CYP, aged 7-24, from 13 local authorities in Wales. Results The results were analysed using thematic analysis and four key themes were identified. These themes were; i) being active and playing in communities (“feels like one big community”) , ii) being able to socialise in communities (“you can’t meet friends as it is not safe”), iii) ease of access to community spaces (“I’d like to have easier and cheaper access to outdoor places”) , iv) green space and clean environments (“we need more green space and clean it up a little bit) . Conclusion Involving CYP in community development can improve communities for all as they aim to increase safety, inclusivity and active travel and decrease antisocial behaviour, litter and dangerous driving. CYP participation in community development can be supported through RPlace, providing regular consultation through an anonymous, self-report and informal platform.