Youth Participation Research Articles

Becoming activists: how young athletes use visual tools for civic action and meaning-making within participatory research

How can participatory research, combined with visual methods, enable young people to grow as engaged citizens in their communities? This article introduces an innovative methodological design that draws on a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) approach with 33 young athletes aged 11 to 16 from two different educational settings. Based on both observation notes from the community profiling process and visual materials produced by the young people throughout that process, we analyze how they become activists, taking sports as the ground for mobilization and intervention in their communities. Specifically, we examine the visual activist strategies and the visual meaning-making representations that resulted from young people’s engagement in participatory research. Novel findings include the realization that young people with no previous experience in activism strongly prefer visual and performative formats of participation, often in connection with digital and online arenas. Additionally, data analyses reveal that participants particularly value collective moments of learning, negotiation, and preparation of activist actions. This article highlights the increasing prevalence of visual-oriented modes of civic engagement and the potential of participatory methodologies in fostering critical awareness, meaningful decision-making, and a sense of agency among young people.

Youth Violence in Urban Ethiopia: Forms, Risk Factors and Preventive Mechanisms in Hawassa and Shashemene Cities

Youth violence negatively impacts physical, emotional, and social well-being, hindering development, decision-making, learning, and relationships. Holistic and interdisciplinary approaches are needed to mitigate this issue. This research aims to investigate forms, risk factors, and preventive mechanisms of youth violence in Hawassa and Shashemene cities. The research utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design with a mixed-method approach. The study included 400 survey respondents, 16 focus group discussants across two sessions, and 7 in-depth interviewees. As the findings reveal, youth involvement in violence spans from perpetration to victimization. Among the total respondents, 289 self-reported that they have perpetrated various forms of physical, verbal, sexual, economic, and media violence within the past 12 months. The primary reported risk factors for youth violence include attitudes that condone violence (64.25%), insufficient parental control (59%), elevated rates of unemployment (67.25%), and a fragile rule of law (81.25%), which respectively represent the leading factor from the individual, relational, community, and societal risk domains as per the social-ecological model. The findings indicate that institutional and community-based efforts to address and mitigate the issue remain in their early stages. The study areas lack nearly all essential elements of youth violence prevention and intervention programs. The study concludes that youth violence is a more visible issue that affects both society and the youth in the study areas. Without preventive efforts, the highlighted risk factors may further increase the likelihood of youth engagement in violence. Thus, the study recommends the establishment of integrated and inclusive programs and strategies to effectively address the problem such as community awareness campaigns, parental counselling services, school-based interventions, and strengthening the capacity of relevant institutions among others

The Study of the Cross-Cultural Dialogue between Traditional Southeast Asian and Chinese Music in the Belt and Road Initiative Context

This study explored the role of the China-ASEAN Music Week, an integral component of the Belt and Road Initiative, in facilitating cross-cultural exchange and enhancing cultural understanding and social cohesion. Focused on Nanning, Guangxi, as a pivotal center for the dissemination of traditional Southeast Asian music, the research employed Music Week as a case study to analyze the channels, impact, and dynamics of cultural interaction. It highlighted the event's effectiveness in promoting cultural diversity and preserving traditional cultures, elucidating the mechanisms through which music transmission enriched local cultural diversity and fostered global inclusivity. Additionally, Music Week functioned as a platform for cross-cultural cooperation, connecting artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds and offering youth engagement opportunities through workshops and performances, which deepened their appreciation of cultural heritage. The digital extension of the event broadened its scope, facilitating a more inclusive cultural exchange. The study also noted the festival's contribution to the local music industry in Nanning, stimulating artistic innovation and attracting international attention. To enhance the impact of such cultural exchanges, recommendations included improving cultural education, expanding exchange programs, and leveraging digital platforms for a wider reach. The research suggested future inquiries could involve longitudinal studies on the sustained cultural impacts, comparative analyses of similar events, and evaluations of digital exchange effectiveness.

Deepening the participation of neurodivergent youth in qualitative mental health research: Co‐development of a general approach and the evaluation of its implementation in a study on emotion

AbstractBackgroundThere is a growing expectation that neurodivergent young people, such as those with diagnoses of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism, should play a central role in shaping research on neurodevelopmental conditions. However, currently, their involvement is typically limited to arms‐length advice. To address this, the Regulating Emotions‐Strengthening Adolescent Resilience (RE‐STAR) programme has co‐developed a framework for deepening the involvement of neurodivergent participants in translational research. Here we apply this to build, implement and evaluate a new approach to participatory qualitative research.MethodsDevelopment – Building on the track record of successful collaboration between RE‐STAR academic researchers (ARs) and its Youth Researcher Panel (Y‐RP), a cycle of meetings was convened to co‐develop a collaborative protocol for the participatory approach. Implementation – ARs and Y‐RPers applied the general protocol to study a specific topic. This involved co‐designing and co‐delivering an interview schedule to study the emotional experiences of 12 adolescents with diagnoses of ADHD and/or autism and then co‐analysing the interviews. Evaluation – ARs, Y‐RPers and interviewees shared their reflections on the participatory approach and its implementation, during interviews (N = 36) and short open‐ended surveys (N = 22).ResultsDevelopment ‐ The protocol for the participatory approach gave detailed advice on how to engage Y‐RP members (or equivalent) in the co‐design, co‐delivery and co‐analysis of interviews. Implementation ‐ The approach was successfully implemented by ARs and Y‐RPers working together to co‐design an interview to study the emotional lives of adolescents with diagnoses of ADHD and/or autism, co‐deliver it and then co‐analyse the interview scripts. Evaluation ‐ The implementation experience of the Y‐RP, ARs and interviewees was characterised by common themes relating to (a) adapting research methods and making practical adjustments; (b) taking on new roles, adding value to research and (c) valuing neurodivergent characteristics.ConclusionsThis new RE‐STAR protocol proved feasible to implement in a way that was generally perceived, from multiple perspectives, to add depth and authenticity to research into the experiences of neurodivergent young people.

Living, doing and learning in sport, civic and political activities: possible paths for positive youth development

ABSTRACT This study investigated the relationship between patterns of youth participation in sports, civic and political activities, and positive youth development outcomes, including social and personal responsibility. It used cluster analysis complemented by a MANOVA and MANCOVA. A sample of 1,174 secondary vocational students (57.1% female) aged 14–19 completed an online questionnaire. Results show that different participation patterns promote different developmental outcomes; combining sports and citizenship activities enhances character, caring, and social and personal responsibility. Gender and age are significant moderating factors in the relationship between youth participation patterns and developmental outcomes, with girls scoring higher in character, caring and personal responsibility, while boys showed higher levels of competence and confidence. Older students revealed weaker competence and personal responsibility. This study emphasizes the benefits of combining different activities to promote youth development and the role of schools in promoting active, socially responsible youth. The study appeals to adapted interventions and for more research into contextual variables and long-term effects.

DINAMIKA STRATEGI KOMUNIKASI POLITIK DALAM MEMBANGUN KESADARAN PUBLIK STUDI PADA KAMPANYE PILKADA DAN PILGUB 2024 DI KOTA MATARAM

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of political communication strategies used in the 2024 local elections (Pilkada) and gubernatorial elections (Pilgub) in Mataram City, as well as to explore the enthusiasm of millennials and Generation Z in following local political developments. The study employs a descriptive survey method, collecting data through questionnaires distributed to 400 samples drawn from a 500,000 population using the Slovin formula. The findings reveal that incumbent candidates are more effective in using social media to reach young audiences, while direct communication is more successful within conservative and rural communities. Millennials and Generation Z show high enthusiasm, especially in social media campaigns, although there remains a gap in understanding campaign programs, particularly among rural populations. This study recommends simplifying campaign messages and increasing youth participation in political campaigns

“Youth are experts in what they need”: experiences and best practice in co-designing and implementing Fast-PrEP, a novel PrEP service for adolescents and youth in Cape Town, South Africa

IntroductionDefining the prevention needs, motivations, and gender dynamics influencing adolescent and young people’s (AYP’s) healthcare access is a key component to successful PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention) implementation. WHO encourages a strong people-cantered approach to healthcare delivery, and this is particularly emphasized for HIV services. Enhanced youth engagement is needed to ensure that interventions are tailored to the specific needs and preferences of youth populations.DescriptionFast-PrEP is an implementation science project providing PrEP (oral, vaginal ring, and injectable) to adolescents and young people (15–29 years old) in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2020, during the planning phase of this project, a Youth Reference Group (YRG) was established to guide, co-create, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of PrEP delivery. From March to October 2023, we conducted four focus group discussions with thirty YRG members, and seven interviews with project implementers (including clinical and research staff). This study aimed to explore real-time experiences of young people and staff members and provide recommendations for best practices when setting up and engaging with YRGs.FindingsOverall, young people described their experience of being involved in the YRG as empowering. Young people felt that their voices and needs were valued when seeing their input put into action or witnessing their designs in demand creation campaigns. Young people felt that being consulted was not for tokenistic reasons, but their contribution was valuable and considered young people’s sexual health needs. Best practices included involving the YRG in every aspect of the project design and implementation, being flexible around young people’s schedules, and having engagements in spaces that are easily accessible and safe for key populations. Staff recommended upskilling the youth members in knowledge around HIV and certain ‘soft skills’ such as building self-confidence and communication skills. It was also recommended that all research and clinical staff need ongoing training and sensitization on the importance and value of youth engagement.ConclusionThe involvement of young people in the co-creation of Fast-PrEP services in all phases of service provision, has been effective in assisting to provide youth appropriate PrEP services.

Empowering emerging evaluators in evaluation project phases: Perspectives and recommendations

Background: Engaging emerging evaluators (EEs) in evaluation projects offers substantial benefits for both evaluators and organisations; however, effective guidance on empowering them is often limited.Objectives: This article provides actionable recommendations for empowering EEs across all phases of evaluation projects, drawing primarily on insights from EEs and their mentors. Leveraging the Eval4Action campaign’s standards for meaningful youth engagement, this article aims to enrich EEs’ learning experiences, foster their professional growth, and enhance evaluation quality and impact.Method: A qualitative and participatory approach was used, incorporating the author’s mentorship experiences, discussions with EEs and mentors, and consultations with established programmes such as the South African Monitoring and Evaluation Association’s (SAMEA) EE initiative and the EvalYouth Global Network. A comprehensive literature review on youth engagement and partnerships further informs this study.Results: Findings indicate that effective EE engagement relies on well-defined roles, open communication, and genuine appreciation of EEs’ contributions. Despite these needs, many EEs reported being limited to data collection roles, which restricts their opportunities for growth and limits their developmental impact within evaluations.Conclusion: Adopting these recommendations can foster a culture of empowerment and inclusion, enhancing both the quality and effectiveness of evaluation projects.Contribution: This study underscores the importance of engaging EEs in meaningful roles throughout projects, advancing inclusivity and effectiveness in evaluations. Empowering EEs leads to more comprehensive assessments, providing deeper insights for policy and programme evaluation.

Implementing Readers Theatre as an arts-based participatory research method in exploring Asian-Canadian youth identities

This article provides an overview of our experiences implementing Readers Theatre within the study “Asian-Canadian youth identities in a pandemic era: Arts-based research”. Led by Dr. Nazilla Khanlou, Principal Investigator (PI), this research uses arts-based methodologies (visual arts and dramatic arts) to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Asian-Canadian youth identities (Khanlou et al., 2021). As part of the ongoing research, two virtual Readers Theatre workshops were conducted with 24 Asian-Canadian youth aged 16-24. The participants were divided into four groups of six youth and asked to create Readers Theatre scripts illuminating the impact of the pandemic on Asian-Canadian youth and their wellbeing. Preliminary findings from the virtual workshops highlighted mental health challenges, complex family dynamics, and the resilience of Asian-Canadian youth. The Readers Theatre scripts were rich in cultural references and personal narratives and facilitated meaningful dialogue among youth participants. This method proved effective in capturing the identities and experiences of Asian-Canadian youth during the pandemic, offering valuable insights for youth-centred practice, policy, and scholarship. Keywords: Arts-based methodologies, youth, identity, drama, Readers Theatre, COVID-19.

Political Engagement of Youth on Facebook & Twitter: A Case Study of Pakistan in Perspective of Political Polarization

This study investigates the political engagement of youth on Facebook and Twitter with a particular focus on the dynamics of political polarization. Facebook and Twitter play a significant role in shaping political discourse, particularly among the younger demographic. In Pakistan, engagement of youth on these platforms is crucial for comprehending the broader political landscape. The research employs a case study approach, leveraging quantitative methods to analyze the online behaviors and preferences of young individuals participating in political discussions on Facebook and Twitter. The study aims to discern the extent to which these platforms contribute to or mitigate political polarization among the youth. The findings of this research reveal that many of the youth are busy sharing political content on Facebook and Twitter. They engage in discussing their favorite political party and highlight all the aspects of their beloved political figure.

Enhancing integrated development planning in South African local government: The critical role of youth engagement in planning and implementation

This paper examines the critical role of youth participation in planning and implementation with the purpose of improving the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Local governments in South Africa are legally mandated to foster participatory development through IDP, which aim to address imbalances from the predemocratic era and improve socioeconomic conditions. Despite the democratic foundation of these policies, youth participation in IDP formulation remains markedly low. This discrepancy is particularly troubling given the substantial role that youth played in achieving democracy and the proverb that today's youth are tomorrow's leaders. The paper argues that the absence of effective mechanisms for youth participation has led to significant social deficiencies. The paper is conceptual and is grounded in social capital theory. The study uses a qualitative desktop research method, relying on existing literature. The findings reveal that the lack of youth participation in IDP contributes to various problems, including inadequate service delivery, violent protests, substance abuse, and social delinquency. It recommends the establishment of practical and inclusive mechanisms to better engage young people in the IDP process, thus addressing the current gaps and promoting more equitable development outcomes. Young people's ignorance and the lack of efficient and inclusive mechanisms to promote participation of youth have produced numerous social deficiencies. These problems hinder community development and social transformation. Therefore, this paper concludes that training programs, youth dialogues, and political education should be developed to improve youth understanding of local government processes.

Engaging Youth in History Through Immersive Storytelling: A Case Study of the 'Once Upon a Time in Palestine' XR Documentary

This paper explores the Once Upon a Time in Palestine XR Documentary as a case study to investigate the potential of virtual and augmented reality technologies in reshaping historical narratives through immersive stories that engage youth with history. The documentary recounts the oral history of pre-1948 Palestine by providing an interactive virtual experience presented on a virtual reality (VR) headset and augmented reality (AR) app. Developed on the Unity3D Gaming Engine, the project employs cutting-edge AI technologies to transform archival photographs into a three-dimensional environment. The storytellers are seamlessly integrated into the XR documentary as 3D volumetric videos to deliver mini-scripted reenactments of oral accounts that were collected from interviews with Palestinian elders. The paper examines various facets of the production process and its outcome while exploring the implications for youth engagement in both the creation process and interaction with the finished project. At the core of this process lies an endeavor to present content with minimal technological mediation that fosters a sense of plausibility through the creation of ‘presence’ for the audience. The case study presents observations and articulates the process undertaken to produce the documentary, which underscores the significance of employing virtual and augmented reality in historical documentaries. Furthermore, it assesses how an interdisciplinary multimodal pedagogical design can facilitate collaborative and interactive projects for undergraduate students, especially when the creators and consumers of the content are the target audience.

Achieving Meaningful Youth Participation in Juvenile Court

Achieving Meaningful Youth Participation in Juvenile Court

Assessment of Physical Status of The Irrigation Structures in Nyarubogo Irrigation Scheme, Rwanda

The physical status of irrigation structures holds immense importance in ensuring the efficient and sustainable management of water resources for agricultural purposes. This study aimed to assess the physical status of the Nyarubogo irrigation scheme structures, which has implications for the level of performance of this irrigation scheme. Specifically, the study assessed the effectiveness of the irrigation infrastructures in terms of intake efficiency, canal physical condition, and command area development. Cross sectional study design was employed, and units for the study were randomly selected to be included in this study. Observation method were used to characterize the physical condition of the Nyarubogo irrigation scheme while questionnaire survey were used to collect data on the implication of socioeconomic characteristics on the performance, and effectiveness of irrigation system. The collected data were fitted to the irrigation structures assessment approaches suggested by Bos, Zende and Nagarajan. Analysis of farmer’s responses was through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (Version 27). This study evaluated the physical status of about 130 irrigation structures in Nyarubogo irrigation scheme. The structures included 7 division boxes, 73 water drops, 2 aqueducts, 42 turnouts, 4 bridges, and 2 Culverts. Overall, the scheme had an effectiveness of 63.8%, with culverts, bridges, and water drops presenting more than the average functional condition of 64.38%, 75.00%, and 100.00%, respectively. The intake efficiency during this study was found to be 67% accumulated from efficiencies of sediment level (20%), embankment (35%), and sluice gate (12%) based on their weightage percentage and rank scores. The overall canal condition was good and was quantified to 70%. The command area development was exhibiting subpar performance, registering a mere 32% effectiveness. Moreover, the study evaluated how farmers' socio-economic status influenced the inadequate maintenance of the Nyarubogo irrigation systems. It uncovered numerous elements contributing to this dilemma: there was limited engagement of women and youth in agricultural pursuits, low educational attainment, challenges surrounding land ownership (specifically, land tenure), the small size of land holdings per household and a notable absence of government incentives for maintenance efforts. These factors, however, when coupled with inadequate funds derived from water fees, significantly obstruct the proper care of these irrigation infrastructures. On the other hand, high runoff due to heavy rainfall was mentioned by the majority of farmers (20.7%) among the primary causes of poor maintenance of irrigation structures. Generally, the evaluation of the Nyarubogo irrigation system structures emphasizes the uneven levels of efficacy and challenges, highlighting the necessity of focused maintenance efforts and enhanced water management techniques.

Optimizing the Role of the Young Generation in Environmental Preservation as a Form of National Defense: Reflections on the 79th Independence of the Republic of Indonesia

This article examines the strategic role of the younger generation in environmental preservation as a form of non-military national defense, with reference to the reflection of the 79th anniversary of Indonesia's Independence. This study uses literature reviews from various international sources indexed by Scopus and other reputable journals to explore the contribution of youth in environmental conservation and its relationship with national resilience. This article also discusses the methodology used in previous studies on youth and environmental conservation, as well as their impact on public policy. The method used is a literature review that focuses on the contribution of youth in environmental conservation programs and the use of green technology. The results of the study show that youth involvement is very important in strengthening national resilience, both through public policy, participation in conservation, and technological innovation. In addition, support from the private sector, NGOs, and the government is urgently needed to empower youth so that they can play an active role in strengthening national sovereignty and environmental sustainability. The research also highlights the great potential of the use of digital technology and social media to increase youth engagement in environmental movements and support the role of national defense.

Youth engagement in permanency planning within tribal child welfare systems: a qualitative study of current practice

ABSTRACT This qualitative study utilized interviews with American Indian/Alaskan Native young adults with lived expertise in foster care, Tribal child welfare workers and court professionals to gather training ideas to prepare the workforce for their role in supporting children and youth in achieving permanency (relational, cultural, and legal). Seven themes were identified: child engagement in court, service (in)sufficiency, definition of permanency, cultural connectedness, listening/respecting youth, benefits of authentic youth engagement, and recommendations for practice. This study expands the literature on youth involvement in permanency planning through a culturally aligned lens.

Young Women’s Informal Leadership: Reflections on Taking Responsibility in Youth Participation

This article aims to enhance understanding of young women’s experiences in political participation by examining their practices of ‘informal leadership’ within Italian and German radical grassroots organizations. It explores the biographical pathways that lead young women to assume leadership roles and highlights the often invisible practices of responsibility that challenge traditional power dynamics. Drawing on gender and feminist studies, the article reveals how gendered practices of responsibility emerge in the analysed participatory settings and how gender biases obscure the recognition of certain leadership practices. In so doing, the article also examines the broader implications for understanding youth participation. It argues that dominant discourses, which emphasize contemporary young people’s disinterest in taking responsibility in civic and political spheres, overlook how and where young people assume responsibility outside formal political institutions and fail to consider the impact of various inequalities on young people’s ability to take on responsibilities.

The Hidden Forces Driving Youth Participation in Climate Policy Among Korean Youth

Objective: This research explores the determinants influencing youth engagement in climate change policy, focusing on the roles of awareness, concern, self-efficacy, attitudes, and personal norms in shaping policy participation intentions. Additionally, it examines the mediating effects of concern, efficacy, attitudes, and personal norms within the relationship between awareness and intention. Theoretical Framework: The research framework integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior, Risk Perception Theory, and Social Cognitive Theory, providing a multi-faceted perspective on the motivations for youth climate policy participation. Method: Applying structural equation modeling (SEM) with a phantom model approach, this study analyzes survey data from 600 adolescents aged 14 to 19. The phantom model approach enables a precise evaluation of both direct and indirect pathways, allowing for the re-specification of indirect effects as total effects in independent models, yielding robust estimates and confidence intervals across mediation pathways. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that awareness alone does not directly catalyze intentions to participate. Instead, significant indirect effects are observed, with concern, efficacy, attitudes, and personal norms acting as critical mediators. This intricate interaction highlights the importance of fostering these psychological dimensions to facilitate youth engagement in climate policy efforts. Research Implications: The study’s outcomes offer actionable insights for the development of climate education and policy initiatives that bolster youth agency. By cultivating self-efficacy and constructive attitudes, these programs may enhance youth contributions to climate governance. Originality/Value: This study advances understanding of youth engagement in climate policy by examining a comprehensive model in which awareness shapes intentions indirectly through mediators such as concern, efficacy, attitudes, and personal norms. Addressing gaps left by prior studies, it clarifies the psychological mechanisms that drive youth participation, highlighting the essential role of these factors in empowering meaningful youth involvement in climate governance.

Youth engagement in global conservation governance.

Youth are increasingly recognized for their important role in shaping environmental decisions surrounding conservation. Regrettably, youth who are crucial decision-makers are often excluded from environmental governance spaces due to structural barriers, both economic and political. As highlighted by recent environmental justice literature, this marginalization hinders their active participation in the decision-making process. The recent publication of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Youth Strategy 2022-2030 has brought prominent environmental organizations into the debate. The IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC) presents a useful example from which to understand how youth access and participate in decision-making at the highest level of governance in a prominent global conservation organization. We used event ethnography and participant observation methods to study the WCC Forum in Marseille, France (2021). We sought to examine the geopolitical intricacies of power and the underlying inequalities at the root of youth engagement, or lack thereof. We considered the IUCN's engagement with youth, outlining the process from previous resolutions and recommendations to the publication of the IUCN Youth Strategy in 2022. The results from the youth narratives we compiled showed that youth are not a monolith, that tokenism should be challenged, and that youth have agency but require support. We argue that when youth are mobilized in metalevel decision-making spaces, their engagement is stratified and unequal. We situated youth engagement in decision-making through the perspective of environmental organizations as a contribution to environmental governance and youth literature.

The Early Youth Engagement (EYE-2) intervention in first-episode psychosis services: pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial and cost-effectiveness evaluation.

Early intervention in psychosis (EIP) services improve outcomes for young people, but approximately 30% disengage. To test whether a new motivational engagement intervention would prolong engagement and whether it was cost-effective. We conducted a multicentre, single-blind, parallel-group, cluster randomised controlled trial involving 20 EIP teams at five UK National Health Service (NHS) sites. Teams were randomised using permuted blocks stratified by NHS trust. Participants were all young people (aged 14-35 years) presenting with a first episode of psychosis between May 2019 and July 2020 (N = 1027). We compared the novel Early Youth Engagement (EYE-2) intervention plus standardised EIP (sEIP) with sEIP alone. The primary outcome was time to disengagement over 12-26 months. Economic outcomes were mental health costs, societal costs and socio-occupational outcomes over 12 months. Assessors were masked to treatment allocation for primary disengagement and cost-effectiveness outcomes. Analysis followed intention-to-treat principles. The trial was registered at ISRCTN51629746. Disengagement was low at 15.9% overall in standardised stand-alone services. The adjusted hazard ratio for EYE-2 + sEIP (n = 652) versus sEIP alone (n = 375) was 1.07 (95% CI 0.76-1.49; P = 0.713). The health economic evaluation indicated lower mental healthcare costs linked to reductions in unplanned mental healthcare with no compromise of clinical outcomes, as well as some evidence for lower societal costs and more days in education, training, employment and stable accommodation in the EYE-2 group. We found no evidence that EYE-2 increased time to disengagement, but there was some evidence for its cost-effectiveness. This is the largest study to date reporting positive engagement, health and cost outcomes in a total EIP population sample. Limitations included high loss to follow-up for secondary outcomes and low completion of societal and socio-occupational data. COVID-19 affected fidelity and implementation. Future engagement research should target engagement to those in greatest need, including in-patients and those with socio-occupational goals.