Queen's Communities and Place (QCAP) is working hand-in-hand with the Market community to co-design an early education intervention focused on substance use among adolescents and young people. Rooted in findings from QCAP’s Growing Up in the Market study, this collaborative project aims to develop a community-led response shaped by local knowledge, lived experience, and expert insight.

Led by Dr Stephanie Maguire, the project brings together the Market Development Association (MDA), Belfast Youth Council, St Malachy’s Youth Club and local residents. The initiative responds directly to community-identified needs, and is part of Queen’s wider commitment to addressing inequalities and promoting equity through civic engagement.

Phase 1: Laying the Groundwork through Co-Design
The first co-design workshop took place on 19 March 2025 at the Market Community Centre, attracting 30 participants from across the community, including researchers, service providers, youth workers and residents. Professor Kathryn Higgins, QCAP Director, and a local youth worker shared reflections on the community’s adult substance use programme, setting the scene for the evening.

Guest speaker Professor Harry Sumnall (Liverpool John Moores University) delivered a powerful presentation on the evolving drug landscape in Northern Ireland. He addressed the role of social media, community factors and evidence-based strategies for youth-focused education, offering practical insights on what works in communities.

Participants took part in two interactive breakout sessions, using tools like Mentimeter to discuss community concerns, explore early intervention opportunities, and co-develop ideas for the education programme. The session was a first step in a participatory research process that placed local voices at the centre of programme design.

Phase 2: Engaging Young People Directly
Building on the workshop, and in response to feedback from stakeholders, QCAP developed an anonymous questionnaire with staff from St Malachy’s Youth Club to better understand the perspectives of young people in the area. Over 30 young people completed the survey, offering important insights into the local factors shaping substance use and informing the development of a more targeted and effective intervention.

This two-phase approach has deepened relationships between Queen’s, the MDA and the wider Market community. The project highlights the power of co-production, combining academic knowledge with community experience, and represents a promising step toward an inclusive, evidence-informed strategy to support the wellbeing of young people in the Market area.