BeeWell's Journey from Manchester to Nationwide Impact

John Smith

Alright, so let's dive into where it all began. Back in 2019, the BeeWell Programme was launched as, really, this incredible collaboration. It was The University of Manchester, the Gregson Family Foundation, Anna Freud, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority coming together. And the focus was clear: tackling wellbeing issues for young people by listening to them, involving them, making them central to the whole process.

Jennifer Jones

You know, it's fascinating, isn't it? How Manchester's history—its sort of cooperative roots—played such a huge part in shaping that vision. I mean, this city has always been about community and, and lifting each other up. So, it only seems natural that an initiative like BeeWell emerged from here. Don’t you feel like that connects with Manchester’s identity?

John Smith

Oh, absolutely. I mean, Manchester’s got this rich tradition of coming together to solve social issues. And when the programme launched, the idea was to channel that spirit, listening directly to young people—that sort of grassroots approach. A perfect example is the co-creation of that first survey. They didn’t just design it and hand it over, they—

Jennifer Jones

They worked with young people every step of the way, didn’t they?

John Smith

Exactly. The team integrated young people's input during the survey design process, you know, making sure the questions were relevant. Authentic. They wanted to understand what really matters to the kids, not just collect data for the sake of it. And that collaboration wasn’t just a one-off. It’s been built into the DNA of BeeWell from the start.

Jennifer Jones

I love that. Because, honestly, how many programmes out there actually go that far, right? Listening, empowering youth voices... It sounds simple, but when you really break it down, it’s such a, a radical shift in approach.

John Smith

Yeah, and, you know, the result was something much stronger. Instead of imposing an adult’s perspective of wellbeing, they were asking the kids themselves, what does wellbeing mean to you? What impacts your life?

Jennifer Jones

And, what’s incredible is how that set a precedent for everything that came after. It wasn’t just a survey; it was the start of a conversation.

John Smith

Exactly. That’s what made it, and still makes it, so transformative.

John Smith

And that collaborative effort really set the stage for what followed. By 2021, the BeeWell Programme had scaled up in a way no one could have imagined. Over 130,000 young people from a variety of schools and regions had shared their voices, creating an incredible dataset that sheds light on the key factors shaping their wellbeing—whether it’s friendships, mental health, or their school environments.

Jennifer Jones

Right, and because it’s one of the largest datasets of its kind, it feels like it’s not just giving us a snapshot, but, well, almost this living, breathing picture of young people's realities. What’s stood out to you the most from the responses?

John Smith

For me, it's gotta be how consistent certain patterns are, regardless of location. Things like the importance of having trusted adults to talk to, or how high workloads and social pressures can really erode wellbeing—

Jennifer Jones

Yeah, especially in demanding school environments, right?

John Smith

Exactly. It's, it's these universal factors that consistently emerge, but what's equally fascinating is how other themes seem so tied to specific communities. And that’s where the real value lies, you know? Schools can take these insights and tailor their responses to fit their students' unique needs.

Jennifer Jones

I mean, that feels like a game changer, doesn’t it? Schools aren’t just relying on general trends or national strategies—they’re getting feedback straight from their own students.

John Smith

They are, and that’s where tools like real-time analysis really shine. If something like this had been available back when I was teaching, I think it would have made such a huge difference. Imagine being able to adapt lesson plans or support structures almost immediately, based on what students are telling you in real time.

Jennifer Jones

It’s such a profound shift. Have there been any standout examples of schools using the data in that way?

John Smith

Oh, absolutely. One of the great things about BeeWell is how the data is shared. Schools get private reports, where they can drill into their results and, and make adjustments without feeling judged by, you know, external pressures. But what’s interesting is how the aggregate data, the bigger picture that’s shared publicly, sparks these community-wide responses too.

Jennifer Jones

That’s such an important balance, isn’t it? Supporting schools privately while also encouraging broader action. It’s like creating ripples that extend beyond the school gates.

John Smith

That’s exactly it.

John Smith

Building on that, it’s incredible to see how BeeWell’s impact has grown beyond Manchester. Just recently in 2023, the programme expanded into Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton, engaging over 30,000 young people in its survey. That’s such an exciting development.

Jennifer Jones

It really is. To think about how it’s evolved from a regional initiative to having an impact across multiple areas. And it’s not just about the numbers, you know? It’s about the insights they’re gathering. I mean, over 30,000 voices contributing to shaping local wellbeing strategies? That’s huge!

John Smith

Exactly, and it shows the adaptability of the BeeWell model. Every region has its own unique context, but when young people are part of the process—co-creating surveys, helping to steer the focus—it becomes something that genuinely reflects their lives.

Jennifer Jones

Which is, honestly, the way it should be, right? Listening to them instead of guessing or assuming.

John Smith

Absolutely, and that’s why BeeWell isn’t stopping there. There’s this push now for a national wellbeing measurement programme, involving groups like The Children’s Society and Fair Education Alliance. It aligns with what BeeWell has proven works—listening to young people and using their perspectives to drive change.

Jennifer Jones

It’s such an important call to action, isn’t it? Especially when you think about how the UK is ranked so low in terms of young people's wellbeing. We’re talking one in four kids reporting low wellbeing. Those numbers are staggering.

John Smith

They really are. And, you know, Manchester’s kind of shown what’s possible. Nearly 100,000 young people there have shaped local policies and wellbeing programmes. It’s become this model for how data can fuel practical, meaningful change.

Jennifer Jones

And not just in schools, but across communities. Like you said earlier, the way this data is shared is key—balancing privacy for schools with public insights that inspire wider action and collaboration.

John Smith

Exactly, it creates this ripple effect. Schools improve their support systems, communities rally behind the issues that matter most, and policymakers have clear evidence for what works. It’s a blueprint for what every region—and frankly, the whole country—could be doing.

Jennifer Jones

You know, it’s inspiring because it reminds us that change doesn’t have to be this distant, abstract thing. It can start right here, with listening, with understanding. And BeeWell shows us that when young people are at the heart of that process, the impact is real, it’s tangible.

John Smith

Exactly. And on that note, I think the journey of BeeWell isn’t just about young people’s wellbeing—it’s about all of us coming together, recognizing that their voices matter, and taking steps to create a better, healthier future. And that’s a message I think we can all carry forward.

Jennifer Jones

Definitely. Well, it's been such a privilege digging into this with you—thanks to BeeWell for showing us what’s possible. And to everyone listening, remember: change starts when we listen.

John Smith

On that note, we’ll see you next time.