Equal Vision evolved from early work in 2007 with national policy organisations, including IARS and ROTA, engaging young people in research and policy. Equal Vision was the idea of its three directors, Emma, Paul and Simon. They identified a gap in Merseyside whereby young people were not involved in the decisions which directly impacted their lives. They also brought lived experience of supporting people with mental health and substance misuse challenges. Since then, programmes have been developed in co-production with communities to explore and provide mutual support in response to structural barriers faced by people in Merseyside.
Our philosophy and approach
Social immobility and inequality severely impact the life chances of people on Merseyside. Across many spheres of life — in education, employment, income, social care, housing, policing, criminal justice, wellbeing and health — outcomes are significantly worse for those who are socio-economically disadvantaged. At Equal Vision, we believe part of the solution must involve centering the voices, experiences, and expertise of those with lived experience closer to decision-making.