Usman Javaid

Tell us a bit about your background.

I am a young person based in Bradford in West Yorkshire. I have experience working in children's and young people's mental health as a wellbeing practitioner and in research. I currently work with young people in the youth justice service.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I am an avid movie-goer, and I am trying to read more books!

How did you first get involved in the Fuse public partner network?

I found out by attending the NIHR School for Public Health Research’s Annual Scientific Meeting as a speaker.

What areas of public health research are you particularly interested in?

I am particularly interested in research around mental health, especially children's and young people's mental health.

Have you been involved in research before?

I have been involved in research through the McPin Foundation since 2021. I have also been on Young People’s Advisory Groups for mental health research projects with the University of Birmingham and City University London. 

Why is having your voice heard in public health research important to you?

I think it's important not to leave out the voices of people you are trying to hear from; ensuring that research is done with them in mind allows for research to have a bigger impact.

What one piece of advice would you share with someone curious about public involvement and engagement?

I would tell people who are on the fence in terms of participating that you can opt out at any time, and not all research is in a lab. Your life experience is invaluable and could shape an entire research project.

Join Fuse’s Public Partner Network

We have opportunities for members of the public, service users, carers, patients, families and local communities to get involved in our research activities.

Last modified: Thu, 24 Sep 2026 10:53:18 BST