We are currently in the process of developing a Youth Council to further strengthen youth voice, leadership, and participation across our provision. This initiative will create a structured platform for young people to actively contribute to decision-making, programme design, and the future direction of our services.

The Youth Council will consist of a diverse group of young representatives drawn from our existing programmes, ensuring inclusivity across age groups, backgrounds, and experiences. Members will meet regularly in a supported environment, facilitated by staff, where they can share feedback, raise issues affecting their peers, and propose new ideas and initiatives.

The benefits of this approach are twofold. Firstly, it empowers young people by giving them a meaningful voice and a sense of ownership over the services they engage with. This supports the development of key skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. Secondly, it enables us to design and deliver programmes that are more responsive, relevant, and effective, as they are shaped directly by the needs and insights of young people themselves.

In addition, participation in the Youth Council will provide opportunities for personal development, including mentoring, volunteering, and pathways into further education, employment, or community leadership roles. By embedding youth voice at the heart of our work, we aim to foster a culture of engagement, responsibility, and aspiration.

Ultimately, the Youth Council will play a key role in strengthening our impact, ensuring that our provision remains youth-led, community-focused, and aligned with the evolving needs of the young people we serve.