Voice and influence for marginalised young people
We have a long and strong tradition in youth voice, youth involvement and co-production and it remains a priority for us. We place great value on participant voice as a key element of any authentic person-centred project. Our youth voice work, delivered in a range of settings, increases young people’s power & influence in society, through expression of their views & representation of their interests
We deliver several projects with voice-related aims. Whether young people are creating charters, inspecting services, hosting events, taking part in youth forums, running campaigns or developing podcasts, our work is always concerned with young people getting things changed. Our voice work aims to turn young people into capable young activists, with improved self-assurance and motivation. The work is also directed at other organisations, decision makers and wider communities, aimed at making them more receptive to young people’s involvement in decision making and influence.
StreetVoice is one of our focal voice-related programmes. It creates voice and influence opportunities for some of the most marginalised and disengaged young people, essentially reaching those who would not traditionally join their school council or Youth Parliament. StreetVoice is delivered on street corners, green spaces and other outdoor spaces used by young people in their social & leisure time. It allows young people to voice issues of local concern, influence local decision making and create ‘street forums’ where groups can meet on a regular basis and discuss local issues. Our groups are often visited by councillors, council services, police, grant makers and other people of influence, ensuring dialogue can be built with those who can help to make change happen
