Independent People Youth Board
Our award winning Youth Board is made up of current and previous service users, all aged 16 to 25. The Youth Board works directly with the 1625ip Board to ensure the voices of young people are heard right at the top of the organisation. Regular Youth Board meetings are usually attended by a member of the Board and a member of our Senior Management Team, and the Youth Board are invited to Board meetings.
What they do
Part of their role is to contribute directly to service development, identifying issues and priorities for young people through personal experience and consultation with other young people. A significant achievement in this respect has been the introduction of a Peer Support project at 1625 Independent People, training young people who have been through a tough time and come through it to offer advice and practical support to other young people.
Youth Board members often represent the charity at events such as our annual Sleepout, acting as ambassadors for 1625 Independent People. They have also produced feedback documents for Local Authorities about the housing needs of young people and often respond to consultation requests from other organisations.
The Youth Board work with staff at all levels, from Board members and senior managers to support staff, giving them a strong presence in the organisation as representatives of the young people we support.
Image credit Mark Simmons
"The Youth Board are vital to helping the Board understand the main concerns and needs of our service users so we can ensure that the work we do - and the money we spend - is targeted around the needs of the young people."
Nat Selman - 1625ip Board Member
Setting the standard
Our Youth Board have recently been Highly Commended in the 'Most Inspiring Scrutiny Panel - Small Landlord' category of the national CSI Awards 2015. This award recognises the track record of achievements, independence, partnership and communications displayed by the Youth Board.
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