LandAid has today unveiled its new Young Voices programme which aims to promote young people’s voices to the property industry and help raise youth homelessness up the agenda. Four young people with personal experiences of being homeless have been appointed as LandAid’s first Young Voices and will support the charity in a range of ways, from engaging our supporters in the property sector to capturing the views, ideas and stories of their peers.
The pilot scheme is a collaboration between LandAid, Birmingham charity St Basils and the National Youth Reference Group (NYRG), a committee of 40 formerly homeless young people from across England who assist government, local authorities and charities to improve their involvement opportunities for young people; and has been kindly funded by the Mace Foundation.
Sean, Holi, Catalena and Leon, who come from Birmingham, Leicester and Newcastle and are all members of the NYRG, have been appointed as the first LandAid Young Voices. They will receive training in safe storytelling and public speaking as well as learning skills in video production and social media. Through appearances at LandAid events and presentations to businesses in the property industry, Sean, Holi, Catalena and Leon will become young leaders – able to share their experiences of homelessness with chief executives and graduates alike.
Tamzin Taylor-Rosser, National Youth Engagement Manager at St Basils, said: Young people have the capability to inspire and energise professionals in a way which no other speakers do. This is a fantastic and exciting opportunity for members of National Youth Reference Group to be involved in this exciting pilot project that looks to amplify young people’s voices in the property industry and raise awareness of youth homelessness.’
Paul Morrish, CEO of LandAid, said: ‘If you want to find out about what it’s like to experience homelessness as a young person, there is no one better to listen to than a young person who is or has been homeless. With reports and statistics flying around, it can be easy to forget that we’re talking about real people, dealing with very real situations. I’m delighted to welcome our four Young Voices, and look forward to working with them to raise awareness across the property industry of the challenges facing some of our most vulnerable young people.‘
LandAid’s Young Voices will be making appearances at events throughout the year. Keep an eye on our website for opportunities to see them in action or get in touch with Sally Robinson for more information on the programme.