Youth Voice in action: from ‘six weeks of fun’ to resident meetings

Young people know what makes a house feel like home. That’s why our supported housing teams are further strengthening Youth Voice – so residents can shape the spaces they live in, the support they receive and the community around them, all while developing valuable life skills.

Connection first, confidence next

We recently kicked off with ‘Six weeks of fun’ at our supported housing in Horsham. Across 15 sessions, the programme brought residents together, supported confidence‑building, and helped engagement with decision‑making.

42 young people attended sessions across the programme, with activities ranging from sport and gardening to baking and art. During week one of sport, two residents who hadn’t planned to join ended up staying to shoot hoops and play pool.

“Really nice to see this young person join in as he has only been here for seven days… he really loves sport,” shared a staff member.

Residents helped shape the programme – requesting afternoon start times for sport and moving gardening before lunch to make it more convenient for everyone.

Small moments told big stories

One budding gardener said he was “surprised” more people hadn’t tried the first session because it was “really fun”; he plans to check the planters for water through the week, and after one session remarked on how quickly the time had gone because he was enjoying it so much, “I blinked and it was over.”

Baking nights became a social anchor

Baking sessions, including a small group of residents at a time, were extended based on feedback from the young people.

“I’m using these sessions as a tester so I can bake for my girlfriend when we move in together,” said a young person, as he built confidence in his culinary skills.

A support worker noticed the change too: “It’s so nice to see them together… it’s so lovely they are all hanging out“.

Powerful draw of art sessions

For some, the draw was simple and powerful: “I don’t have any friends in the area so I wanted to come to the activities to make some friends.”

And for many young people, art offers a low-pressure way to express themselves, build confidence and connect with others in a creative, supportive space.

These experiences – fun, chilled and driven by residents – are the springboard for stronger engagement and Youth Voice, helping us work alongside young people so they can influence what matters to them and shape their own futures.

Our supported accommodation in Horsham is carrying this energy forward through Regular Resident Meetings and a new resident-led group designed by and for young people. We’ll explore this next step in Youth Voice across our accommodation in Sussex and Surrey in another piece coming soon.

I think it’s important for young people to have a  say in the services that are there to support them because the young people are the ones accessing the support and are the ones that can give valuable comments on it”

Mental Health Youth Ambassadors Soph on what ‘having a voice’ means.

 You can read Soph’s story here.