How a scheme in Newcastle is steering young people from homelessness

Project Youth Voice

Funding Around £120,000 a year from Your Homes Newcastle

Purpose To give young people who have experienced homelessness and housing issues a say in services and the opportunity to gain new skills

Background Young homeless people often feel excluded from society and may feel they have little to contribute. Your Homes Newcastle, the organisation responsible for managing council homes for Newcastle City Council, established Youth Voice as part of its young people’s service.

Developed in 2002, the scheme gives 16- to 25-year-olds, who have experienced homelessness or housing issues, the chance to have their say about things that matter to them, learn new skills, meet other young people and have fun.

Action Young people are referred by Your Homes Newcastle and other agencies that support young people affected by homelessness. All those supported by the young people’s service attend a Youth Voice induction session to tell them about the scheme and the different ways they can get involved.