‘Young People: Telling it Straight’
A national conference run by the young people from
St Basils ‘National Centre of Excellence’
in preventing youth homelessness.
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Over 100 professionals who work with young people got the surprise of their lives when they attended the ’Young People Telling it Straight’ conference which took place on Thursday 18th October at Aston University, Lakeside Centre. Why, because it really was about young people telling it straight about the realities of homelessness. See photo gallery
“ Excellent day! Young people involved were all awesome (very motivating)”
“The conference has been inspirational and to see how much good work St Basils does and how far young people have come is amazing, I will take so much back to my organisation “ Gemma Colley, Wyre Forest, Nightstop and mediation.
The delegates learnt at first hand just why St Basils is ‘The national centre of excellence’ in preventing youth homelessness. The delegates discovered how they could create real change and how to provide practical services that really work in preventing youth homelessness.
The audience, made up of individuals and organisations who commission and deliver services relating to youth homelessness were attending the first St Basils national conference which was delivered from start to finish by the young people of St Basils.
The feedback on what were the best features:
‘The workshops were best because the young people gave living examples of success; Hearing the points of view of young people and how they coped with homelessness; Involvement of young people with conference delivery; The fact that it was run by previous service users was excellent in the workshops and the performances; they are so talented and confident; young people taking the lead…’
St Basils experience is that young people have a unique perspective to contribute to the improvement of youth homelessness services. Young people shared their own knowledge and experience on homelessness issues and illustrated what services and interventions work, and what doesn’t.
Vicki Roberts, (above) Chair, St Basils Youth Advisory Board YAB welcomed the delegates and introducing the conference speakers. (More photos)
“The NYHS Scheme has provided the opportunity for young people to speak out and contribute to homelessness issues that affect them. In August, a group of young people from around the country met at the Pioneer Centre in Kidderminster to discuss issues around participation and involvement and form a National Reference Group. This was a very productive residential and the feedback from young people can be seen on the National Youth Homelessness Scheme’s website that is being launched here today.
Finally, we hope you can all take away 1 action that will help shape services for young people that will make a real difference in preventing youth homelessness and improve the life chances for thousands of young people.”
Feedback from the conference is that everyone took at least one action away with them:
‘To develop city wide life skills courses making use of what we have learnt from St Basils and others here today; The inspiration to involve young people informing our work; Learning to listen and respond; We must engage young people to spread the message about homelessness; I will take back the positive contribution from the organisers of this event, the young people ;Schools work, Schools Training and Mentoring Project, raising awareness of youth homelessness…’
Young people delivered interactive workshops people which focused on Customer Journeys, Raising Aspirations, Involvement and Participation, Life Skills, Schools work.
‘First Chance’ young people’s group previewed their next creative arts performance which takes place at the Birmingham Rep on 18th December, and poets Martin Raymond, ‘Conscious’ and Beth Abbott, related their experiences through poetry.
Other speakers included:
Amy Butterworth, Forum Housing Association.
National Youth Homelessness Scheme. ‘What young people said’.
Rebecca Pritchard Launch of CLG National Youth Homelessness website.
St Basils organised this one day conference, in partnership with Homeless Link. This unique event was supported by the Department for Communities and Local Government CLG under the National Youth Homelessness Scheme NYHS. To find out more log on to http://www.communities.gov.uk/youthhomelessness/aboutus/knowledgebase/ Or www.stbasils.org.uk
ENDS For further information contact Catherine Clarke, 0121-772-2483, m 0777-599-7964
