At hyh, we believe that young people should be at the heart of shaping the services that affect them. That’s why our Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is built around the Lundy Model of Participation, which ensures youth voice is not only heard but truly influences our work.
SPACE: Creating Safe, Inclusive Environments
A photo of the table from one of the YAB meetings. We ensure that we offer different ways to communicate and aids such as fidget toys, to try and make the space as inclusive as possible.
The YAB meets both online and in person, using a mix of discussion-based tasks, group activities, and solo reflection to support different communication styles. Activities like priority pyramiding, Dragon’s Den-style idea pitching, and Zoom whiteboard mind mapping ensure our young advisors can share ideas in ways that feel natural to them.
We’re intentional about removing barriers to participation, considering cost, timing, location, and accessibility, so that every young person can contribute meaningfully.
Every meeting is grounded in respectful communication, where constructive challenging is encouraged to deepen conversations and guide hyh’s next steps.
Safety is ensured at YAB meetings by creating a supportive environment where members can openly share their views without fear of judgement. YAB members are provided additional support whenever needed; this is essential given the sensitive nature of some of the topics we discuss. The opportunity to opt out of a discussion or activity is consistently present as engagement within the YAB should always be voluntary.
VOICE: Supporting Expression and Confidence
Communication comes in many modes, our young advisors use creative tools like poster presentations, visual brainstorming, and open discussions to express themselves in ways that make them feel comfortable. We celebrate individuality, actively listen, and provide feedback on how the YAB shapes hyh, all of which builds confidence and trust. The YAB board includes 11 young people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. Representation matters, hyh is committed to ensuring all voices are reflected in our decision-making.
VIDEO - Our YAB members, Joel & Lewis, presenting at the hyh open day 2025
AUDIENCE: Ensuring Youth Voices Are Heard
Our YAB is a vital part of hyh. Their input is valued across the organisation, from frontline staff to senior leadership. During the YAB Strategy Day, our CEO Jonny listened directly to our young advisors thoughts on what we should be prioritising. Jonny then took the YAB’s ideas and opinions to hyh’s board of trustees, who listened and loved them. The YAB’s input has shaped our next strategy and will continue to guide hyh’s work in preventing youth homelessness across Hertfordshire.
We’ve introduced a feedback system where the YAB receives information on what was adopted from their suggestions and why. After each meeting, YAB members complete a feedback survey, and so far, 100% feel their voice is taken seriously, with 65% strongly agreeing.
Our YAB member, Steph, discussing how we can prevent youth homelessness by looking into what causes family breakdown.
INFLUENCE: Turning Ideas into Action
Our YAB members have developed hyh’s homelessness prevention strategies, designed tools like our mediation monitoring forms, and shaped our fundraising approach. For example, the YAB’s ideas led to us joining Run for Charity, giving hyh access to over 800 fundraising events nationwide, with adjustable entry fees to ensure accessibility.
The YAB also inspired a tailored fundraising pack to help young people feel confident and proud to get involved, tackling stigma and normalising enthusiasm for causes they care about.
What’s Next?
We’re excited to continue this journey. More YAB meetings are planned, and our Future Roots housemates are regularly involved in charity decisions. We’re also preparing for another Youth Summit early this year — big things are coming for hyh!
We’d love to hear how other organisations are embedding youth voice in their work. Let’s keep the conversation going.