"Youth Voice creates change way beyond what's written on paper. It shapes real change into real experiences."
Charli, Youth Voice participant
Over the past three years, the Berkeley Foundation has proudly supported the Youth Voice programme delivered by St Basils, the leading youth homelessness charity in Birmingham and West Midlands and Berkeley St Joseph’s Community Partner charity.
Through the Youth Voice programme, over 100 young people aged 16-25 who are at risk of, or who have experienced homelessness were supported to build confidence, resilience and leadership skills, while using their lived experience to influence change in their communities. An additional 125 young people took part in the organisation’s youth-led Let’s Engage Fund, which aims to involve young people in the delivery of different services across St Basils.
St Basils’ Youth Voice programme provides a safe and supportive platform where young people can connect with peers, develop new skills and have their voices heard. Through Youth Advisory Boards, ambassador roles, podcasts, leadership opportunities and engagement activities, young people were supported to identify issues affecting them and make recommendations for change.
The impact of the programme is perhaps best captured by the young people themselves. Reflecting on his journey, Joe shared how Youth Voice helped him overcome anxiety, build confidence and step into leadership roles. From contributing quietly with his camera switched off to presenting in meetings, becoming a Youth Ambassador and leading the Youth Voice podcast, he describes a transformation made possible by the encouragement and opportunities provided through the programme.
Alongside individual stories, the programme has reinforced an important lesson. Investing in young people's confidence, wellbeing and social connection creates a strong foundation for future opportunities in education, training and employment. When young people feel valued, listened to and invested in, they are more likely to believe in themselves and engage positively with their futures.
Our partnership with St Basils has also helped strengthen youth participation beyond the charity itself. Young people involved in the programme contributed to the Berkeley Foundation's own work, including supporting the development and delivery of our Resilience Fund and bringing lived experience perspectives to funding decisions.
As our three-year partnership comes to a close, we are incredibly grateful to the young people and the team at St Basils. Their generous sharing, insights and determination demonstrate the power of creating spaces where young people affected by homelessness can not only be heard, but can help shape the services and communities around them.