A Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) project to ensure young people can help shape housing services has won a prestigious Good Practice Award.

The Pembrokeshire Housing & Homeless Youth Forum, a collaborative project between Youth and Housing services, won the ‘Shaping or Reviewing Services’ category at the TPAS Good Practice Awards.

The project aims to involve young people aged 16-24, including those who are not just PCC tenants, in shaping housing services through an inclusive and supportive forum. This includes offering transport, shared meals, and attendance by Housing Service staff.

The forum is co-produced with young people who set their own terms of reference, receive meeting minutes and agendas, and provide feedback on housing processes and support pathways.

Since starting in November 2023, the project has enhanced young people's understanding of housing services, they have developed project ideas, and improved communication between the council staff and tenants, including making the housing register application process more accessible. The participation and contributions, made from the perspectives of young people who themselves have had to navigate the housing and homelessness systems, are invaluable and have been considered in shaping and reviewing services.

A notable outcome of tenant involvement is the adoption of practical solutions proposed by the Forum. For instance, the introduction of QR codes on void property windows that link to further information, as well as the rewording of the housing register application form.

Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Michelle Bateman said:

“I am delighted to see this project recognised with this award. We are always looking at ways to improve engagement with our tenants and have been really impressed with the ideas that have been generated. It shows the value of involving young people and has already led to positive change.”

TPAS Cymru said: “This initiative has allowed young tenants to have their say in shaping services across the organisation in areas such as repairs and complaints, although this is not an exhaustive list – and more is planned for the future.”

If you would like to know more or to get involved with this forum, contact [email protected]