Launching the YouNG Network

Young people living in social housing in Nottingham are being given the chance to shape housing services and gain valuable skills through a new city-wide project.

The YouNG Network is a partnership between NCHA, Nottingham City Council and Places for People, created to make sure young people have a real say in the services that affect their lives.

The project officially launched last week, bringing together youth groups, housing organisations, community partners and local elected members from across the city.

Working with young people

Earlier this year, the partnership secured almost £100,000 from the government’s Social Housing Innovation Fund to explore new ways of working with younger customers living in social housing.

Over the next 12 months, the project will work with young people across the city to better understand the challenges they face when living independently and managing a tenancy, while helping organisations design services that better meet their needs.

As part of the launch event, guests were introduced to Jade Marriott, the project’s new Community Engagement Coordinator, who will help lead the programme: “I’m really passionate about making sure young people’s voices are heard. I’ve spent a lot of time working with young people across Nottingham, so I know how important it is that services listen and respond to real experiences so we can build services that better support them to live independently and thrive.

“I want to hear young people’s ideas, experiences and views on what needs to change. This project is about helping young people build confidence, share their voices and influence housing services in meaningful ways.”

Want to get involved?

We’re now looking for young people - aged 25 and under - who live in social housing in Nottingham to get involved as paid community influencers.

Successful applicants will help organise local events, connect with other young people and share their experiences to help shape housing services for the future. It’ll be a great opportunity for people to build confidence, gain experience and develop new skills.

Email youngnetwork@ncha.org.uk or visit www.youngnetwork.co.uk to find out more.