Poplar youngsters advise Ministers at national conference

Members from Poplar HARCA’s Youth Empowerment Board attended the three day Chartered Institute of Housing Conference 2009 at Harrogate on Tuesday 16 June.

The three day conference was attended by housing associations and councils from across the country. With over 6500 people attending the conference each year it was huge stage for the young Poplar residents.

Members from Poplar HARCA’s Youth Empowerment Board sat with a panel of leading figures in the housing industry including Ian Austin MP to answer questions on the issues surrounding young people and housing.

The two members also gave an interview to BBC Radio York, detailing areas and policies that young people are particularly interested to influence.

Andrew, Vice Chair of the YEB, said “I was extremely pleased with the number of housing associations and councils across the country showing interest in youth engagement. It was a great opportunity for us to showcase, on a national platform, that young people can make a difference to the community they live in”

“It was a chance to network with other housing associations and councils and share ideas as to how youth engagement can be further developed. I think this is what youth engagement is all about, it’s about giving young people an opportunity”. 

Poplar HARCA launched its Youth Empowerment Board in April of this year and which currently holds over 30 young people aged 16-25 from the Poplar and Mile End area. The Board helps make sure that young peoples' ideas and views are represented at the highest level within the organisation.