Since 2020, we have worked closely with the Involving Young People Collective to involve young people more directly in our work. We're pleased to share a new report about the last five years - with reflections from the young consultants, HUDL Youth Development Agency, and Esmée staff on the impact the partnership has had as well as our collective learning.
The Involving Young People Collective (IYPC) is made up of young people aged 18 to 26, who have worked with us as paid consultants since 2020, with support from HUDL Youth Development Agency. What started as a pilot to explore youth involvement has helped to transform how we work at Esmée.
There's still lots for us to learn but we're excited about what our continuing relationship with the Involving Young People Collective will bring in the next five years and beyond.
A big thank you
We want to share a heartfelt thanks to every member (past and present!) of the Involving Young People Collective for bringing both challenge and joy to our work together. Big thanks also to Keji, Floree, and Thalia at HUDL for holding and facilitating our relationship with the IYPC with so much care.
“I’ve never led in the way that I’ve led in this space, and I’ve taken so much from being able to do that in this experience… it’s helped me in my confidence. It’s helped me feel like my voice is valuable.”
Thalia Papanicolaou, Involving Young People Collective
“The Collective feels different because young people were equal partners in the work and not just contributors… We were actually part of co-designing that process.”
Daniel Mapatac, Involving Young People Collective
Hear more from members of the Involving Young People Collective as they reflect on their experiences in this podcast episode of Hudl Up.
