Salix Homes calls for local teens to join youth panel

Salford-based housing association, Salix Homes, is on the hunt for young people aged between 14 to 21 to be part of an independent decision-making youth panel, Boost4Youth.

The panel, which is in its second year, aims to give people under the age of 21 in Salford, the opportunity to act as a voice for their fellow teens. They also make decisions on what local projects and individuals to award a share of a £10,000 funding pot, set up specifically to improve the prospects and life chances of younger people.

Each donation is typically limited to £500, however, this year, to celebrate Salix Home’s fifth anniversary since it transferred from Salford City Council, five applications will be granted an increased donation of £1000 each. The remaining £5K will be split amongst successful smaller projects.

Jeanette Green, neighbourhood manager and manager of the Boost4Youth initiative at Salix Homes, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing back our Boost4Youth panel this year. We had some exceptional members in last year’s panel who made a real difference to their local communities and the addition of larger funding this time around means that the new panel can do even more this year to help others and make a real difference.”

Once chosen, the talented teens from the panel will meet monthly to review funding applications from a variety of local projects and individuals as well as being given the responsibility of managing the £10,000 budget.

Last year’s Boost4Youth panel member, Fathiat Abdul-Quadri, aged 14, said: “The Boost4Youth Panel at Salix Homes is all about the youth of Salford. We have the independence to make things happen, and we get to make decisions and shape how things are done.

“We’re all really excited to be able to help to provide more opportunities for young people. You often hear of teenagers complaining that there’s nothing to do around here, but this is their opportunity to make a difference and we can’t wait to see what ideas we can support that will benefit the community.”

As part of being a panel member, the teens also have the opportunity to be involved in a free training programme which includes learning presentation and negotiation skills, how to work in a team and managing budgets.

Jeanette continued, “The Boost4Youth training programme not only benefits the panel members in day-to-day life now, but it also aims to increase their employment opportunities in the future. We’re really excited at the prospect of having the programme officially accredited so that our panel members can include it on their CV.”

To find out more and how to apply to the panel if you’re a Salix Homes customer or for funding please visit https://www.salixhomes.co.uk/boost4youth-panel