Ten young people living in homes owned or managed by Sovereign Housing Association have joined a new forum so that they can have their say on the future of housing.

The group - which includes young parents and people who have experienced homelessness first hand - discussed topics like community projects, unemployment, access to housing, charitable funding and opportunities for the future.

Sovereign, which has homes across Oxfordshire, opened the scheme to young people between 19 and 25 years of age.

The panel will work with Sovereign’s Resident Board Partnership to ensure that the organisation’s future plans fully encompass the views of young people.

Reanna, 24, from Oxfordshire, is taking part as she is keen to kickstart community action in her area. She said: “I’ve already found out about local organisations and local volunteering opportunities in my area that would have taken me ages to come across without the panel. I want to expand my knowledge on what’s going on in my local community and can’t wait to get started on the training being offered by the forum.”

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