Our youth panel’s final meeting of 2025 took place on 20th November — and what a year it’s been. Our eight panel members have given their time, insight and lived experience to keep young people firmly at the heart of everything we do.
Here’s what they achieved:
- January: We kicked off the year by mapping out the scale of change ahead, including the launch of our new 3 year strategy. Using anonymised 2024 service data and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the panel helped shape early thinking on what support young people most need right now.
- March: After a lively gratitude treasure hunt, the panel got a backstage look at how charity funding really works. Together, we drafted a bid for a project aimed at reducing serious violence and explored how Youth Concern can better support young people involved in or at risk of entering the criminal justice system — before relaxing with a well-earned Chinese meal.
- May: With strategy themes taking shape (thanks to the panel’s January input), attention turned to our upcoming rebrand. Two panel members shared their front-row experience judging brand concepts from Bucks New University design students.
- July: Panel members took a critical eye to our website, offering practical suggestions to help make it more relevant and accessible for young people.
- September: Working alongside our Communications Manager, the panel helped map out our brand roll-out — from leaflets and QR codes to redecoration of the inside and outside of our Drop-in Centre and branded merchandise
- November: After a year of hard graft, it was time to celebrate: two hours of bowling, dinner, and a special visit from the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, who presented each member with a personalised certificate of appreciation.
A huge thank you to the 2025 youth panel for their passion, honesty and brilliant ideas. You’ve shaped the future of Youth Concern — and we couldn’t have done this year without you.
