We believe young people with lived experience of homelessness must be part of shaping the solutions. Client involvement isn’t an add-on – it’s embedded across our work, from designing and delivering services to influencing decisions and shaping national policy.
We don’t just support young people; we work alongside them. They are the experts in their own lives, and their insight helps us make better decisions, deliver more effective support and push for wider change.
Client involvement takes many forms at Depaul UK – from hiring decisions to service delivery.
Each year, we recruit a team of ‘Client Reps’ from across the country to take on a formal role. Following intensive training, reps spend a year influencing services and shaping strategy while building their skills and confidence. Here are just some of the ways client reps are shaping our work:
Last year, we skilled and intensively trained 10 young people as Client Representatives so they could help shape our services and inform our direction.
When young people are meaningfully involved in the organisation, everyone benefits. We learn what works, what doesn’t and what needs to change – directly from the people who use our support. At the same time, they gain new skills, confidence and a platform to influence lasting change.