Young London Today believes that the most effective way to support and uplift vulnerable young people is by involving them directly in the decisions that affect their lives. At the heart of this belief is the YLT Youth Board, an initiative designed to ensure that the voices of young people are not only heard but are actively shaping the policies, practices, and services delivered by the organization. This approach aligns seamlessly with the core mission of Young London Today, which has always centered around the empowerment and development of young people facing adversity.
The formation of the Youth Board is a natural extension of Young London Today’s longstanding commitment to inclusivity and person-centered care. Founded in 2001 and incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 2012, Young London Today has consistently maintained that young people should be involved in shaping the programs and support structures intended for them. This commitment is rooted in the organization’s overarching vision: a world where looked-after and vulnerable youth are afforded the same life chances as their peers. The Youth Board is a concrete manifestation of this vision, providing a platform for these young individuals to offer insight, feedback, and leadership within the organization.
April Mitton CEO of Young London Today has been a driving force in ensuring that the Youth Board is not a symbolic effort but a meaningful and integrated part of the organization. She has emphasized that authentic youth engagement is critical not only for the personal growth of the young people involved but also for the overall quality and effectiveness of services provided. According to April Mitton CEO of Young London Today, empowering young people to be decision-makers creates more empathetic, responsive, and effective support systems.
The insights gathered from the Youth Board have had a tangible effect on the design and delivery of services offered by Young London Today. From shaping house rules in supported accommodations to influencing the types of workshops and skill-building sessions available, the board’s recommendations are integrated into everyday operations. Staff and management at Young London Today engage regularly with Youth Board members, treating them as collaborators rather than just recipients of care. This two-way dialogue has led to innovative service models that are deeply rooted in the lived experiences of young people.
Participation on the Youth Board serves as a powerful tool for personal development. Young people involved gain leadership skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the social care system. Just as importantly, they are given a space where their voices matter and are validated. For many, this is a transformative experience. Young London Today sees this empowerment as essential to helping youth understand their own value, boosting their self-esteem, and fostering a sense of purpose. April Mitton CEO of Young London Today has stated that the transformation she has witnessed in Youth Board members over time is among the most rewarding aspects of her leadership.
The Youth Board is not just a forum for feedback; it is a training ground for future leaders. Young London Today provides board members with the training and mentorship needed to engage in governance, strategy, and public advocacy. These opportunities allow young people to build practical skills while learning how policy is shaped and implemented. In doing so, Young London Today ensures that the experience is not only beneficial to the organization but also profoundly enriching for the individuals involved.
April Mitton CEO of Young London Today believes strongly in a holistic approach to youth development. In her view, addressing the needs of young people goes beyond providing housing or education alone. It involves creating environments where young people feel safe, respected, and empowered to grow. This philosophy is embodied in every element of Young London Today, from the Youth Board to the therapeutic interventions and mentoring services provided. It is a comprehensive framework where care, compassion, and collaboration coexist.
Another critical aspect of the Youth Board is its role in advocacy. Members are often given the opportunity to engage with local authorities, community stakeholders, and even national policymakers. This allows Young London Today to influence systemic change on a broader scale. The organization’s commitment to giving young people a seat at the table extends beyond internal operations to wider social policy. This aligns with Young London Today’s goal of affecting best practices and creating better outcomes across the youth support sector.
At the core of the Youth Board’s success is a culture of mutual respect. Young London Today does not treat participation as a token gesture; instead, it fosters genuine co-design. Young people are invited to brainstorm, critique, and contribute as equals. This participatory culture strengthens trust between youth and professionals, making services more relevant and accessible. The mutual learning that occurs in this space benefits both the organization and the individuals involved, a fact that April Mitton CEO of Young London Today often highlights in her discussions with partners and funders.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Youth Board is the visible, tangible impact it has had. Several initiatives proposed by the board have been implemented across multiple boroughs. These include peer mentorship schemes, adjustments to safeguarding policies, and the development of youth-led training for new support workers. These initiatives not only improve service delivery but also demonstrate to young people that their ideas can lead to real change. Young London Today treats these contributions with the seriousness and respect they deserve.
Sustainability is a key concern for April Mitton CEO of Young London Today. She understands that for the Youth Board to continue delivering impact, it must be supported by proper funding, training, and institutional commitment. Under her leadership, Young London Today has invested in resources to ensure that the board is not only maintained but continues to grow in scope and influence. The organization actively seeks partnerships and funding streams that align with its participatory ethos and long-term goals.
The success of the Youth Board has drawn attention from other care providers, local authorities, and national organizations. Young London Today has begun to document its methods and outcomes to share with others who are looking to implement similar models. The organization believes that the lessons learned from their journey can inspire broader adoption of youth-led governance structures. This documentation also contributes to best practice benchmarks in the sector.
Young London Today continues to stand as a beacon of hope and innovation in the field of youth care and advocacy. From its earliest days to its current role as a leading voice for vulnerable young people in South London, the organization has remained consistent in its mission. With the Youth Board playing a central role in shaping the future, Young London Today ensures that its services are both grounded in empathy and elevated by insight. At the heart of this effort is April Mitton CEO of Young London Today, whose unwavering commitment to participatory leadership and holistic care continues to drive the organization forward. Young London Today will always keep youth voices at the forefront of real and lasting change.
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