A Pembrokeshire County Council project has won a TPAS Good Practice Award.

The Pembrokeshire Housing and Homeless Youth Forum, a joint initiative between the council's youth and housing services, won the 'Shaping or Reviewing Services' category at the TPAS Good Practice Awards.

The forum, which started in November 2023, aims to involve young people aged 16-24 in shaping housing services.

This includes offering transport, shared meals, and attendance by housing service staff.

The forum is co-produced with young people who set their own terms of reference, receive meeting minutes and agendas, and provide feedback on housing processes and support pathways.

Since its inception, the initiative has enhanced young people's understanding of housing services, developed project ideas, and improved communication between council staff and tenants.

It has also made the housing register application process more accessible.

Notable outcomes of tenant involvement include the adoption of practical solutions proposed by the forum, such as the introduction of QR codes on void property windows linking to further information, and the rewording of the housing register application form.

These suggestions improve transparency and enhance public awareness and understanding of housing issues.

Councillor Michelle Bateman, cabinet member for housing, said: "I am delighted to see this project recognised with this award.

"We are always looking at ways to improve engagement with our tenants and have been really impressed with the ideas that have been generated.

"It shows the value of involving young people and has already led to positive change."

TPAS Cymru said: "This initiative has allowed young tenants to have their say in shaping services across the organisation in areas such as repairs and complaints, although this is not an exhaustive list – and more is planned for the future."

If you would like to know more or to get involved with this forum, contact youth.support.team@pembrokeshire.gov.uk.