VOICE is one of GISDA's strategic themes and we work to ensure that the voice of young people is central to everything we do and develop through a Young People's Board, monthly residential meetings, gathering feedback from young people and responding to external consultations.
Voice
Young People's Board
A Voice for Young People
The GISDA Youth Board is led by young people, for young people, giving members the power to lead change and make a real, lasting impact on the support and services GISDA provides. It’s more than a group—it’s a platform for young people to influence decisions, shape projects, and ensure their voices drive positive change in their community.
What does the board do?
- Tackle issues that matter to young people today, such as mental health, living costs, homelessness, and costs associated with gender transition (transidism).
- Generate and implement ideas to improve GISDA’s services and influence youth services across Wales and beyond.
- Work closely with GISDA staff and leaders to ensure young people’s voices shape decisions at every level.
- Lead projects, events, and campaigns that create meaningful impact.
- Build confidence, skills, and leadership to empower members to be change-makers.
Senedd Ieuenctid Cymru
Two young people supported by GISDA have had the remarkable opportunity to represent the voice of young people on a national stage through the Welsh Youth Parliament. This initiative reflects GISDA’s strategic aim to ensure that all young people, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalized, have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their lives.
We are now in our second term of representation in the Senedd. In the first term, Keira took on this important role, and now our new representative, Lewis, continues this vital work. As a GISDA representative, Lewis ensures that the experiences and perspectives of young people facing challenges such as homelessness, gender transition, and mental health issues are heard and considered at a national level. This is particularly significant for young people from rural North West Wales, who often face additional barriers to having their voices recognized in wider policy discussions.
It is a privilege for GISDA to have this representation, and we are incredibly proud to see our young people stepping into roles of influence, advocacy, and leadership—demonstrating how their voices can drive real, lasting change both locally and nationally.