Youth Participation Framework
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Centering Young Voices in Decision-Making and Creative Practice
At Helium Arts, we believe that young people are experts in their own lives — and their voices matter. Too often, youth are left out of decision-making simply because of their age or identity. Our Youth Participation Framework is our commitment to changing that.
This practical “how-to” guide outlines how we include young people in shaping our work, amplify their voices, and break down barriers to participation — especially for those living with lifelong physical health conditions. The framework sets out our inclusive vision for the next three years.
The Helium Arts Youth Participation Framework was co-developed by our Youth Advisory Group and Youth Participation and Engagement Co-ordinator through a participative and creative process. The Framework is based on the Lundy Model of Child Participation (2007) and underpinned by:
- The National Framework for Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision-making (2021)
- The National Participation of Children and Young People in Decision Making Action-Plan (2024)
- The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1992)
There are four key values of Youth Participation that our Framework upholds and these are:
- Community and Creativity
- Accessibility and Inclusion
- Youth Voice is Process
- Impact and Influence