A Voice for Change: Shantisha Pande Represents YMCA at the Conservative Party Conference

How one young ambassador is shaping national conversations on youth housing and opportunity.

On Thursday, October 9^th, the Communications department of YMCA – Heart of England sat together with Shantisha Pande, our Youth Ambassador and resident of The Orchard supported housing scheme. Shantisha had been recently travelling to Manchester for the Conservative Party Conference, in her capacity as YMCA Brand Ambassador, to represent the voice of the young people of the West Midlands.

Curious about her experience, we asked her a few questions about the event:

Interviewer: Good afternoon, Shantisha. Thank you for being with us today, we know you are incredibly busy between school and your role as a youth ambassador! Can you tell us a bit more about the event you attended? What was it about?

Shantisha: The event took place on the 6^th of October at the Conservative Party Headquarters, in Manchester. I spoke on a Youth Housing Panel chaired by David from YMCA England & Wales, alongside two Conservative representatives and two MPs. We discussed the challenges young people face in finding affordable, safe, and secure housing, the shortage of social housing, and how high rents and complex funding systems make it hard for charities like the YMCA to help. I highlighted why affordable housing is essential for young people’s independence and future.

Interviewer: How did you feel when you first arrived at the event?

Shantisha: When I first arrived at the event, I was surprised by how big it was, the venue itself was impressive, and there was a long queue to get in. I noticed lots of different organisations and brands taking part, and there was a strong media presence, with outlets like the BBC and Daily Mail covering the event. It felt exciting and a bit overwhelming at first, but it showed how important the discussions were.

Interviewer: Was this your first time at such an event, or have you been to others before?

Shantisha: This was my first time, and it was a really eye-opening experience.

Interviewer: What stood out most about the event?

Shantisha: What stood out most about the event was the energy and passion in the room. There were so many influential people and organisations coming together to talk about real issues that affect young people, especially around housing. It was inspiring to see how seriously these conversations were taken and to feel that young people’s voices were being listened to.

Interviewer: Were there any issues raised that you think are relevant to the YMCA?

Shantisha: Yes, one of the main issues raised that’s very relevant to the YMCA was housing affordability. There were discussions about the need to lower the cost of housing and make the private rented sector more accessible for young people.

Interviewer: Did you learn anything new or gain a fresh perspective that could help your role as youth ambassador?

Shantisha: Yes, I learnt a lot about the technical and policy side of housing, including things like tax, funding, and private property development. Understanding this bigger picture will definitely help me in my role as a Youth Ambassador, as I can better explain how these issues impact young people and why change is needed.

Interviewer: How has your personal journey shaped the way you advocate for young people and those affected by homelessness?

Shantisha: My personal journey has played a big part in the way I advocate for young people affected by homelessness. Having experienced homelessness myself, it’s something that truly hits home. It’s become a passion of mine because I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what I went through. My experience has helped me connect with and advocate for young people on a deeper level, as I understand what it feels like and the challenges that come with it.

Interviewer: What did representing the charity at the Conservative Party Conference mean to you personally?

Shantisha: Representing YMCA at the Conservative Party Conference was really empowering for me personally. It helped me develop my confidence and skills and showed me the value of taking on a role you can be proud of. Despite having recently graduated with my master’s, it reminded me that not everyone’s path needs to go through university – it’s important to respect different routes, whether academic or vocational. I hope more people can see that success can come in many forms, and we shouldn’t always push the narrative that academic achievement is the only way.

Interviewer: Were there particular conversations, debates, or sessions that stood out to you?

Shantisha: Yes, one session that really stood out to me was “Classroom to Career – Building a Better Future for Britain’s Young People.” It was inspiring to hear from notable speakers like Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, Andy Burnham (Mayor of Greater Manchester), and Fraser Nelson from The Times. Their insights on education, employment, and opportunities for young people really highlighted how important it is to create pathways that help us succeed and achieve independence.

Interviewer: Did you feel that the voices of young people and those with lived experience of homelessness were heard at the conference?

Shantisha: Yes, I did feel that the voices of young people and those with lived experience of homelessness were heard, even though there weren’t many young people in the room. That made me even prouder to represent YMCA and share our perspectives.

Interviewer: How important is it for young people with lived experience to be present in political spaces like this?

Shantisha: It’s very important for young people who have experienced homelessness to be in political spaces, because it helps them build knowledge and understand the possibilities and opportunities available to them and not just for themselves, but for others too. It also allows them to use their experiences to help others who may be in similar situations and to make sure their voices are heard where decisions are made.

Interviewer: What message would you like to share with the other young people that couldn’t attend?

Shantisha: My message to other young people is: get involved – you never know where these opportunities might lead. There’s always space for you in the room, and your voice matters more than you think. By speaking up and taking part, you can influence real change, especially on important issues like housing, which affects so many young people’s futures and independence.

Interviewer: What is next for you as a youth ambassador after this experience?  

Shantisha:  After this experience, my goal as a Youth Ambassador is to continue raising awareness about the importance of YMCA’s work and the challenges young people face around housing. In the future, I’d like to become a trustee so I can make a bigger impact within the organisation. I also hope to encourage other young people to get involved, take on leadership roles, and attend events that give youth a stronger voice.

We wish Shantisha all the best in her role and will keep following her amazing progress as a youth ambassador in the future!