Community Podcast Shines a Light on Youth Housing Struggles in Coalville
Coalville, Leicestershire - A new local podcast series, Chat in the Vil, has launched its first episode with a powerful and honest conversation about the housing challenges facing young people in Coalville. Hosted by Cara, the debut episode features an in-depth interview with local young adult Tia, who speaks candidly about affordability, education gaps, mental health impacts, and the urgent need for change.
The episode - recorded at Coalville CAN, a community hub known for its open-door support and creative spaces - sets the tone for a series aiming to amplify youth voices and bring genuine issues to the forefront.
A Candid Look at Housing Barriers
During the podcast, Tia highlights the fears many young people share soaring rents, the daunting process of saving for a deposit, and a lack of education around credit, mortgages, and navigating the housing system. She describes private renting as expensive and often obstructive, while social housing - though vital - comes with long waits and limited availability.
“It should be an exciting moment, starting your own life,” Tia explains, “but instead it feels overwhelming.” She also stresses how uncertainty around housing can take a serious toll on young people’s mental health.
Youth Workers Driving Change in Coalville
The launch of Chat in the Ville aligns with ongoing efforts by Leicestershire Cares’ Powering On project, where youth workers Aaron and Cara aims are to be working closely with young people across the area. Their mission is to ensure young adults are not just heard but actively supported.
Through workshops, drop-ins, and tailored guidance, Aaron and Cara aim to help young people develop life skills, build confidence, and access opportunities that often feel out of reach.
At the heart of these efforts is Coalville CAN and Filigi, whose community driven approach has created a safe and welcoming space for local youth to gather, learn, and voice their concerns. From creative workshops to peer-led conversations, Filigi and the Coalville CAN team continue to offer meaningful, accessible activities that encourage young people to shape their own futures, there is also a Bike club and Boxing club for young people to engage in as well as many other initiatives for the youth to get involved with.
Together, these groups are helping to connect young residents with the tools they need - not only to understand the housing system, but to influence the policies and decisions that affect them.
Decision-makers often operate in “the abstract,” detached from the lived reality of those most affected.
Tia - YP
A Call for Youth Voices in Local Decision-Making
The episode emphasises the importance of involving young people directly in discussions about housing policy. Tia notes that decision-makers often operate in “the abstract,” detached from the lived reality of those most affected. Giving young people a seat at the table, she argues, is essential for meaningful change.
Looking Ahead
With its blend of raw personal experience and community-led action, the first episode of Chat in the Vil highlights both the challenges young people face and the growing movement to empower them.
Future episodes will continue exploring key issues in Coalville - next up: anti-social behaviour.
As the podcast gains momentum, initiatives like Powering on and Coalville CAN hope it will inspire more young residents to share their stories, get involved, and take part in shaping a better future for the town.
For more information on Leicestershire Cares’ Powering On project or Coalville CAN, visit their community pages or drop into the hub to get involved.