Young People Model for a Day

An unforgettable experience that boosted confidence and created lasting memories

At the end of May, our partners at EveryYouth, in collaboration with Urban Outfitters and Imagine Everland, organised a professional photo shoot featuring young people with lived experience of homelessness as models.

Young people from across the UK, supported by various youth homelessness organisations, including Rock Trust, travelled to London to take part.

Three young people from Rock Trust embraced the opportunity to become models for a day. Patsy, Kyle, and McKenna, accompanied by our youth project workers, Daniel and Sarah, flew from Edinburgh to London for what one participant described as “such a good experience!”. Another young person added, “I’m so grateful I could cry.”

To show just how much the opportunity meant, McKenna has shared her reflections on a day she says she “will never forget”.

“I had never been to London before, so I was also super excited to just be there too.” McKenna

McKenna’s point of view

“Getting asked to do a photoshoot with Urban Outfitters (UO) clothes was cool enough, but I wasn’t expecting the experience that I had.

Going to UO and choosing an outfit was super difficult because there was so much potential with different styles and it was a bonus as it is one of my favourite places to get clothes for myself, usually because they have long inseams on most trousers ha-ha. Luckily, we had help from stylists who guided us through by giving different ideas and literally running around for us, it really felt like we were celebrities! On top of that we had our own private changing rooms separate from the public changing rooms which was very handy since I had LOADS of things to try on. After a long line of Nos, I eventually found an outfit I was happy about. 

“I’d like to say thank you very much for the opportunity, I will never forget it!” McKenna

When we got told that we were not going down just on a train but in fact going on a plane was very unexpected, but it was great experience and especially with the other people I travelled with too!

I had never been to London before, so I was also super excited to just be there too.

Arriving at the EveryYouth office was nerve wracking but the staff gave us a warmest welcome and showed us around including the tables that had lots of tasty breakfast foods to choose from.

At first, standing in front of everyone and the cameras felt very awkward, but five minutes in and our confidence definitely started showing. It was nice that everyone got the chance to do individual shots and group shots as we had a variety of different styles but even when putting them together still looked cool.

If I were to ever get the opportunity to do something similar again I would no doubt, do it. I’d like to say thank you very much for the opportunity, I will never forget it!”

A day that inspired self-belief and connection

This unique experience gave our young people the chance to feel celebrated, seen, and empowered. Opportunities like this help build confidence, strengthen relationships, and create positive memories that last a lifetime.