Being the eldest of our councils; we have a great opportunity to speak up and represent the voices of those starting their adult lives. Our council is commonly called YAC; our meetings are held once a month, in alternating areas so everyone has the chance to share their views and opinions. Membership has grown immensely, and we continue to become more and more involved with our Corporate Parents too. Earlier this year; we had an amazing experience at our Corporate Parent Takeover Day in which all our young people became a member of the Corporate Parenting Panel. We got to know the Corporate Parents and voice our views to some of the most important people in Kent County Council who represent us.
At YAC, we have lots of important discussions ranging from accommodation, life skills and further education, to our comments on the services we have received from KCC and how they can be improved. Another fabulous aspect of our Young Adult Council is the involvement of guest speakers that come and see us and give us fantastic information. Previously, we have had the guru of Universal Credit help us with all our questions about benefits and our entitlements; an Addaction spokesperson enabled our discussion around addiction, drug use and support that is out there for anyone who may be struggling; and some Looked After Children nurses gave us some top tips about keeping healthy.
Some of our guest speakers are looking for advice and suggestions before making any changes or introducing new policies that affect children and young people in care or care leavers. We have even had Matt Dunkley, (Corporate Director Children, Young People and Education) come and speak to us and answer our questions! Furthermore, YAC challenges their Corporate Parents through the Challenge Card process – for example, we have successfully challenged Kent County Council to become our Rent Guarantor should a Care Leaver want to rent privately! It’s an opportunity to have your say, be listened to and make a difference to the lives of children and young people in care.
One of our favourite things to do is attend activity days and focus groups. We love to have fun and make new friends at YAC. We are very lucky to be given the opportunities we have, to voice our opinions and then be able to do things like: gliding, water sports, meals out and so much more! All these are free of charge; travel is paid for to our YAC meetings as well as getting food like pizza and snacky bits! We welcome all Children in Care over 16 and young Care Leavers to our Young Adult Council, and we promise that anyone who comes along will be guaranteed a rewarding time!
Get involved and contact us at: VSK_Participation@Kent.gov.uk
posted by Mark Butcher