During the workshop and subsequent evening and individual sessions, the young people looked at Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and discussed the difference a worker who really listens can make, as well as what the professionals in their lives can do to make them feel listened to.
When combined, the presentation and film give a powerful message to the audience and effectively convey the wishes and views of Kent’s young people around what they need from their workers.
This 30 minute training and film were launched at the Corporate Parenting Panel Takeover Day in July by the young people themselves receiving positive feedback from KCC staff and Elected Members.
Since its initial launch and praise at Corporate Parenting Panel, Listen Up! has been rolled out as training to a variety of services.
Since its initial launch and praise at Corporate Parenting Panel, Listen Up! has been rolled out as training to a variety of services, including the 18+ Care Leavers Service, Kent’s Safeguarding, Professional Standards and Quality Assurance Service and Maidstone’s Children and Families Team. It even won a national Coram Award in October 2024! Although the apprentices of the Participation Team now deliver it, the core message has been left untouched and is still as important as ever. We are so proud of our council members who took part, and were so generous in giving up their time and sharing their experiences to improve services for all young people.
posted by Mark Butcher