The young people were joined first by representatives from Become, the charity for Children in Care and Care Leavers, who spoke to them about their #GoneTooFar Campaign, which aims to keep children in care close to the people and places that matter to them. Matthew and Anne-Marie then invited them to create manifestos about how they would change the care system for the better. Young people concentrated on issues like seeing family, increasing funding for children’s services so there are more social workers who stay for longer, more preparation for adulthood and independence and greater opportunities for care experienced young people and young adults.
We also had the artist, Pen Mendonca join us. She created a beautiful artwork about what we discussed.
Then after a buffet lunch, Jerome from the Care Leaders led a session called ‘The Power to Lead’. He spoke to the groups about how to share their messages of change in an authentic, relevant and focused way and led the young people in several exciting, interactive games about overcoming obstacles and working together.
Finally, members of each Children in Care Council told the group about themselves and shared some of their key achievements and successes.
It was a fabulous session which demonstrated just how articulate, passionate and fantastic all of our Care Experienced Young People are; it was a privilege to learn from each other and hear their voices! We are looking forward to working together again in the future.
posted by Mark Butcher