Our children in care participation groups

Our participation groups

We have three groups in Newcastle for care experienced children and young people.

• Voices for Choices - for children aged 8-12
• 12-16 group - for children aged 12-16
• 16+ group - for children aged 16 and above and care leavers, up to the age of 25.

Our groups meet monthly to talk about different issues and do fun activities together.

Some of the important work our groups have been involved with include:

• interviewing for Assistant Director of Children’s Social care and early help, Service Manager and Residential Manager posts.
• making children in care reviews more child centred.
• bringing the voice of children and young people to fostering panel.
• improving mental health support and sexual health services.
• running a training session for the Corporate Parenting Advisory committee, using virtual reality to explore the experience of being in care.
• attending a joint music session with Gateshead's Children in Care Council and produced a song.
• creating resources around fostering in food to help support foster carers.
• voicing the needs of children in care and care leavers over the Christmas period and helping to shape the offer for young people.
• attending regional conferences to work on issues that affect children in care and care leavers across the North East.

Our groups also talk about wider issues that affect young people. In the last year, they have contributed to decision making on a variety of issues, including:

• Online Safety
• Parks
• Health

How do I join?

Any care experienced children or young people in Newcastle are welcome to join our groups, at any time. To find out more, you can contact the Voice and Influence Team.

Email: voice@newcastle.gov.uk

Phone: 07816 341246