What?
LINX, which stands for Listen, Involve, Negotiate and Xpress, and the Care Leavers Forum bring together care experienced young people aged 8 to 24 from across Lancashire. The groups work together to create meaningful change by speaking up, shaping services and supporting one another.
They have been involved in a range of activities, including mental health walks that bring young people together, presenting to their corporate parents, undertaking training, and specifically highlighting their Welcome Gift project, which aims to make the first night of coming into care less frightening.
The packs are designed to bring comfort on a young person’s first night, and include thoughtful items such as chocolate, a drink, hygiene products, a phone charger and a welcome sheet introducing the people in the home. Now recognised as best practice across residential and foster care, the idea sends a simple but powerful message – you matter, you are welcome and you are not alone.
What difference did it make?
The variety of participation options for care-experienced children and young people in Lancashire has been extremely beneficial, giving them a sense of purpose and offering a way to connect with others.
Feedback from the young people that took part in the activities include:
“The interview panels have given me more confidence with talking to new faces.”
“The Care Leavers Walk has given me an opportunity to get out and socialise, supporting my mental health.”
“I’ve improved in confidence.”
“By participating, I’ve added to my CV which will help me in the long run with my job.”
This case study was shortlisted for the Participation Award at the A National Voice Awards 2025, and won 1st place.