Why?
The ANV AMPLIFY awards aim to champion and recognise the work of children in care councils and care leaver forums. They were held in October 2022 (Amplify – Coram Voice) – Southampton Voices unite were nominated for the ‘Voice award’.
What?
The Children in care council in Southampton is called Southampton Voices Unite – it’s all about sharing views & opinions & making sure these are head by senior leaders as well as having fun. The group have negotiated & agreed six corporate parenting commitments – which all managers have signed up to:
1. Be there for me whatever mood I am in
2. Help me to understand why I am in care
3. Help me be safe & understand safe relationships
4. Help me succeed at school
5. Help me understand about a healthy life
6. Help me understand my rights & put these into practice
The work was praised by the young people judges:
“The commitments are a really good idea…The photos of all the activities and involvement amongst the young people and professionals is really positive.”
Impact
Children who take part in the group enjoy the chance to:
– Make new friends
– Do fun activities / go on trips
– Represent the views of young people
– Gain new skills & build confidence.
All managers have signed up to the commitments – they were launched during ‘Love our children week’.
Another project the group worked on was to create shoe boxes which included letters and gifts to give to children coming into care to them about the opportunities it come bring and help them feel less scared of the unknow. The letters are included in the children in care guides: Southampton Voice Unite
