26 Oct 23
As part of National Care Leavers’ week, Coram Voice was delighted to host care-experienced young people from around the country at Amplify on 25th October 2023. Amplify was organised by A National Voice, the national children in care council, to provide an opportunity for children in care councils to come together, share experiences and celebrate the amazing work that they do.
75 children and young people from 20 children in care councils and care leaver groups joined us at the Coram Campus. Our care experienced ANV ambassadors helped facilitate the day that included consultation on the Government’s plans for children’s social care, ‘Stable Homes, Built on Love’, a question and answer session with David Johnston, Minister for Children, Families and wellbeing and the launch of ANV’s Grand Campaign.
ANV also celebrated the amazing ways children and young people are transforming care in their local areas through the A National Voice awards. The A National Voice Awards champion and recognise the work of children in care councils and care leaver forums in England. Nominations for junior children in care councils, children in care councils and care leaver forums and any participation group within Children’s Social Care.
Please join us in recognising all the 42 nominees, 17 shortlisted entries and the 6 amazing winners, chosen by our ANV ambassadors. They all showcased the great things that young people can achieve when they come together. We hope this will inspire other great projects over the coming year.
ANV Awards 2023 Winners
- Campaign Award: Hull Young Voices Influencing Care
The group created an animation called “Just ask Us’ which is about understanding what it means to be care experienced. The animation will be shared with all staff and added to Total respect Training.
- Participation Award: Care 2 Listen (Reading)
Since January 2023 the group have been working to establish an open space for children and young people to share their views and work on projects that interest them.
- The Collaboration Award: Somerset In Care (SiCC) and Somerset Leaving Care (SLCC) Councils
SiCC and SLCC worked together with the council and service provider to develop a contract to provide 10 children’s homes, 2 therapeutic schools and a therapeutic fostering service.
- The Community Award: Young Inspectors Peterborough
A group aged 13-18 who inspected a children’s home for young people with severe disabilities, making recommendations for improvements to improve the quality of life of those living there.
- The Digital Award: Cambridgeshire CiCC, Peterborough CiCC & Peterborough Care Leaders Group
The groups worked together on a project about language, sharing their own experiences and suggesting words that are more youth friendly. They created a podcast that was made into an animated film.
- The Voice Award: Lincc (living in care council) and CFCL Change for Care Leavers (Bromley)
After completing a survey called Bright Spots the group came together with senior leaders, elected members and staff to consider the results. The group have created some brilliant videos used for staff training.