07 Nov 24
This year at A National Voice’s Amplify event we recognised some of the excellent work being done by children in care councils and care leaver forums in England.
Our Participation Award is for groups that have have been actively involved in participation within their local authority. This year’s winners were Our Voice Listen Up, a group of young people in care aged 11–18 who meet fortnightly in North East Lincolnshire. They come together for friendship, fun, food and making a difference.
Pippa, the Voice and Influence Co-ordinator in the community, tells us what the group achieved.
This group don’t just think of themselves but regularly think of how they make a difference to others. The YOUnique awards is just one example of this.
Young people had been asking for some time to get these annual awards, which celebrate care experienced young people and the people who care for them, back up and running.
So instead of waiting for someone else to do this they wrote a proposal and presented this to an Assistant Director at the council and got approval to plan and deliver the event themselves with some support from staff.
They showed real tenacity and care for others. They planned the event from start to finish, including setting the categories, making decisions about the content and format, decorations and food as well as hosting the event throughout.
They showed real commitment to a process over a period of time, all took on roles and really grew in confidence. Not just from presenting and performing to a crowd of 150 people but in growing their sense of belief they could do it and the adults had put their trust in them to do this and do it well. The awards are now an annual event.
Congratulations to all involved on an inspiring project! Find out more about Our Voice Listen Up.