We’re delighted to announce the three projects that will be supported through the next stage of Amplified by Care Experience (ABCE).
Following an inspiring national showcase event, six care experienced groups from across England presented youth-led ideas designed to improve the lives of children and young people with care experience. Each project demonstrated creativity, passion and a clear commitment to making a difference in their local communities.
The final three projects were selected following careful consideration by our panel and a national vote involving 26 participation groups and 145 care experienced children and young people. Their feedback highlighted the importance and potential impact of each project.
Darlington: My Next Chapter Bundle
Young people from Darlington have developed My Next Chapter Bundle, a project that aims to make the experience of moving into care feel more welcoming and personal. The project focuses on providing thoughtful welcome boxes containing practical items, comfort objects and information to help children and young people feel valued during a significant life change.
One young person who voted for the project said:
“This would be really useful to help care leavers with the basics when they become independent and move into new accommodation. Sometimes there is a wait to get Setting Up Home Allowance money or a chance to get to a proper supermarket. Having these things already is really important. Things like hygiene products and basic living essentials would help during a really scary transition, ease financial difficulties and make it feel like someone cares.”
East Sussex: My Things Matter
Building on the My Things Matter campaign, the East Sussex group wants to ensure children and young people entering or moving within care can safely transport and protect their personal belongings with dignity. Through ABCE, the group will explore how the project can be strengthened, shared and embedded more widely so that more children and young people benefit.
One voter reflected:
“It is important that your things don’t get lost. There will be sentimental items that you would be really upset if they were lost or broken because they can’t be replaced.”
Lancashire: Welcome Box
The Lancashire group has created the Welcome Box project to help children and young people feel welcomed, informed and supported when they enter care. By bringing together practical resources, helpful information and reassuring items, the project aims to make what can be a daunting experience feel a little less overwhelming.
One young person explained why they supported the project:
“Because not everyone feels welcome when entering the care system or when leaving care.”
What’s next?
Over the coming months, the three groups will work alongside Coram Voice and partners to further develop their projects, gather evidence of their impact and explore opportunities to amplify their ideas nationally so that more children and young people can benefit.
We’ll be sharing updates, learning and reflections from the projects as they progress, including opportunities to hear directly from the young people and professionals involved.
If you’d like to follow the journey, sign up to our newsletter or professional mailing list to receive the latest updates from Amplified by Care Experience and hear how these youth-led projects continue to develop.