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 2024 (Amplify – Coram Voice) – North Yorkshire Care Champions were nominated for the ‘Campaign award’.
What?
The Care Champions wanted to find a way to help make the first night in care for other young people feel less scary, a little more comfortable and help them feel less alone. They knew how difficult the first night in care can be and felt that that the experience could be improved for others.
Firstly they developed welcome packs which include comforting items like fluffy socks, a notebook and a postcard message from the Care Champions group.
They also wrote an ‘All About Me’ guide for the new child and their new carer to complete. This is an opportunity for the child to share things that they feel are important and receive information about where they are moving to.
The Care Champions also wrote and delivered a presentation to the Assistant Director of Children & Families to highlight the issue and spread the message about their work.
What difference did it make?
Senior Management approved the welcome packs, and gave the Care Champions some money to provide the packs to all new children entering foster care. The packed bags are now distributed and every new child receives a warm welcome from the group, helping new looked after children feel more settled.