Why?
East Sussex Children in Care Council wanted to create their own version of the My Things Matter campaign. After lost of research, they realised that the real issue for young people in care in East Sussex wasn’t the use of black bin liners, but rather that a lot of young people’s stuff was getting lost or damaged when they moved. These items are precious and are often irreplaceable as they are, sometimes, the only thing they have connecting them to their birth families.
What?
In response, the Children in Care Council found the funding to design strong plastic boxes and canvas bags, each personalised with a logo and card. These show other young people that someone cares about them and their belongings, and they are not alone when they move. The young people spent hours of their own time doing this and have delivered the boxes themselves to social workers.
The boxes and bags are stored in 6 different locations across East Sussex, so all young people should have access when they move.
What difference did it make?
The campaign has been fully supported by East Sussex County Council and is now used across the county. As a result of the work, a new section has been added in LAC reviews where IROs check to make sure that young people have appropriate luggage for moves.
The Children in Care Council really brought this project to life by sharing their own stories to explain why this project is so important, and have raised awareness about how their things are precious. They shared these insights in meetings with key decision makers and other young people, as well as in staff training.
The impact for young people has been huge, with many saying they feel more supported, valued and empowered to speak up. One child said, “It’s like a hug in a box”, while another shared, “Someone I don’t know is looking out for my stuff and that was kind.”
This case study was shortlisted for the Campaign Award at the A National Voice Awards 2025, and won 1st place.