Partners and schools across North East Lincolnshire came together on Thursday 04th November to celebrate Corporate and Community Parenting Fortnight. An event was hosted to further show the commitment offered by colleagues, professionals and community partners.
The event took place as part of wider celebrations to mark Corporate and Community Parenting fortnight that started on 26th October. Falling over National Care Leavers Month, North East Lincolnshire Council use the fortnight to champion the care experienced young people in our borough.
This fortnight celebrates inclusion, opportunity and togetherness to help show young people in care and Care Leavers that they are valued and supported.
Corporate and Community Parenting has been adapted within North East Lincolnshire to become a wider, community-focused commitment, with the importance of enduring relationships, a key message throughout the event at Blundell Park.
Throughout the day, attendees heard from keynote speaker Steven Russell, Ann Marie Matson, care experienced young people and other influential Corporate Parents.
Steven Russell drew on his own lived experiences and extensive professional career to share a powerful perspective on connection and resilience.
Whilst at the event, Steven said, “I believe every young person has limitless potential and should never be defined or limited by their experiences.
Corporate and Community Parenting demonstrates that we are here for the long run and not as a nine to five role, it also shows the young people that they belong.”
For children in care and care leavers, having consistent and trusted people in their lives can provide a vital sense of stability, connection, and belonging.
Attendees were encouraged to consider the role they can play in helping young people build and maintain relationships that last.
A podcast was also shared to inform the room about the impact of relationships and the importance of listening to those with the real-life experiences from the care system. The podcast was created by Matthew Armitage, a care experienced young person, who now studies at the University of Oxford. The full podcast can be found on YouTube.
Ann Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services, was in attendance and said:
“Corporate and Community Parenting is not just about Children’s Services; it is for the entire community to come together around our young people and show them the love and support we show to our own family.”
By bringing partners together around this shared ambition, Corporate and Community Parenting continues to be strengthened across the borough, placing lasting relationships and a sense of belonging at the heart of the support for children and young people.
Share this article