Care experienced young people took the lead on November 3rd for the Corporate and Community board meeting.
Led by Matthew and Courtney, the meeting was hosted in the council chambers of Grimsby Town Hall. Presenting their own agenda, the care experienced young people held service areas to account on the decisions directly affecting them.
Having their voices heard is at the forefront of the Corporate and Community Parenting Promise. The meeting was based on understanding their lived experiences to reinforce a shared commitment of ensuring every decision made is to support children in care and care leavers.
The room was made up of key people from Health, Housing and Community Safety alongside a small group of SLT (Senior Leadership Team) members from Children’s Services.
Each service area reported on what they have heard from children and young people, what they have been doing to make a difference, and what is next to come through a series of short presentations.
The young people then had the opportunity to ask questions. The different services used this opportunity to make new actions and ensure requests are being fulfilled.
The format of the meeting demonstrated the importance of ensuring that care-experienced young people feel heard and that their experiences help to shape decisions and drive change.
Ann Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services, was in attendance and has said:
“The board meeting was a brilliant opportunity for our care experienced young people; it gave them the opportunity to meet the people supporting them.
“It also gave service areas the chance to connect directly with the young people they are helping.
“It was very beneficial to all attendees in identifying the ways we can make a meaningful difference to all children in care.”
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