Over 12’s participation

‘Our participation group is called Fostering Friendships. The group is somewhere to come and socialise with other young people. It’s fun. Its chillaxing. We get to do group work, thinking of new ideas, places to go and things to do.’

(J, 16 years old)

What we do:

• We produce policies for the agency that take into account how we see things
• We attend training on positive relationships and CSE
• We get together and have fun
• We produce videos for young people in care
• We produce art
• We work on the website
• We give feedback and ideas
• We support each other
• We have trips out
• We get to know staff
• We make friends
• We interview new staff
• We interview new carers

Our participation group has produced some fantastic work for us. This includes a method statement and also art about coming into care.

The group is well-attended and wherever possible the group directs itself. For example, coming up with top tips for when you are angry for other young people.

Our group is greatly valued by the agency.