Bromley’s Living in Care Council (LinCC) and Change for Care Leavers (CfCL) were recognised with an award at the annual Amplify awards event from the Coram Foundation.
Organised by the National Children in Care Council (A National Voice), the Amplify event provides an opportunity for care leavers, children in care councils and care leaver forums to come together, share experiences, and celebrate the amazing work they do.
Two of Bromley’s own care leavers were in attendance to represent and collect the award on behalf of the council at the ceremony after significant competition from other local authorities. Bromley’s Active Involvement team were chosen as winners of the Voice Award for demonstrating exemplary practice in supporting the voices of children in care and care leavers to be promoted and heard.
The work put forward by LinCC and CfCL connected the voices of social work staff, senior management, and elected councillors with those of Bromley’s children in care and care leavers through a thorough survey which highlighted the shared priorities for improvements. As a result, a monthly dining club was created where young people can learn cooking skills and socialise with friends after care leavers who had recently moved into their own homes had reported feeling lonely. A new training video was also co-produced with young people in care titled ‘Nothing like Tracey Beaker’. This video helped to promote and encourage young people to share their experiences with social work staff more openly to build more trust and empathy.
Cllr Kate Lymer, Executive Councillor for Children, Education and Families said, “It is pleasing to see this important work recognised, which is ongoing and on a daily basis. It is also brilliant to see some of our own care leavers representing Bromley on a national stage and in attendance to receive the award. The collective effort from our staff, our care leavers and our children in care is invaluable in making sure our services get better and continue to provide the support needed for Bromley’s children and young people to thrive.”
For more information on Bromley’s Children Looked After and the support available for families, children in care and care leavers visit, linkinbromley.co.uk
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For media enquiries, please contact Liam Scoble in Public Affairs, on 020 8313 4688 or email liam.scoble@bromley.gov.uk.