Engagement Hub - Supporting children and young people to have their say

There are two groups helping children and young people have their say about their care services.

Brighter Futures

An activity group for children in care, ages 4 to 13 years or as appropriate depending on the child's needs, to give their views while having fun.

The Children in Care Council (C2C) 

Looked-after children and care leavers aged 14 to 25 years or as appropriate depending on the child's needs, can give their views, have their say, challenge and even change the way local authorities run children's services and children's lives.

To get involved with Brighter Futures or the C2C, visit The Source website

The Government has asked children’s services across the country to make a promise to all young people in care.

Our promises make sure that you're cared for and help you to achieve the things that you want to.

Suffolk’s Promise was coproduced by C2C Suffolk’s Children in Care Council and here are the promises for different age groups:

Download the:

• Promise for children under 10s (PDF, 744KB)
• Promise for children aged 10+ (PDF, 1374KB)
• Easy read version of these promises (PDF, 265MB) 

We promise

1. You will have a home where you are safe, well cared for and can be happy
2. We will help you see your family, friends and other people who are important to you
3. You will have a Social Worker and you will know their name and how to contact them
4. We will listen to you and talk to you about all the important things in your life
5. We will make a plan with you about how best to look after you
6. We will help you to do the things that you like and be the best you can be
7. If you have any problems or worries we will work hard to sort them out with you
8. We will help you to do your very best at school
9. We will help you to be as healthy, well and happy as you can be
10. We will work with you to give you all the help and support you need to make a success of moving on from care to adult life
11. We will only tell people things about you if they need to know them to look after you properly

Are the promises not being kept for you?

If you feel the promises aren't being kept, contact the Engagement Hub on 0800 917 1119

Helping young people to stand up for themselves and make their voices heard.

In Suffolk the organisation who provide independent advocates and work with children, young people and care leavers on an individual basis is POhWER. 

What is an Advocate?

An Advocate is someone who will make sure you are fully involved in decisions being made about your life by:

• Listening to you
• Being on your side, helping you speak up and making sure your views are listened to
• Helping you make a complaint if you are unhappy about your care
• Going to meetings with you and explaining things to you

If you feel like your views aren't being listened to or you need extra support you might find an independent advocate useful.

What is an Independent Advocate?

Someone who is completely separate from your family and the professionals involved in making decisions about your life.

Do you need an independent advocate?

Pohwer provide an independent advocate for you, here is their leaflet: Suffolk Advocacy Service Children and Young Peoples Advocacy Leaflet (pohwer.net)

Support for children and young people in care

Children and young people in care or a care leaver can find further information and support about children's rights on The Source website.

Independent Visiting

An independent visitor is an adult volunteer who you could be matched with.

They will take you out once a month to do activities of your choice.

It's like having a favourite aunt or uncle coming to visit.

If you are between 0-18 years old and you would like an independent visitor you can request this at your review or talk to your social worker.

Contact Anglia Care Trust for more details on: 01473 622888 or email them at: admin@angliacaretrust.org.uk