Introduction
Hi, we are Hayley, Helena, Jenny and Sarah. On November 23rd 2007 we took part in an event called National Take -Over Day. We are a group of young people who are in the care of South Gloucestershire Council. This day was planned as a national event by the organisation 11 Million which is a national group that works to make sure that our views are asked for and listened to, so that our services are as we want and need.
Who did we meet?
We met with several people from the Council who work to make sure that as Children and Young People we get the services we need. Everyone we met with works towards something called the Charter for Children and Young People, which says that we should:
- Enjoy the best health and live a healthy lifestyle
- Are kept safe from harm and neglect and feel secure at all times
- Are given the chance to learn and achieve, and enjoy leisure time
- Are given the opportunity to make the most out of life and take a full part in the community
- Grow up in a strong and secure family situation and achieve rewarding adult lives
This is who we met:
- Jane Spouse – Assistant Director for the Department of Children and Young People
- Chris Herriot – Principle Youth Officer
- Geri Palfreeman – Locality Manager who is also responsible for making sure we can access information, advice and guidance
- Dennis De Souza – Inclusion Strategy Manager
- Mike Connolly – Head of Specialist Care and Inclusion Services
- Lesley Raison – Corporate Parenting Manager
- Liz Crocker Locality Manager who is also responsible for keeping children and young people safe and Sean Tarpey the Safe Guarding Manager
- Peter Walker and Tony Bowen – from Integrated Transport, the department that organises our taxis and bus passes
- Angela King, Caroline Churchill, Mary Carslake and Tanya Bartlett – from Administrative support for the Department of Children and Young People
- The group who organise Right 2 B Cared 4 project
We asked each person how their work relates to the delivery of the Charter for Children and Young People. We have produced a booklet containing all this information, which we think is important for young people who are in the care of the Council to know. The booklet in currently being printed and will be available shortly.