Young People’s Advisory Board
Established in October 2022, our Young People’s Advisory Board provides a relationship-based and meaningful co-production space for young people to inform and guide our work.
The board is made up of young people with experience of foster care, including those who are children of foster carers between the ages of 16-21. Working together, the board raise awareness of foster care and influence positive change in the care sector.
What the board do is up to them. This may be supporting one of our campaigns or raising awareness of an issue that affects the foster care community. In their first year the board had an incredible impact, from co-writing and delivering a speech at Scottish Parliament, to meeting with the Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes. Their achievements have since included recording a podcast for SWIIS fostering agency, contributing to two Scottish Government consultations, and advising on the development of our Skills to Foster resources to ensure they are trauma-informed.
Members may also choose to design opportunities for those with experience of foster care to come together, have fun, create friendships and build a community. Members have shared that being on the board has helped them build confidence, resilience and perseverance. It’s a place where they feel heard and have a sense of accomplishment.
The group meet online every two weeks and in person at ad hoc events throughout the year.
If you are or know a passionate young person who is interested in joining the board please contact Zoe Roy at [email protected] or 07903079567.
Building Connections, Creating Change
Our Young Person’s Participation Worker, Zoe Roy, has started work on our two year project, ‘Building Connections, Creating Change’ thanks to funding from the Young Start Fund delivered by the National Lottery Community Fund.
The project aims to better the physical, mental, and emotional health of children and young people and connect them to the wider community.
The project’s direction will be informed by the participation work that Zoe does, ensuring that the voices of children and young people and foster carers continue to guide our work.
Zoe looks forward to connecting with many of you soon.
If you would like to get in touch with Zoe, please email her at [email protected]