Participation in Reading Hearing the voice of Reading’s Children, Young People & Families

Why ‘do’ Participation? It’s a right, as set out in Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child It develops confidence, self-esteem and a sense of ownership in young people It develops better services, more likely to meet the needs of children and young people Keeps children and young people safe, with a knowledge that they will be heard if they talk

Treseder Model of Participation, 1997 Participation will happen differently, depending on the nature of the relationship and the situation. It should always be genuine and meaningful Degrees of involvement Young people assigned but informed Adult initiated, shared decisions with young people Child initiated, decisions shared with adults. Child initiated and directed Young people consulted and informed Treseder Model of Participation, 1997

Participation Groups: Readings Member of Youth Parliament – represents Reading nationally on the UK Youth Parliament The Youth Cabinet are elected, and campaign on issues important to young people in Reading. This has recently included Mental Health and PSHE. YDYC gives young people in care a voice. They can get involved in interviewing staff, training and a Children in Care Council The young inspectors undertake inspections and research projects, giving a report and recommendations on services from a young persons process.

What have we achieved in 2015? Reading Youth Cabinet have re-launched their ‘Treaty of Mental Health’ – three schools have currently signed Mental Health leaflet sent to young people in all Reading Schools, working with the Public Health team Various events run by young people, including a Youth Cabinet event with 50 young people attending, and YDYC Christmas Quiz event Reading Young Carers have helped make a young persons version video of the LSCB annual report MOMO app – giving young people in care the opportunity to self-advocate and be heard

Workshop at Youth Cabinet event, November 2015 Activity from YDYC’s Christmas event, December 2015 Making a video to support Mental Health leaflet, May 2015

and 2016? New Youth Participation Strategy, developed with the Youth Cabinet and YDYC Commissioned research/inspection projects delivered by the Young Inspectors Closer links between existing participation groups and strategic groups such as the LSCB Board and Corporate Parenting Panel

Any questions… Contact the Participation Team: Tom Woolmer, Participation Co-ordinator Tom.woolmer@reading.gov.uk 0118 9374084 David Dobraszczyk, Participation Officer David.dobraszczyk@reading.gov.uk 0118 9373185