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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Any questions…
Contact the Participation Team: Tom Woolmer, Participation Co-ordinator David Dobraszczyk, Participation Officer