Cath McEvoy-Carr, Director for Children, Education and Skills at Newcastle City Council, writes…
Although two months have passed since the North East Children’s Homes fortnight, it is still a topic of conversation across many of our homes in the region. As you may be aware, the idea for this campaign came from Ellie, a care experienced young person in our region who wanted to celebrate the care and support our residential homes provide to children in care across the region. All twelve North East local authorities came together to celebrate, and staff from our homes, with our care experienced young people, developed an innovative programme which was full of energy and creativity.
We were helpfully blessed with gorgeous weather throughout most of the fortnight which helped to make the outdoor celebrations accessible – there were picnics and barbeques; Hawaiian themed days and charity fundraisers; and my particular favourite which was a ‘hug in a bag’ gifts to show appreciation for our staff.
The impact of the planning and delivery of the programme has been felt throughout the region and provided a huge boost in morale across many of our homes, which has been well needed. We know our residential staff do a fabulous job every single day, in often challenging circumstances and this has provided the recognition and visibility that is so well deserved. Staff have fed back that this has been instrumental in thinking about the culture within homes and an opportunity to support more effective sessions with the children and young people who we care for.
This was the first time that we have embarked on such a campaign, but I think it is fair to say that we will do it again. This year was just the start and although planning for the next time has not formally commenced yet, we are already thinking about how we can make it bigger and better. Our young people have set the standard, and it is up to us to help them to deliver.
