Youth voice is needed to change systems

6 March 2024  |  Blog

Rose, Peer Leader, Peer Power Youth  

On International Women’s Day we are spotlighting Rose, Peer Leader who has been an inspiration to others and contributed to positive system change. #InspireInclusion

We wanted to reflect on Rose attending the House of Lords, providing insights on how the Government’s Children’s Social Care Implementation Strategy could be modified and improved. 

As I spoke out at the House of Lords it meant a lot to me to be able to share my experience and for my insights to be recorded publicly in the report. In the evidence session I wanted the committee to focus on youth voice and speak to young people directly as youth voice is as important as listening to organisations and their evidence.   

At Peer Power Youth as a Peer Leader, I am a pioneer for change. We believe that caring for each other creates belonging and the power to bring positive change in services for others. We use our experience in support services and help create change for other young people in mental health services, justice and social services.  

I wanted there to be a true representation of care-experience and the need for young people to feel supported by everyone involved. I think that having a true representation of the experiences in the care system allows for an honest discussion. Representation of a wide range of diverse youth voice on these areas of discussion will lead to focussed change. 

Accessibility is hugely important. Published reports relating to young people from the Government, should be accessible for all so that we have an accurate representation of different youth experience.   

At Peer Power Youth we know that empathy leads to trust, communication, and a sense of connection, creating a supportive environment where individuals feel heard, valued, and understood. We welcomed the focus on ‘love and consistent relationships’ within the Government’s Strategy and hope this report can support young people and children on an individual and consistent basis, highlighting the experience youth voice in the care system. 

 

Looking ahead – what is happening now? 

“The Government will review the progress we have made in 2025…We will keep talking to children, young people and families as we continue to deliver our reform programme. We are determined to make a positive difference to the lives of children and families all across the country. “  

At Peer Power Youth we welcome the commitment to reforming strategy with young people. We want to see the implementation of love and consistent relationships continuing to be the core of the strategy and want youth voice to continue to be the driver that positively changes systems.   

Our mission is to enhance the lives of young people dealing with trauma and work with them to create positive change in services for others. We would like to celebrate Rose’s work in inspiring others and representing female youth voice and those that may feel excluded to the system. 

 

Watch here to see us Rose presenting at the Public Services Committee at the House of Lords here. 

Read the ‘A response to the Children’s Social Care Implementation Strategy’ report here. 

 

Peer Power Youth  

Peer Power Youth is a national charity that does vital work to support young people dealing with trauma.  

We care for young people, sometimes at the most difficult times in their lives, and we give them the time they need, for as long as they need.

We know what’s needed to build trusted relationships and improve support services, because many of us have had similar experiences.  

Despite the young people’s circumstances, we see their power and potential.