Agenda item

Billie-Leigh and Luke delivered the presentation on CiCC highlighted activity over the summer (for copy of presentation see file of minutes). 

Information included that feedback is being gathered to develop the ‘Know, What, When’ lifemap guide which, it is hoped, will be finalised soon.  During the summer, CiCC roadshows were facilitated to reach out to as many young people as possible.  The young people have now produced their 10^th newsletter and plans are in place for the production of a 2023 annual newsletter, to celebrate achievements over the year. A total of 97 Education Fun Fund applications have been approved and the young people were pleased to report that case studies show the fund is making a real difference to young people. The life skills / savings survey remains active and is being publicised through social workers and support staff and a progress update will be brought to the Panel later in the year.

It was reported that as a result of the success of the Artstops Initiative, the CiCC have been given access to Bishop Auckland art gallery from September to December next year to showcase their art in the #ArtsCarers24 exhibition. 

Work is continuing with Newcastle University Street Law project to help children and young people of all ages to better understand care proceedings and work has begun on an animation.

The young people have worked with the Full Circle Team on an open event and they have produced artwork to decorate the team’s refurbished building.

The Panel heard that discussions have been held with the Supportive Family Time team to develop family time rooms, with the young people’s ultimate aim being a ‘family time house’, which they feel would provide a more natural and dynamic family time experience. A discussion took place as to how the Panel could assist.  Officers explained that work is ongoing to ensure dedicated family time facilities are available throughout the county and the views of the young people will be considered, within the wider context and the Panel will be kept informed of progress.  The Panel suggested that local Community Centres may have rooms available which could be used for family time activities.

The Panel congratulated the young people on their work and they were pleased to see their ideas coming to fruition, including the upcoming art exhibition and the success of the Education Fun Fund.