Agenda item

The Panel received an update and presentation on the Supply Packs project presented by Luke (for copy of report and presentation, see file of minutes).

Delivering the presentation, Luke explained that the packs, which were originally named ‘Coming into Care Packs’, were born from an idea suggested by the young people of the Children in Care Council (CiCC). The young people subsequently decided to change the name to ‘Supply Packs’. The purpose of the packs was to provide personal items to comfort children and young people who were placed into care, in emergency circumstances.

The CiCC was granted initial funding to create the packs in August 2024 when 60 packs were put together by young people, with help from practitioners. The packs were given to the Families First and Emergency Duty teams to be distributed to young people entering care. Feedback from the young people who had received the packs included that the packs had helped them to settle into their new homes and the fact that young people with care experience were responsible for the project, made the gesture even more meaningful.

Luke informed the Panel that further meetings were held in January and February with the CiCC, to share ideas for items to be included in future packs.  An event was being held on 28 February at 12 noon at the Sjovell Centre in Framwellgate Moor and members were invited to join the young people to assemble the next batch of packs.  Rob Johnson, Project Manager for Investing in Children thanked staff from the Admin. team for their support with the project.

The Chair remarked that it was pleasing to see that the young people were suggesting items to take to school, to be included in the packs. 

Resolved:

That the content of the report be noted.