Wirral's Care Leavers Council has voice heard in Parliament
A group of Care Leavers had their voices heard in the Houses of Parliament as they were given an insight into politics on the national stage.
Members of Wirral’s Care Leavers Council travelled to London to meet with Birkenhead MP Alison McGovern before touring Parliament and watching a live debate in the House of Commons.
The Care Leavers Council is made up of young people who have been under the care of Wirral Council. The local authority acts as the corporate parent for children in its care and continues to provide support to care leavers up to the age of 25, ensuring they remain safe, healthy, listened to, helped in school and are prepared for adult life.
The Care Leavers Council plays a role in shaping the direction and decisions made for children in care across the borough by drawing on their own experiences.
To build knowledge and gain a taste of politics on a greater scale, the group had a request accepted to meet Alison McGovern MP in the capital.
Kerry Bull, Operational Lead for Leaving Care at Wirral Council, believes the visit showed the young people that their views can have an impact beyond the borough.
If we had visited Alison McGovern’s constituency office in Birkenhead, rather than her main place of work in the Houses of Parliament, it would not have had anywhere near the same effect.
The young people got to see the Government in action and how their Care Leavers Council voice can make an impact on a wider scale.
Our Council shared the issues they have with Alison. They were able to use their voice for every child and young person in the country who is looked after. It was a wonderful experience for them.
Kerry also said while Alison was aware of issues facing young people, having a conversation with Care Leavers was key to building a longer term relationship and she plans to visit the Care Leavers Hub for dinner.
As a council, we will always strive towards giving children and young people in our care the experiences that will secure the best outcomes and help them prepare for adulthood.
As their corporate parent, we want to develop them for the future, help them build life skills, nurture their aspirations and give them the opportunity to thrive.
This group of young people are part of our Care Leavers Council, which is the voice of our children in care and which to learn more about democracy which should be encouraged.
Those in our care should feel valued, loved, and able to reach their potential.
As well as gaining an insight into Parliament, the Care Leavers Council had to navigate their way around a busy London, learning important life skills.
They had to find their way through a city they’d never been to and had to budget the money I gave them for lunch. I also asked someone to be our social media content creator. They learnt new skills they’ll use in the future.
Kerry is also optimistic that one member of the Care Leavers Council may have a future career in politics and a trip to Parliament can be a step in the right direction.
She wants to change the world. She sits and pulls apart our care policies and tells us what is needed, while she is the first one out taking action in the community such as litter picking.
Getting to see the Houses of Parliament might help her realise what she can achieve.
On her visit to Parliament, the young girl said:
Going made my dreams seem more accomplishable. It was such a good day being able to see politics in action, speaking to Alison and the other people working in Parliament was great to see.
