Welcome to the young person's zone! This website has been created for children and young people in Liverpool. We want you to be able to access opportunities, find fun things to do, get help and support if you need it & hear about all the different things that are happening in your city.
If you would like to join our online email group, you can sign up by using our Google Form.
The Participation Team is under construction. We are currently building the best team we can for children and young people, so we are going through a few changes.
Please watch this short video of Beth our Participation Lead explaining a little more about the work we are doing.
Opportunities
Young people’s interview panel
We are currently working with our Human Resources team to create a young person's interview panel. This group will be involved in the interview process for staff working with children, young people and families. If you would like more information or want to get involved, please email us at youthengagement@liverpool.gov.uk
Liverpool Young Advisors Recruitment
Are you aged 15 - 21 (up to 24 with additional needs)?
Are you from Liverpool and interested in young people being heard about issues that matter?
Are you a good communicator and a team player?
If so, LSCP Young Advisors could be the job for you!
Visit the LSCP website to find out more and apply.
For further opportunities, see the Related Links section to the left of the page.
Advocacy
Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This right always applies, for example during immigration proceedings, housing decisions or the child’s day-to-day home life. - UNICEF, Article 12
Children and young people don’t always feel comfortable speaking out, especially if they’ve had difficult experiences in the past. An advocate is a person that can support children and young people to:
- Attend meetings with a young person where decisions are made – for example, meetings about foster placements and education
- Write letters on their behalf explaining their views and wishes
- Help to get all the information the young person might need and help them understand What their rights are
If you need support from an advocate to make a complaint, you can find out more about the process of getting an advocate at Liverpool City Council's website
Leaving School Support
We know how important it is to have support when leaving school. It can be difficult to make decisions about which steps to take.
Young people have lots of choices to make when leaving school and we are here to help. We have gathered some useful websites you can visit.
Children in Care Council
The Children in Care Council is a group made up of young people who are involved with Children’s Social Care or Leaving Care services. The Children in Care Council are very important. They influence decisions across Children’s Services and advocate for children and young people in Liverpool.
The age of the members ranges from 10-24, but anyone can join (up to 25).
The priorities for 2023/2024 have been set by the group. Their priorities are:
- To make our voices heard
- Setting protocols
- Getting the right people
- Increasing young people’s involvement
- Advocating for young people
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does the group meet? Once a month
Where do they meet? Normally at the Ray Hurst Centre as it is central for the members, but location can change to suit the needs of the group.
Do they do fun stuff? Yes, the group have been on trips such as Total Wipeout and the Santa Dash. We also have an Events planner, who is going to work with the group to organise something fun for summer.
How do I get involved? Send an email to youthengagement@liverpool.gov.uk
Do I have to come to every meeting? No, you do not have to attend each meeting. But we would love you to have as much input as possible.
What else can we do? We have lots of other opportunities to have your voices heard if you don’t like meetings.
Testimonials
Please see the below testimonial from a member of the Children in Care Council -
"During my time living as a child within the care system, I was part of the Children In Care Council, over the years these meetings allowed me to speak up about issues happening within my life at those times. I became a mentor within the council allowing me to speak on behalf of others, I have been given opportunities such as meeting with directors and sitting on interview panels allowing us as a community to have the opportunity of making a difference. After leaving the care system, I have become a Youth Participation Lead within the council, and now provide advice to the mentors and chairs of the children in care council. I am able to raise issues that I have faced after leaving care and on behalf of other young people within care."
"The children in care council allowed me to spend time outside of my placements where I could speak freely and work towards fixing the issues that young people face within the care of the local authority. For me, i felt it was/is so important for me to feel a sense of independence and be able to express myself maturely. Being a part of this community allowed me to understand that there are also other people experiencing similar things to me, which made me feel like I wasn’t alone. I made friends and was able to form new relationships with other individuals."
"Being a part of the group allowed me to develop my confidence and grow as a person, which is a small part of why I am now studying to be a social worker myself. I think it’s important for every child to be able to to have a voice and raise their concerns. Which is why I believe that all children should be able to be a part of the Children In Care Council and have the opportunity to speak up about their concerns."
Liverpool: What's On?
We know that evenings and weekends can sometimes get boring, so we have pulled together some fun things you might like to do in Liverpool.
Youth Organisations
In Liverpool we are lucky to have lots of different organisations working across the city and surrounding areas to support young people. Have a look at the list below and hopefully you will find something for you!
Youth Organisations
Thrive Careers Hub: https://thrive-cic.co.uk/
The Central Youth Club: https://centralyouthclubliverpool.org/
Edge Hill Youth and Community Centre :https://ehycc.co.uk/
LGBT Support services: Directory: https://www.liverpoolguild.org/lgbtq-support
Shrewsbury House Youth and Community Centre: http://www.shrewsburyhouse.org.uk/
Merseyside Youth Association : https://www.mya.org.uk/
Vibe: https://www.vibeuk.org/im-a-young-person
Unity Youth and Community Centre: https://unityyouthandcommunitycentre.wordpress.com/about/
Walton Youth and Community Project: https://wycp.uk/
Liverpool City Region – Be More - https://lcrbemore.co.uk/youth-hub/
Comments and Complaints
This area outlines information you might need to know if you want to send a comment or a complaint about an adult or professional you are working with or have worked with.
Comments
Young people have shared with us the importance of sharing their feedback.
A positive comment can help other professionals learn how to engage with children and young people better. It can give a person a boost that they may need or make them feel appreciated.
A negative comment can help improve how a professional works with children and young people.
If you have a comment you wish to share with a professional you have worked with, please complete the form below:
Complaints
It is your right as a child/young person to be heard.
In Liverpool we are passionate about hearing from children and young people. You have every right to make a complaint if you wish.
If you have a complaint about:
- Liverpool Children's Services? Please find out more about the process at the Liverpool City Council website
- Your school or college? Find out more by visiting the Liverpool City Council Website
- Anything else? Visit Liverpool City Council to make your voice heard.
If you need support from an advocate to make a complaint, you can find out more about the process of getting an advocate at Liverpool City Council's website
We are in the process of redesigning our comments and complaints procedure to make it easier for children and young people to get in touch with us.
If you would like to be involved in this, please sign up to our mailing list.
Contact Us
If you would like to know more information about anything on this website, join one of our groups or hear about the fantastic opportunities in Liverpool, please contact the Participation Team at youthengagement@liverpool.gov.uk
We are working on developing our social media. Our Children in Care Council are creating a plan on how to reach everyone in a way that works for them.
