When I’m Ready: Autumn 2018 – Winter 2019

Hi everyone!  Welcome to the very first “When I’m Ready” blog from Voices from Care Cymru.  Hopefully this will be the first of many, keeping you informed and up-dated on my progress with the project so far.

For those of you who are not aware or haven’t met me, I’m Jane, the When I’m Ready Development Officer at Voices.  A little bit about me………well, I’ve worked for charities in South East Wales for over 14 years now.  I’ve worked predominately with young people, who have faced pretty big barriers, which meant getting a job or going on a training course were really difficult.   I delivered training and awareness workshops which supported young people in accessing jobs and further training opportunities.  I’ve been at Voices from Care Cymru for 8 months now, so wanted to share with you what I’ve been doing so far.

My role within Voices is to look at the how the scheme works across Wales, looking at the successes, challenges, barriers and how we at Voices can support young people, carers and professionals to deliver a positive and successful When I’m Ready service.

If you don’t know or aren’t sure, When I’m Ready is a scheme that allows care experienced young people the opportunity to remain within a foster care placement past the age of 18 – providing that both the young person and the carer are happy to continue the placement.  Therefore, if you are currently in a foster care placement in Wales this could be an option for you once you reach 18.

Since I started at Voices in July 2018 I’ve been very busy visiting different areas in Wales, speaking to social workers, personal advisors and managers who are all involved with When I’m Ready.  I’ve driven quite a few miles across the country and spoken to a lot of professionals and a few carers, now I need to start speaking to young people!

I would really, really like an opportunity to meet with anyone who is:

  • Starting a When I’m Ready placement
  • Currently in a When I’m Ready placement
  • Has been in a When I’m Ready placement, but now left

It would be great to hear your views and experiences.  So if you’re happy to share your thoughts and views, please get in touch with me.  Young people are at the heart of our work here at Voices and any information you can share will be really valuable.  Not only to support our programme, but for the on-going delivery of the scheme across Wales.

Our aim is to develop a group or forum, which is led by the young people.  Giving them an opportunity to share views, thoughts or ideas in regard to When I’m Ready.  We really do value your input.  The information young people share, does make a recognised difference to the lives of care experienced children and young people across Wales.

That’s all for now, but if you’d like more information on the programme or to get involved please get in touch – contact information below.

Thanks and speak soon,

Jane

jane@vfcc.org.uk

07958 669 529

029 2045 1431


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