Our groups and meetings
York's Children in Care Council and Care Leavers' Forum exists to make sure that all children and young people who are cared for (or were previously cared for) by City of York Council have the chance to share their views, with the aim of helping shape and influence the services which affect them and other young people with care experience.
This is important because you know best what you want from the services that support you!
York’s Children in Care Council is made up of 3 groups:
If you'd like to join any of these groups, contact Michelle Howlett on telephone: 07770 704756, or email: [email protected].
If you're interested but don’t wish to attend any meetings, you can still contact Michelle to find out alternative ways you can get involved.
See details of group social events.
Show Me That I Matter
Show Me That I Matter’s (SMTIM) aim is to discuss important issues for young people in care in a fun and creative way.
If you'd like to meet other young people and help make a difference by sharing your views and ideas then this is the group for you!
SMTIM is for any young person aged 11 to 17 who has experience of being in care.
SMTIM is held monthly, at West Offices, Station Rise, York.
I Still Matter
I Still Matter (ISM) is the name of York Care Leavers' Forum. It is for any young person aged 17 to 25 who is leaving care, or who has left the care of City of York Council.
ISM aims to give an opportunity to care leavers to shape, influence and improve the services you receive. This is so valuable because it can help improve services for all care leavers.
ISM is held monthly, at West Offices, Station Rise, York.
The Day Group
The Day Group is a part of the Children and Care Council and Care Leavers' Forum.
We understand some you may want be part of the Care Leavers' Forum, but it can be difficult to make it to an evening meeting. The Day Group is for any care experienced young people aged 17 to 25 and takes place in a child-friendly environment.
The Day Group is held monthly at Hob Moor Children’s Centre.
Social events
As well as meeting once a month, if you’re a member of any of these groups we have social events too!
It's nice to get together outside of the meetings to have fun and socialise together. We hold a summer and Christmas social.
Members of the groups help decide what we do, and in the past we have done things like ice-skating or going for a meal.
The benefits of getting involved
You'll be able to meet and socialise with other young people, and together you can help to improve the services that you access. You'll have the opportunity to develop lots of skills and gain confidence in areas which will enhance your CV, and we can also provide you with a reference. You'll also be financially rewarded for your contribution using our reward and recognition scheme.