Posted on: Thursday 2 November 2023
A conference has been held to celebrate the achievements of young people who have experienced the care system in Torfaen.
The event was held to mark the end of National Care Leavers Week, which also aimed to raise awareness of the challenges children in care and care leavers face, and how they can embrace change.
In Torfaen, those in care, aged between 16 and 18, and care leavers, up to the age of 25, are helped by the Torfaen Young People's Support Service.
On Wednesday, 30 teenagers and young people helped by the TYPSS gathered at Torfaen Learning Zone, in Cwmbran, to share the issues they face and how they have been helped.
The event included the preview of a film by care leaver and film maker Charlie Grayson, which aims to give a voice to young people in care. Watch We are Not Lost.
Charlie, who is studying for a Masters in film making, said: “As a film student I needed a lot of equipment over the years, which I wouldn’t be able to afford myself.
"I applied for funding twice through TYPSS and was successful which has now led me to create my own film called We Are Not Lost for TYPSS."
Kaci, who also took part in the conference, said: “TYPSS has supported me from the age of 16, and they continue to support me. Especially with mental health, housing, and everything they possibly can to help me succeed.”
Kate Phillips, manager of TYPSS, said: "This event is about celebrating these young people and giving them a sense of belonging and, importantly, a voice.
"We work in partnership with other organisations like the Torfaen Youth Service to help them become independent. We do that by getting to know them and providing them with the support they need that is individual to them.
"This year, we've had the most number of young people take part in the event, which is thanks to the positive relationships they have developed with our staff and each other."
Jason O'Brien, Torfaen Council's Strategic Director for Children and Families, said: " It was so pleasing to host such an event, which acknowledges the voice of young people who are care experienced, and to see the active input of young people throughout the day.
“It was equally pleasing to be able to see and acknowledge the hard work and impact of our TYPSS team and partner agencies in challenging inequalities to enable our young people to achieve and thrive. It is essential that young people help us to shape services and I look forward to continued participation and engagement.”
TYPSS works with around 200 young people, aged between 16 and 25, including care leavers, homeless young people and young people who are not in education or employment.
Photo credit: Kate Phillips; Matthew Williams, Torfaen Youth Service; Charlie Grayson; Stephen Vickers, Torfaen Council Chief Executive; Jason O'Brien, Kaci, Hollie and Aaron.