The Cambridgeshire Children in Care Council's work on their Every Word Matters project has been recognised with an A National Voice award.
Their animated video of a discussion between children in care and led by a care leaver is this year's A National Voice Digital Award winner.
Every Word Matters (available on YouTube) highlights how the words we use can make children and young people feel, and how important it is that we talk to them about the words we use with them.
In the video the children ask adults to refer to a home rather than a placement, and don’t like being described as foster children. They say too many acronyms are confusing and end the film with the plea: ‘Treat us like real people’.
Please watch in YouTube for more accessibility options. - opens in a new tab
A National Voice is the ‘National Children in Care Council’ for children in care and care leavers, who are passionate about how the care system works and how it affects those within it.
Cambridgeshire’s own Children in Care Council seeks to provide a platform for children and young people in care in our county to use their views and experiences to make positive changes to our Children's Services, for themselves and for others.
Councillor Bryony Goodliffe, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Children and Young People’s Committee, said: “Many congratulations to all the young people involved in creating Every Word Matters, which has received this fantastic award!
“Our Children in Care Council and the insights they bring, are crucial to the County Council’s commitment to creating a fairer and more caring Cambridgeshire.
“I’m delighted that our Children in Care Council is able to speak so strongly about the issues which affect them. I look forward to continuing to work with them as we together seek continuous improvement of our care system and ever better outcomes for our children and young people.”
