Children and Social Care Minister has been hearing from young
people on issues that matter to them during visits in Bala and
Newtown.
At a Young Wales residential event in Bala, the Minister was
asked questions ranging from opportunities for young people,
reform to children's social care and how children and young
people can have their voices heard in government decisions that
affect them.
Young Wales is run by Children in Wales and funded by the Welsh
Government to enable Ministers to consult children and young
people on policies, and how it affects them. All Young Wales
members meet as a national forum at residential meetings held
three times a year.
In Newtown, the Minister visited one of Llamau's supported
accommodation services for care experienced young people.
Llamau is a homelessness charity supporting the most vulnerable
young people and women, working in partnership with Powys County
Council. The primary focus of the service is to help and support
young people to develop independent living skills, so they can
live in a safe environment.
The young people the Minister met shared their experiences of
leaving care and moving to independent living. She heard about
the difference supported accommodation can have on children and
young people to make the transition.
Visiting Youth Café Newtown provided the Minister with an
opportunity to hear from Newtown Youth Club members, and young
people from local groups, including members of Tutti Fruttis – a
local LGBTQ+ group.
The visits are part of the Welsh Government's enduring commitment
to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and
to upholding the right for children and young people to have
their say in matters that affect them, and to have their opinions
taken into account.
Children and Social Care Minister, said: “It has been great to
hear from young people on my visits in Bala and Newtown on issues
that matter to them and to see how passionate they are about
them.
“The realisation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights
of the Child is part of the culture of Wales; part of who we are
as a country. We want a Wales where every child knows that they
have rights, understands what they mean and has support to be
able to exercise them.
“What young people have to say is important and their opinions
matter.”
Sam Austin, Chief Executive Officer of Llamau, said: “We were
pleased to welcome the Minister for Children and Social Care to
our supported accommodation service for care experienced young
people.
“At Llamau, we are committed to ensuring that every young person
has a safe place to live and the support they need to build a
brighter future. The challenges facing young people experiencing
homelessness are greater than ever, and sustainable funding is
crucial to keeping these vital services running.
“We welcomed the opportunity to discuss with the Minister how we
can continue working together to provide life-changing support
for some of the most vulnerable young people in Wales."
