The catalogue of co-designed change

Young People with lived experience of being a 'late entrant' to care wanted to improve experiences of being in supported accommodation in future. They designed the WELCOME pack they wish they had received. It is now a contractual requirement for all commissioned providers in the borough. 

Care experienced parents designed from  their experiences of being under equipped and not having relatives to help them to make material preparations. They created the new parent pack and persuaded the local authority to include it in their local offer. 

Collaborators explored experiences of moving into adult life without any lifelong connections or memories. They developed creative kits that are now provided to looked after children so that they can make special journals to remember where they went and who they were with. 

Care experienced young people often face a lot of scrutiny when they are going to have their own children. They researched this and found that parents-to-be would like social workers to have relational resources which enhance the parent's vision for their family.

Foster carers undertake a lot of preparation and training, however very little of this is created by young people with lived experience. To improve this situation our collaborators designed relational tools - a game and an activity planner - to help families get to know each other and stay together. 

Staff and young people got together and discussed how damaging it is when staff change. YP hypothesised that if they and their social workers spent time together doing something meaningful and mutually enjoyable, then staff will enjoy their jobs more and YP will not have to cope with more change in their lives. The local authority accepted this proposal and now make money available for trips and treats.