Care leavers forum gets a new mobile HQ
The brakes are off on a new minibus which will bring together all the young people being looked after, or who have left care, across Warwickshire.
The £36,000 bus was paid for by the Youth Opportunities Fund, administered by the County Council, which allocates money to projects that will benefit the young people.
Young people are an integral part of the panel and have a say in which applications are approved.
The 15 seater purpose built vehicle will also double up as an informal meeting place as its unique design allows seats to be folded back.
The idea was the brainchild of Paul Sweeney who was adopted from care in Leamington. Paul wanted all children and young people in care under 16 to be able to meet and talk with care leavers about their experiences and hopes and to develop supportive relationships.
Paul is a member of FORUM, the County Care Leavers Association. FORUM is the acronym of Friendly, Outgoing, Respectful, Understanding and Motivating.
There are currently approximately 200 care leavers in the county and 350 young people growing up in care; of the latter around 100 are in Nuneaton and Bedworth.
The bus will be kept securely in a pound at the base for Warwickshire Association of Youth Clubs in Leamington Spa. WAYC is a voluntary organisation which works closely with Warwickshire County Council providing activities and services for young people. Three drivers are currently licensed to drive the bus with Paul also awaiting training after passing his minibus test.
Now that his vision for the bus has become reality, Paul said: “I’m really pleased. If anyone had said this would happen two or three years ago, I would have been delighted. It will hopefully strengthen the bond in the community of looked after children, care leavers and all the youth workers across the county.”
His view was shared by Cllr Izzi Seccombe, portfolio holder for children’s services, said: “It’s a fantastic acquisition for Warwickshire’s looked after children and we are very grateful to Paul who has worked with council officers to make this germ of an idea reality.
“This scheme, in which people are empowered to help their communities, whether they be neighbourhoods or communities of people who share similar experience embodies what the county council is so keen to embrace.”