Sports field with goal posts and houses in the distance

Shaping Care – Children and Young People at the Heart of the GM RC

One of the first priorities as a pathfinder was to ensure that we move towards a co-creation model of participation to capture the voice of Children Looked After and Care Experienced Young People across Greater Manchester (GM). To achieve this, in the first quarter of the pathfinder, we launched an RCC grant-funded programme the ‘Shaping Care Fund’, alongside Salford CVS.

The aim of the grants allocated to five VCFSE organisations is to listen to Children Looked After and Care Experienced Young People in GM, including separated young people (UASC) to ensure their voice forms an integral part of the RCC going forward and to better understand what practical changes would make the most positive impact on their lives. In other words, to check that our strategic priorities align with theirs and to embed a process for ongoing involvement in the structure of the RCC. Parallel to this, we’re working with Children and Young People to co-design the RCC identity.

This dedicated fund aims to place their voice at the centre of what we do throughout the RCC and to inform any future recommendations as to how young people wish to stay involved. We eagerly await the outcome and recommendations from young people as to how they wish to stay involved in the decision-making processes of the RCC.

At Greater Manchester Youth Network, we ran 3 projects for cared for young people and care leavers across Oldham and Tameside. Oldham's contribution to Shaping Care was the collaborative creation of 'United We Grow-opoly,' a Monopoly-inspired board game developed alongside the Children in Care Council. The game reflects the positive aspects of the care system while emphasizing the importance of unity and growth. One participant credited the care system with having 'saved my life,' highlighting the profound impact of supportive structures for young people.

Meanwhile, in Tameside, care-experienced young people worked with Cabasa Carnival Arts to create a stunning three-meter silk flag. The artwork symbolizes their experiences, from the continuity found in a childhood gift to the fear of running away from foster care, and the hope symbolized by the New York skyline.

The care leaver group, designed a Snakes & Ladders board game to symbolise our experiences within the care system. Over the course of eight sessions, we identified key challenges ("Snakes") and positive events ("Ladders") encountered during both our time in care and as care leavers. These conversations also informed the development of ‘Point of View’ question cards for the board game, which the players  reflect on their experiences and propose improvements to placements and services for young people in care across Greater Manchester.

These projects have allowed young people to express themselves, connect with their communities, and advocate for their needs and experiences. Their voices deserve to be heard, their stories valued, and their contributions celebrated.

View the work in our online gallery (external website)

Fair Futures ran the 'Finding Our Voice' project. This initiative engaged young male asylum seekers and refugees in learning about democracy and the power of their voices. A highlight of their journey was visiting the Houses of Parliament and meeting James Frith, the Bury North MP. They captured their experience and reflections in a film, underscoring powerful messages: 'You have a place in our society. You have a voice. You can make your voice heard.' This project empowered these young people to believe in their ability to influence change and share their stories.

View the work in our online gallery (external website)

In Stockport, the 'MakeGood and Listen' project combined the efforts of PIE’s Listen Project and Make Build Grow CIC. They produced a video titled 'It's Just Nice to be Asked,' exploring the creative process of expressing emotions surrounding growing up in care. Their accompanying banner is a patchwork of letters cut from their artwork.

Their 2D title artwork is made out of letters cut out of some of the artwork produced during the filming process sewn onto fabric. 

At a recent event celebrating the work, they also invited visitors to take away part of their art (in the form of confetti) and, by doing so, take away a small piece of their anger and frustration and hold it for them.

View the work in our online gallery (external website)

42nd Street's 'Cloud 42 Voice' project focused on the mental health challenges faced by care-experienced and estranged young people. Their 'identity boxes' exhibition challenges the stereotypes, statistics, and labels often associated with them. Each box invites viewers to look past the surface and see the real person within, reminding us all that young people need connection and recognition.

These projects have allowed young people to express themselves, connect with their communities, and advocate for their needs and experiences. Their voices deserve to be heard, their stories valued, and their contributions celebrated.

View the work in our online gallery (external website)

Wigan Youth Zone worked alongside a talented artist, where the young people created canvases that symbolize what matters most to them. Two powerful pieces of artwork emerged: the 'Family Tree' and 'Koi Fish.'

The 'Family Tree' piece reflects the deep and personal significance of family to one young person. Despite experiencing the complexities of foster care, their idea of family go beyonds the conventional, embracing foster carers, teachers, friends, and anyone who has provided love, care, and stability. For them, creating this artwork became a way to celebrate the supportive connections that have shaped their journey, reminding them that family is defined by love, trust, and care—not just genetics.

Another young person chose to create 'Koi Fish' to symbolize the value of friendship. For them, friendships have been a lifeline through unpredictable and often challenging times. The koi fish swimming side by side represent resilience, balance, and the strength found in trusted friends who have stood by them through life's ups and downs.

View the work in our online gallery (external website)