Funding for young people
£210k to support those in care
Young people in West Lothian will soon have more say in the decisions that affect their lives, thanks to £210,000 funding from the Life Changes Trust.
The money will be used to set up a new Champions Board in the area to provide a platform for young people to talk directly to local authority staff, elected members and service providers about the challenges that being in care can bring. They will also discuss how these challenges can be faced and overcome with the right support. Champions Boards support care experienced young people to develop positive relationships and become active in their communities. The establishment of a Champions Board in West Lothian will ensure that the care system sees the individual young person, so that they feel listened to, valued and respected, and will provide a forum where they can feel more in control of their lives.
West Lothian Council’s executive councillor for social policy, Angela Doran, said: “The funding from the Life Changes Trust will allow us to establish a formal forum for young people to tell us directly about any issues affecting them, and where we can then work together to resolve issues. We already have a strong tradition of engaging with young people in West Lothian, and this board will build on existing good work to improve their outcomes, informed by the views of the young people affected.”
Liam, who is 18 years old and lives with foster carers, said: “The Champion’s Board will be great for West Lothian young people. As part of the early stages I’ve been to a residential event called Columba 1400 and this really opens doors for you to realise your potential. The Champion’s Board will be a way for me and other young people to have more of a say in decisions, have more control and will support us to become confident adults.”
Heather Coady, director of the Trust’s Care Experienced Young People Programme said: “Champions Boards show care experienced young people that they are supported, listened to and respected, the impact of which can be transformational.”