Organisation: Ealing Council, Corporate Parent Committee (CPC)
Issue: Young people wanted improvements to a drop-in centre
The situation: A drop-in centre was established initially to provide educational support. Young people wanted improvements to this service. In particular they wanted computers, purpose-built spaces and continued support.
"We've been waiting for a new centre now for four years, we've had issues with planning permission that have taken two years to resolve. So we keep bringing it back to the Corporate Parent Committee."
"We wanted computers that work, generally better equipment, half the computers don't work and the printers don't work. An internet cafe so you can do your work and use them anytime during the day. We want the education room to carry on and a hall for dance and other activities."
What children and young people said: "It was hard before the drop-in centre - a lot of people don't want to talk to teachers, they don't want to talk outside of the group." "The biggest impact (of involvement in CPC) is that young people in care are being listened to more and also it gives young people the experience to speak out. We are able to present issues we may have."
What's changed? The centre has been expanded and developed over the years, guided by young people and now forms the recently refurbished, award-winning Horizon centre. It offers educational and training support for looked-after and leaving care young people. The centre acts as a one-stop-shop and provides access to an educational psychologist, a Connexions PA, teachers to help with specific subjects, a dedicated looked-after children nurse and a migration lawyer.
Every Child Matters outcomes: Making a positive contribution; enjoying and achieving; economic wellbeing
