Agenda item

Circles of Influence

Heather Walton reported that the Circles of Influence event had taken place on 9 November 2024 and 60 young people from across the boroughs high schools had attended.

The key findings that were raised on the day had been analysed to create 9 key findings and recommendations which would be shared with the Young People’s Strategic Partnership Board to reflect on and action accordingly.

Jeanette Richards explained that the governance arrangements of children’s services were in the process of being reviewed and the Children’s Strategic Partnership had been stood down for 3 months. Jeanette explained that the roll out of early help and multi agency hubs was a priority. Jeanette explained that she would speak with the senior leadership group to discuss where each action would sit and who would be responsible for each one.

Those present reviewed the key findings and actions from them and the following points were raised:-

·         In reference to key finding number 3 it was asked what Trauma Informed Practice was.

It was explained that implementing a trauma-informed approach in schools ensures the whole school is aware of adversity, trauma, and resilience. It ensures there is a commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment through policies, procedures, and practice.

Trauma-informed care aims to promote feelings of psychological safety, choice, and control. Every contact with a student and their caregiver(s) matters. It is important that staff put the child at the centre of their care – this can be done by ensuring all individuals feel seen, heard, and cared for. By realising and recognising the impact and symptoms of trauma, schools can create welcoming, safe, and nurturing environments that support trauma-informed approaches to practice and avoid re-traumatisation of children, staff, and caregivers.

With regard to concerns raised around knife crime, it was explained that the work in relation to ‘A knife not a life’ initiative had started.

·         In reference to key finding 7 in relation to mental health it was asked whether the mental health checks recommended in schools had started and who was responsible for them.

Councillor Smith stated that she would enquire as to whether this was being done.

Heather explained that there was an ongoing conversation with health providers and identifying what young people wanted. A report was due to be completed by the end of February.

·         Key finding number 6 referred to public transport being more accessible and safer for young people to use and it was suggested that there should be young people representation on the Bee Network Committee.

Co-production Kite Mark

Heather Walton gave an update on the Co-production Kite Mark and reported that the 1^st organisation was due to be assessed on 18 February.  The young people involved would look at the organisation’s application, score it and then produce some questions that would be used in the final assessment.

Heather thanked all those involved in the process for their hard work.

Youthforia – Update

It was explained that Youthforia conferences were arranged by Youth Focus NW  took place every 6 weeks and the North West MYPs attend. The topic that had been discussed at the most recent conference had been disinformation and misinformation,  which was in relation to AI use on social media and fake news on social media.

Samir had represented the North West on the Select Committee in relation to Social Media and Youth Violence. Samir explained that the Minister for Policing and the Minister for Technology had attended the Select Committee to take part in the discussion and provide information.