In September, Kay Jones, service director of children’s social care for the Isle of Wight Council, attended our monthly Isle of Wight Young Council meeting.

Her role is a recent addition due to Hampshire County Council and the Isle of Wight Council strategic partnership parting ways.

This means that the Island’s children and young people are her priority, which we were pleased to hear.

She introduced us to the services that the council has to offer - early help, statutory services, safeguarding, fostering, adoption and youth participation.

It is important that young people are aware of these services so if we need support, we know who to go to. 

It is also beneficial as it sheds light on crucial job opportunities.

Kay shared that there were many pathways to get into social work, including the Health and Social Care course at the Isle of Wight College.

Although, it would be useful for social work and care opportunities to be promoted more during health and social care lessons across schools.

She debunked negative stereotypes about social workers that may prevent young people from undertaking these important roles. 

The youth council was pleased to have established this connection with Kay, and are interested in considering ways that we can advocate for children in care.

At this meeting, we continued with ‘Youth Council on the Road’ plans, where the youth council visits schools and youth groups to hold a mock meeting.

It aims to make the youth council more accessible, as well as secure connections with other organisations and schools. 

We planned to have one hour sessions at schools, where we introduce students to the youth council and invite them to discuss topics that impact their local area.

We have also considered running this initiative for youth groups. 

If you are a youth group, or a school interested in having a Youth Council on the Road session, please email me, the chair, at lianne.p.iwyc@gmail.com