Speak Up Squad
Empowering pupils that live and learn with us
What is Speak Up Squad?
We want to know how we can do better, and who better to guide us than the children and young people who live and learn with us?
The Speak Up Squad is a group of young people across our homes who volunteer to share their thoughts and experiences during dedicated sessions. Guided by topics chosen by the Care Team, these safe and supportive discussions give them the chance to express ideas and offer valuable insights into their experiences.
What they share matters. Their feedback helps us make real changes that improve their experiences and those of their peers.
Our Squad's suggestions
In our first Speak Up Squad session, the Care Team explored the use of language. Below are some of their suggestions that we have implemented.
- Speak to us how you would speak to your own children.
- Don't talk about 'annual leave', 'handovers', 'COSHH', 'budgets', or 'incidents' around us.
- Act like a family member when out in public and use love led language when communicating.
- Don't have blanket rules for all of us around bedtimes, decide this on an individual basis.
- Don't show your ID badges when you're with us in public unless absolutely necessary.
Alongside these important conversations, the Speak Up Squad enjoyed visiting schools across WG, taking part in activities, and building new friendships through group discussions.
Honest reflections
Settling into our podcast studio, two members of the Speak Up Squad answer questions about what makes a great team member, offering honest reflections and insights from their experiences.
They also took the opportunity to flip the script and asked their questions to the Care Team.
Life in care
Member of the Speak Up Squad openly share their thoughts and experiences of being in care, reflecting on both the positives and the challenges. With honesty and openness, they offer real insight into their journeys and what life in care has meant to them.
By taking this opportunity, they aim to inspire change and ensure that young people’s voices are heard and valued.
What's next?
The Speak Up Squad has shown us the importance of listening to children and young people. Their voices have shaped our understanding, challenged us to improve, and inspired real change across our Group. This is just the beginning. We will continue to work alongside them, hearing their ideas, respecting their experiences, and acting on what matters to them because we will never stop caring, and we will never stop striving to make their lives and learning even better.
We would love to speak with you
0800 3047244
