Young adults currently experiencing care in Ealing, were challenged to take over decision making at Ealing Council on Friday, 17 November.
Stepping into the shoes of senior council officers, including the chief executive, senior lawyers, directors of children’s services, HR and strategy and change, heads of service and the cabinet member for a fairer start, the young people were briefed and handed the task of making decisions which would be put into practice.
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, cabinet member for a fairer start, said: “The day was a resounding success for everyone involved. At the feedback session at the end of the day, the positive impact on the young people and council officers involved was clearly evident. I really enjoyed being with, watching and supporting the young person who stepped into my shoes – they challenged me and those we met on the day with intelligent and searching questions and it was a joy to see their confidence quickly grow.”
The takeover day met a pledge made by Ealing Council’s chief executive, Tony Clements at the Care Leaver’s Summit in March this year.
And, over the last 2 weeks, care leavers were also able to get hands-on experience during a series of ‘practical insight’ days, hosted by Ealing Council and construction developers Higgins and St George.
Below is a gallery of pictures that give a flavour of the activity that took place.
