Participation

The voice of care leavers is important in shaping and developing our service.

Support available to you

You will have the opportunity to train as a peer mentor.

Once trained you will be able to support younger children in care during school holiday activities and residential trips.

You will have the opportunity to attend the leaving care forum reach month.

During these sessions you will be involved with service developments.

You will have the opportunity to attend the corporate parenting panel. Ensuring that the voice of care leavers is heard.

A 12-month apprenticeship is available to a care leaver who is keen to drive forward participation and the voice of care leavers in Darlington.

You will have the opportunity to attend interview training. Delivered by the participation team to help you sit on interview panels for children’s services staff.

You will have the opportunity to attend celebration events throughout the year.

You will be given a live card. This gives you free access to Darlington Borough Council’s leisure services. This includes:

• gym access;
• fitness classes;
• yoga sessions;
• swimming pool access.

Encouraging and helping you to enrol on the Electoral Register, so you can vote in elections.

You will have the opportunity to be involved in training foster carers in Darlington.

We will offer you the opportunity to shadow senior members of Darlington Borough Council through the ‘Take Over Challenge’.