Say It Loud Say It Proud

Bracknell Forest's Children in Care Council is also known as SiLSiP - 'Say it Loud Say it Proud'. We take the participation of children and young people seriously and encourage opportunities where they can share their views about the services they receive so they can influence how we develop and improve them.

SiLSiP was set up in 2008 for children and young people who are looked after to have the opportunity to get together and discuss how Bracknell Forest Council could improve the way it looks after children and young people. All looked after young people, or those who have left care, are invited to join the Children in Care Council. This group represents the views and wishes of Bracknell Forest Looked After children, and presents them to Councillors and Heads of Service so that services can be developed taking the wishes of young people into account. Amongst many projects, SiLSiP have developed resources to support young people, foster carers and social workers. These include "About me" which helps young people and foster carers to share likes and dislikes with each other, goodbye cards for Social Workers, and a booklet giving do's and don'ts about contact with family and friends. They have also created and continue to deliver training called "Do you know?" This session gives carers, staff and other professionals working with young people in care an opportunity to see things from their point of view.

SiLSiP meet every month, usually in the evening. SiLSiP also organises holiday activities for looked after children to give young people an opportunity to meet other children in care, to try activities, build confidence, have a say and have fun.

As Foster Carers you have an important role in participation and we ask you to contribute by encouraging young people to participate in SiLSiP, whether by attending meetings, consultation events, and activities or sharing their views in surveys.

If your foster child is interested in getting involved, or you would like copies of any resources or want to find out dates of the "Do you know?" training then speak to your Supervising Social Worker or get in touch with the Child Participation Development Officer (CPDO) Tel: 01344 351 546.

Children and young people looked after | Bracknell Forest Council (bracknell-forest.gov.uk)