Agenda item

Members were provided with a Care For and Care Experience Engagement update and a report was presented to cover activity from July-December 2025. The Voice and Influence Manager highlighted during Care Experienced Month in November, the police had run a drop-in session at the Live Well Centre for our cared for and care experienced young people where they had the opportunity to ask the police questions and hear more about what they do. One of our Volunteer Ambassadors had also delivered a talk to police trainee recruits, reflecting on his experiences with policing both positive and negative. This led to constructive discussion about the ways in which adverse life experiences and trauma can affect behaviour and lead to involvement with the criminal justice system.

A Member queried how the talk was received by the police.

It was confirmed that the feedback from the new recruits was very complimentary and they were keen to ask questions and learn from the Volunteer’s experiences.

Following a discussion with one of our Volunteer Ambassadors after the last Corporate Parenting Board meeting, Members also heard that Geoff Field (Director of Environment and Community Services) had invited cared for and care experienced young people to hear about what his service was responsible for within Middlesbrough Council and career opportunities that were available. One young adult applied for one of the Refuge Collector posts and successfully got the job. A proposal on how to get more care experienced young people to work in Geoff's service area will be presented to DMT in 2026.

The Corporate Director of Children’s Services added that this initiative will also be fed back to leadership across other areas of the Council and partners to maximise opportunities for our young people. It was also noted that support should be put in place for young people who were in a transitional stage and not yet ready for employment, to gain experience and become prepared to enter the workforce. This could be done through interview training, employability skills etc.

One of our Volunteer Ambassadors continued the engagement update and advised Members that Pathways had invited their young adults to enjoy free access to Scream Factory in October after a successful trip in 2024. 14 young adults were supported by four Pathways staff and it was enjoyed by all who attended.

It was also noted that Councillor Luke Henman had arranged for some of our care experienced young adults to meet the MP Andy McDonald. They were joined by Councillor Henman and the Mayor Chris Cooke on the day. Councillor Henman advised that it was a very useful session and our young people heard about how they had got into politics and the different roles and responsibilities within local and central government. Our young people also had opportunity to share their experiences and Councillor Henman highlighted that the MP was very motivated by the discussions and was going to discuss further with decision-makers.

Lastly, the Voice and Influence Manager advised that a group of young people aged 18 – 25 had worked with Middlesbrough Council’s Pathways team and herself to record their version of ‘Dreams’ by The Cranberries. The video was shown at a Full Council meeting and one of our Volunteer Ambassadors also asked the Mayor a question.

AGREED that the information provided was received and noted.