Co-production is the principle of working in equal partnership with people using services. Within children’s services, as part of the city’s Youth Engagement Strategy (#YES), it is enabling young Wulfrunians to have a direct say on decisions which affect them.
Throughout the week, youth voice groups from the city will be in focus, as well as local schools which will be awarded #YES Co-production Charter Status.
Youth voice groups have regular meetings with council officers to help shape decisions, including the city’s Children in Care Council, Care Leavers Independent Collective, Youth Engagement Strategic Board, Youth Council, Youth Ambassadors, B-Safe, Culture and Diversity and HY5, a SEND engagement forum.
Throughout the week, good examples of co-production will be shared on HeadStart Wolverhampton’s social media pages – @HeadStartFM on Twitter and Facebook.
And on Friday, schools which have demonstrated a commitment to the City of Wolverhampton Children and Families Together Board’s Co-Production Charter will be awarded charter status. The charter is a set of values and ways of working that organisations across the city can sign up to, underpinned by the belief that children, young people and families are best places to shape the services and support they receive and should be seen as equal partners in the decision making process.
Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “I am delighted that we are able to focus on some of the great work our city’s youth voice groups do during National Co-Production Week.
“Co-production is a key part of our #YES strategy, ensuring children and young people are part of the decision making process in children’s services.
“We believe that it is vital for young people to have a say in the decisions that affect them most. That way, we can ensure that they themselves play a part in making our city’s future a bright one.”
To find out more about #YES, please visit Youth Engagement Strategy. Now in its sixth year, National Co-Production Week continues until Friday (9 July). To find out more, please visit Social care institute for excellence.
