Get involved in your community

Volunteer

Volunteering allows you to:

• meet new people and make friends
• gain skills for work and life
• improve your job prospects
• find out more about work you may be interested in
• gain confidence and self-esteem

If you want more information about volunteering, or finding an opportunity that would suit you, please talk to your Social Worker/PA or visit Cheshire West Voluntary Action Page. VInspired is another charity also dedicated to helping young people volunteer.

The Supporting Independence Team

Your PA is part of the Support Independence Team and can support you to find local volunteer opportunities or experiences that can help to build your confidence and prepare you for paid employment. Below is a list of just some of the opportunities they can help you get involved with:

National Citizens Service (NCS). If you are 16 – 24 years old, they provide different opportunities to help build your confidence and support you to learn new skills to prepare you for independent living and employment.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE). If you are 14 – 25 years old, they provide opportunities to help you try something new, pursue your interests and enhance your skills.

The Prince’s Trust. If you are aged 18 – 30, they provide programmes to help you start your own business, find a job or build your confidence.

Participation Team

Cheshire West and Chester Children’s Services has a Participation Team who can offer you advice and support to get involved in activities and clubs in your local area and with other care leavers via the Care Leaver Forum. You can contact them on the email addresses below and find more information about how they can support you in the ‘Your right to be heard’ section:

Heather Cantril: heather.cantril@chesshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Kim Brooman: kim.brooman@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Children in Care Council

As a care leaver, why not join our Children in Care Council? You will:

• Make new friends
• Contribute to improving services for other young people in care
• Take part in activities and social events
• Be involved in the recruitment of Social Workers
• Get involved in training events within the Council

There are two Children in Care Councils (CICCs):

• Younger Children in Care Council (for ages 11-16 years) - meets monthly.
• Older Children in Care Council (for ages 16/17-25 years) - meets monthly.

There is also a group called Younger Voices which meets every 3 months (for children aged 8-11 years) and a group called the Care Leaver Forum for young people aged 18-25 years. This is a more informal space to share your views. It also includes social activities and meets up every 2 months.

You can find out more about these meetings and activities by speaking to your PA or by contacting the Children’s Participation Team, who run the Councils, directly on the email addresses below:

Heather Cantril: heather.cantril@chesshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Kim Brooman: kim.brooman@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Youth Service

The Youth Service at the Council provides social and activities-based opportunities for all young people aged 11 to 19. However, care leavers and those with SEND needs can attend activities and clubs up to age 25. The services wants to provide all young people with every opportunity to achieve the best possible outcomes to fulfil their potential and thrive. Please find more information by clicking the link below.

Independent Visiting Service

An Independent Visitor (IV) is an adult volunteer who you can talk to and trust. They spend time to get to know you a little and find out what you like to do. Independent Visitors meet up with you once a month and try out fun activities together. These activities are agreed between you and will be dependent on your likes and interests. Examples of activities that children and young people are enjoying with their IV are; going to the cinema or a local zoo, shopping, walks or visits to the theatre.

All Children and Young People who are cared for and are between the ages of 8 -18 can ask for an Independent Visitor without an adults support. Please call 0161 763 2170 or email cheshirecr@childrenssociety.org.uk for more information or ask a family member or any other professional, including your Social Worker, PA or IRO, to make a referral.

Youth Federation

Try a new skill, find help, have fun, make new friends and discover a range of new experiences - designed for young people just like you.

Employment support is offered if you want training for a job, help with writing a Curriculum Vitae (CV), support in joining a youth club, or guidance with volunteering opportunities.

Perhaps you are struggling to build your confidence, or need someone to talk to? Our Direct Delivery team offers a range of personal and social development programmes suited to you, to ensure you can discover and maximise your potential. They include:

• Personal programmes.
• Access to the National Citizen Service.

Youth Senate

The Youth Senate offers the opportunity for young people to engage and participate in democratic processes at a local, regional and national level. It ensures young people have a voice and are empowered to influence the design and delivery of services.

Youth Parliament

United Kingdom Youth Parliament (UKYP) is a programme run by the British Youth Council. They provide opportunities for 11 to 18-year-olds to use their voice in creative ways to bring about social change.

Every year Cheshire West’s young people elect;

• two members of UK Youth Parliament (MYP);
• two deputy members of Youth Parliament (DMYP).

These members represent Cheshire West and Chester nationally. They attend national events throughout the year including;

• the UK Youth Parliament's annual sitting;
• the annual House of Commons debate.

Youth Poverty Truth Commission

The West Cheshire and Chester Poverty Truth Commission – has direct expertise in poverty and looking at ways to improve services and processes. The Commission empowers individuals to have a voice, it influences national policy and makes a difference locally. To find out more go to, website: