European conference of Commissioners and Ombudspersons – a focus on the rights of children in care
This month, the Commissioner attended a conference in Helsinki of children’s rights institutions from across Europe, getting together to discuss this year’s theme of ‘Protecting and Promoting the Rights of Children in Alternative Care.’
We were grateful to all the young people from across Europe who shared the recommendations on better support for children in alternative care that were initially developed at a young people-specific forum in the summer. We supported young people from Wales to take part in this work and felt that their experiences and recommendations are so powerful, that we’ll be presenting them at a special event at the Senedd this November. You can read more about the young people’s work here.
It was also really valuable to learn from counterparts across Europe about their work challenges and successes, and Helsinki library was a highlight too – an amazing public space designed to meet the needs of the whole community including a dedicated youth space!
Food bank volunteering
Diolch o galon to the Trussell Trust for helping our team to volunteer at various food banks across Wales this month.
It’s been an opportunity to learn more about the excellent work of the Trust and the thousands of volunteers supporting families living in poverty through this sadly vital service.
Here’s a reflection from a member of our team:
“What really struck me on our visit was the consistent, person-centred approach of all staff. Everything from dietary requirements and pet food, to volunteers acting as social prescribers by signposting clients to new opportunities and giving people a renewed sense of purpose. The approachability and non-judgmental attitude of the staff made the whole experience feel personable and community focused”.
Other members of staff have been inspired to research their own volunteering opportunities, and for all of us it’s been an important chance to connect with our local communities, which is one of our organisational goals.
Address to ‘Children’s Rights and the Law conference’
Last week the Commissioner gave a keynote address at the Children’s Legal Centre’s conference on children’s rights and the law.
The Commissioner helped to provide a context around some of the event’s key issues, focusing on additional learning needs, school attendance, and guardianship for unaccompanied children – all issues Rocio will be making recommendations on in her upcoming annual report.
It was also an opportunity to draw attention to the commissioner’s evidence to the UK Covid inquiry, where she will again make the case for full incorporation of the UNCRC into domestic law in Wales.
You can watch the full video address here.
In the news
Earlier this month, the Welsh Government announced that all primary school children in Wales can now access free school meals.
In response, the Commissioner said:
“It feels more important than ever that the main meal children are having in school gives them the energy and the nutrients they need to grow, to play, and to learn. The universal free school meals rollout is a fantastic achievement, but it’s vital that all children taking up the offer can enjoy a meal that meets their needs.
“In March, my snapshot survey of 490 children and young people across Wales showed that many felt hungry after their school meal; teachers expressed concern too about the amount of food available to older children. Reviewing the regulations behind this, and listening to children’s views and experiences, should be a priority for the Welsh Government to take forward. My team have met with the Government officials on this and shared our findings; we look forward to continuing our involvement as this work progresses.”
Food and drink placement and energy drinks consultation
Over 900 children and young people across Wales have already taken part in our Monthly Matter resource this month, sharing their views on food placement in shops and energy drink consumption amongst children. We’ll be making sure their views feed directly into Welsh Government’s consultation on this issue, meaning that once again children across Wales are sharing their views with policymakers through our classroom resource.
We publish a short report following each of our Monthly Matters, describing the main findings and what we’ve done with the information, which you can find on our website.
Our next Monthly Matter, which we’ll publish in 7 October, focuses on phone use in schools. Please help us to share our Monthly Matters resource by sharing the page with any schools or youth groups in your network.
Power of props
Explaining the Commissioner’s jobs and powers to young people can be challenging, but luckily our engagement team has a load of props to help! Thanks for the extra help we had from staff at Ysgol Maesydderwen in Powys!
A rights approach – Community Councils
Every year we teach thousands of children all over Wales about their rights under the UNCRC.
But our engagement team also works with adults whose work affects children and young people – from health boards, schools, county councils – and this week we had the pleasure of joining Bishopston Comunity Council for an introductory session to the UNCRC, and how rights can help shape services for children.
If you’re interested in knowing more, get in touch with us, and take a look at our free, bilingual Children’s Rights Approach guide for organisations in Wales.