Western Trust to host conference and events supporting Looked After Children

The Western Trust has announced a number of events planned to celebrate Care Day 2017 which aims to highlight their support for looked-after-children in their communities.

Organised regionally by Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC), the events will include two health days at Omagh Leisure Centre, Omagh and Foyle Arena, Derry/Londonderry on 15 and 16 February 2017 to inspire looked-after children to reach their full potential.

Kieran Downey, Executive Director of Social Work and Director of Women’s and Children’s Services, Western Trust stated: “The health care needs of looked-after children have been well documented in research and in particular the need to develop positive strategies that will promote the participation of children and young people in healthy lifestyles and physical activity. For that reason the health days at leisure centres will include free access for all looked-after children to a range of facilities on offer at the centres.”

The planning for Care Day 2017 culminates in a local conference at the Whitehorse Hotel, Derry/Londonderry on 17 February 2017. The conference has been organised to inspire local staff to work effectively with children and encourage them to reach their dreams and potential.

The key note speaker is Jenny Molloy, author of ‘Hackney Child’. Jenny has been through the care system and now works with a range of local authorities across the UK to inspire them to improve their services to looked-after children.

Tom Cassidy, Assistant Director of Women’s and Children’s Services, Western Trust stressed that: “We value the input of our local ‘experts’ as well in helping us to develop services that will improve the outcomes for all looked after children.”