Fantastic young people from The Fostering Network’s Wales Youth Advisory Board joined TFN staff for their annual summer residential, giving them the opportunity to reflect on their hard work over the past year and bring out their adventurous side.
The advisory board is made up of care experienced young people in Wales aged 14-25. They meet once a month to help determine the important topics and policy changes we call for, to ensure their voice is at the heart of our work here at The Fostering Network. We were thrilled to have four amazing members of the advisory board join us for the weekend.
The group spent three days in August in the beautiful village of Elan Valley, Rhayader (Powys), located right in the heart of Wales. They took part in outdoor activities, designed to build teamwork, communication and confidence – including a high ropes challenge, archery and zipline. These activities not only brought the group closer together but also gave everyone the chance to step out of their comfort zones.
Following feedback from last year’s residential, young people were keen to discover more about the local area. This year, we included a historical walk, opportunities to learn about Elan Valley’s history, and a visit to one of the dams. For many, this was their first time exploring this part of Wales, and the experience was both memorable and inspiring.
Alongside the outdoor adventures, they spent time reflecting on their progress with their campaign, “Fostering Our Better Lives.”
During the sessions, they:
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Evaluated the progress of the campaign so far.
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Explored next steps and what a launch could look like.
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Discussed how to share the campaign more widely after its launch.
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Reviewed the animation currently being developed to support the campaign
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Planned recruitment and consultation opportunities for young people in the year ahead.
Their input was invaluable, ensuring the campaign continues to be shaped by those it represents.
The residential was a fantastic opportunity to combine fun, adventure, and important youth-led work in an inspiring setting. We’re incredibly proud of the young people’s energy, ideas, and commitment to making a difference.
If you’d like to know more about the Wales Youth Advisory Board or any of our participation and co-production work in Wales, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Fostering Communities Programme Manager, Alexandra Atkins.
