Torquay United AFC was proud to play host on Tuesday, as Plainmoor provided the venue for the My Voice group’s Christmas celebrations.
‘My Voice’ is new group started this year for 16+ year old Care Experienced and Care Leaver, and has grown out of the need for young people to have their say and influence policy, as well as meet new friends and just have fun.
Cat Rance, the Project Lead for the Cared for Community Team – part of Torbay Youth Trust – felt that the Christmas festivities, held in an exclusive environment, served as a wonderful opportunity for the My Voice group to share a meal and celebrate together, with everyone clearly enjoying the event.
To bring even more festive cheer, every member was also presented with free tickets to United’s Boxing Day clash with West Country rivals Yeovil Town!
Cat works closely with Torbay Care Experienced Team, whose personal advisors provide dedicated support for wellbeing, personal growth & help to unpick the challenges young people face and will be very much part of the events in 2022.
“This dinner was a joint-effort, and it is so important more than ever to be able to work together, to create a sense of community and support,” began Cat.
“We are grateful for Torquay United AFC and their exceedingly kind offer of the restaurant, the chef and lovely staff to hold this event. We have had a lovely day getting together. These events are important , when you are young and just starting out in life it can be a struggle. My own experience of being in foster care and living on my own at just 16 years old has taught me the importance of creating a network of good friends and support, and being able to feel a sense of belonging and to make good things happen regularly.
“It is nice to be able to get together as a group, I think of ourselves as growing family group “
My Voice participants are all care experienced, but with each experience being very different, through these very different experiences each young person brings something very special and unique to the group .
The group have big plans for 2022 and will be spreading their wings – with camping out under the stars, day trips to places the group have identified as important to them, running creative work shops, working with Sound Communities to get My Voice really heard, and finding a home to meet regularly, just some of the items on the agenda.
Events are also being planned with Stand Up, Speak Up, DCC’s own care experience team, in addition to getting involved with Care Leavers National Voice and connecting with Bristol. All events and activities are free, as are food and travel.
If you feel this group is something you would like to get involved in and help grow, and the My Voice events and activities is something that sparks your curiosity, just call or text Cat on 07485 305291 to find out more.
#OneClub #OneCommunity