National Children’s Day is a chance to celebrate children and raise awareness of the importance of protecting the rights and freedoms of children and young people. Children are at the heart of everything we do at Tŷ Hafan and, today, we are very excited to introduce you to Katie, our new Youth Social Action and Participation Practitioner.
Lynne Phelps, our Play and Therapies Lead, said: “On National Children’s Day, it is important to shout out about the rights of our children and young people. This year we have a newly funded post dedicated to just that!
“Our newly appointed Youth Social Action and Participation Practitioner, Katie, is dedicated to ensuring that our children and young people are engaged in making decisions about their care and their future.
“Having worked with children for over 20 years, Katie has mainly taught in Welsh medium education. Katie’s role is a new and exciting one for us at Tŷ Hafan.
“She is passionate about providing children with a voice and a safe space to speak their thoughts. Katie aims to empower young people to harness the power of their voices and to become active citizens for real social change.
“Back in April, the young people who access the hospice organised their own ‘Teen’s Egg Off’. The day consisted of a range of competitive activities, car racing, gaming, food and a session on keeping safe online. Providing the young people with a variety of services that suits them is our ultimate aim.
“This week, Katie also assisted in organising an opportunity for our young people to work with a professional artist in creating a mural for the hospice and is keen for the young people to be key in decisions moving forward within the hospice and in their communities. Watch this space!”
Thank you, Lynne, and welcome to the team, Katie!
Find out more about our work with children and families here.