SPEAK UP Service

03/03/2026

LAST CHANCE TO NOMINATE !

Every year children and young people including care leavers are given the opportunity to say thank you to those workers who have made a difference to them.

If you have a worker who you would like to thank please consider making a nomination.

https://forms.gle/KU537MCkxfAJBuF16

20/02/2026

National Care Day 2026 and we couldn't not ask workers across York to get involved. Day

20/02/2026

Today is National Care Day, the world's biggest celebration of children and young people with care experience.

We celebrated Care Day early this year when we were invited to attend the LNER Community Stadium as Yorks Focus Fixture.

To find out more about the different ways you can support care experienced children and young people please go to our care day page:
https://www.speakupyork.co.uk/speak-get-involved/care-day-2026

York City FC Thank you for making the day possible and showing "you care"

10/02/2026

On saturday we were lucky enough to feature as Yorks Focus Fixture , ahead of care day 2026 - we had a great day championing children's rights and raising awareness of the incredible work of foster carers and Independent Visitors.

A huge thank you to Steve and York City FC, for hosting us and all your support.

If you want to know more about how you can show your support to children in care and care leavers please go to:

https://www.speakupyork.co.uk/speak-get-involved/care-day-2026

06/02/2026

In a few weeks time it is National Care Day.

Care Day is the world’s biggest celebration of children and young people with care experience and this year we are highlighting the different ways that you can make a difference.

This Saturday we will be at the LNER this Saturday along with representatives from the Independent Visitor Service and Fostering , so please pop by and say hi 👋

If you’re heading to York City’s match this weekend, please pop along and say hello to our fostering team!

We’ll be at the stadium from 1pm to celebrate National Care Day and highlight the work of our amazing foster carers (while cheering the Minstermen on!).

Come and find out more about how you could change local children’s lives through fostering or visit fostering.york.gov.uk

16/01/2026

We regularly hear directly from children and young people in care and from care leavers about the difference having an independent visitor made.

Follow the link in the main post to find out more about how you can make a difference .

Volunteer John has been described by one young person in care as "like a Dad to him". He has met him regularly for four years and been a positive male role model and consistent person in his life.

John is one of our Independent Visitors - volunteers who support our children in care by being a friend and mentor.

We've been celebrating their work this week and would like to say a big thank you to all our amazing Independent Visitors for the difference they make.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering as an Independent Visitor, go to: https://www.york.gov.uk/VolunteeringOpportunities

12/01/2026

We've had a great start to 2026 and have now had chance to stop and reflect on a very busy end to 2025!

November saw us hosting a wide range of events and activities for care leavers month and December was just as busy as we supported Christmas events and of course delivered christmas gifts.

Before January gets so busy we want to say a huge THANK YOU to the many individuals, organisations and companies who supported us and helped us celebrate.

York Theatre Royal
York City Football Club Foundation and persimmon homes
Hungate reading library
McMillan & Associates Ltd - HR services for SME
Cross Keys - York
Jorvik City
York Cares

13/11/2025

A fantastic opportunity from Care Leaver Covenant for care leavers aged 16-25

💥 Ever wondered what Army life is really like? Now’s your chance to find out!

Join the British Army’s “Look at Life Day” — a full-day, hands-on experience at the Royal Artillery Barracks in London.

Take part in military-style activities, fitness sessions and kit demos, and hear first-hand from serving soldiers about life in the Army.

📅 Wednesday 26 November 2025
🕘 09:00 – 16:45
📍 Royal Artillery Barracks, London SE18 4BB
🍴 Lunch and refreshments included
👥 Open to care leavers aged 16–25

No experience needed — just bring your curiosity and energy!

🎯 Spaces are limited, so sign up today at: https://mycovenant.org.uk/opportunities/army-look-at-life-session-26th-november/

13/11/2025

Last Week, Lauren a member of our Care Leavers Forum and Co Chair of the corporate parenting board delivered the most incredible speech to full council about her role on the board, the possibilities of co production and the important role of corporate parenting.



https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19r77eBf2N/

02/11/2025

During National Care Leavers Month we are hosting a number of one off events and activities:

Our first drop in is an education , employment and skills drop in - so if you have any questions , want some guidance otr just want to come and have a chat with someone from pathways or the advocacy service ... pop along.

The session is available to Care leavers or any young person in care in post 16 education.

For details of how to get to our place please speak to your Social Worker, Pathway Worker or someone from Speak Up [Children's Rights and Advocacy Service].

01/11/2025

Today marks the start of National Care Leavers Month and it sees the launch of our popular photography competition.

Any entries should be sent to your pathway worker.