RCT Children, Young People and Families Network Meeting

An opportunity to network with peers but also hear from others on key issues impacting children, young people and families. Join us for our next Children, Young People & Families Network event, bringing together colleagues from across the statutory, voluntary and community sectors to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and explore opportunities for collaboration. 9.30 – 10.15 - Early Help & Community Programmes Update: Working Together for Children and Families, Syd Dennis, RCTCBC Join us as Syd Dennis, Head of Early Help and Community Programmes, shares an update on the changing landscape of Early Help and prevention services. The session will explore future plans, opportunities for local organisations and communities to have a voice in shaping services, and how partnership working can make a real difference for children, young people and families. 10:15 – 10.35 - Green Light Project, EETS, RCTCBC The Green Light Project supports Year 11 pupils who are most at risk of disengaging from education, helping them improve their attendance, attainment and future destinations. Across Rhondda Cynon Taf, 203 young people from all 17 secondary schools are currently benefiting from personalised support, including one-to-one careers guidance, CV and interview preparation, college and employer engagement, wellbeing support, work experience opportunities, and help with post-16 applications. Join us to hear how this initiative is helping young people build confidence, raise aspirations and make positive steps towards their future. 10:35 – 11:00 - Break 11–11.20 - Family Advice Project, CAB Hear from Citizens Advice, Rhondda Cynon Taf about their Family Advice South Wales project, which works with schools and community services to provide advice and support for families on issues such as benefits, debt, grants and financial wellbeing. Join us to learn more about the service and how it can support the children and families you work with. 11.20 – 11.40 - Young People and local elections, Owen Coppack, Democratic Services, RCTCBC Decisions are made by those who show up. Let's talk about why young people should get involved in the 2027 local elections, why youth voter turnout remains low, and how greater participation can help shape the future of local communities. 11.40 – 1 - Enrichment Grant Workshop, Hayley Jacobs and Lyndsey Williams, RCTCBC Colleagues from Education will join us to explore the Enrichment Grant and the opportunities it presents for partners.  This session will outline the expectation of the grant, discuss how funding can be used effectively and consider how partnership working with schools can deliver meaningful enrichment opportunities and improve outcomes for young people. 1 – 2 - Evaluating the network AND LUNCH As we near the end of the year, we need to complete our annual evaluation of the network! We really want to understand the value of the network on your organisation and what you might need next year to build a fantastic network for 2027! Led by our very own Natasha Simons, join us for some fun as we reveal the advent! 📧 For more information about the network and its purpose, contact Julie Edwards: [email protected] This event is suitable for anyone working with children, young people and/or their families. Interlink RCT would like to make sure that our training, network and event opportunities, both online and in person are accessible for a diverse audience. If you have any additional support needs that would help you access this training, please contact our Wellbeing and Equalities Lead, Katy at [email protected].