Thursday 20 January 2022
 Youth Parliament Members wanted - apply now!
Do you know a young person who wants to use their voice and passions to bring about positive change in their local community? Then why not suggest they join the UK Youth Parliament.
The UK Youth Parliament is run by young people, for young people, and enables Members to change the world for the better.
Anyone aged 11 to 18 years old can run for election. If you know someone who would be interested in becoming a Member of Youth Parliament, please ask them to complete the registration form.
Please note that applications close this Sunday, 23 January so there's not much time!
 Take part in our latest childcare survey
Are you a parent or carer? Whether you currently use childcare or not, your voice counts.
The answers you give in this short survey will help our Early Years and Childcare team to plan and make sure that there is enough childcare to enable parents and carers to work or train.
Please complete the survey and share your thoughts on the childcare services available in Devon. The deadline for responses is Sunday 13 February.
 Let's Stop Abuse Together
It's estimated that one in ten children in England and Wales will experience sexual abuse before they turn 16 years old. That's equivalent to three children in every classroom.
Most children won't tell anyone at the time of their abuse. That's why it's important for everyone to know how to spot the potential signs of child sexual abuse and where to go for support if they're concerned.
The government's new Stop Abuse Together website can help you learn to spot the signs, and have regular conversations with your child which can help keep them safe, and know when to reach out for more support.
If you feel something's not right, you can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. No matter what's happened, there's always someone who will listen to you and take what you say seriously.
All children have a right to be safe from sexual abuse, and we all have a role to play in keeping them safe.
We've been named as Mind Of My Own’s most improved organisation.
Our Children’s Services team has been using the Mind Of My Own app for a number of years to better understand children’s views, wishes and feelings. The app enables young people to communicate with social workers and other support workers at a time that suits them. And during the last quarter of 2021, usage of the app in Devon increased by over 400 per cent, compared with the previous quarter.
Chief Officer for Children’s Services, Melissa Caslake said:
“Listening to the voice of the child is a priority for everyone within Devon’s Children’s Services. This is a great start to 2022, providing children and young people with a direct way to express their voice in a way that they can engage with and relate to.”
If you have a Devon social worker or personal assistant, Mind Of My Own lets you communicate with your support workers at a time that suits you! You can sign up to the app here. And make sure that you sign up with your full name so that the app sends your messages to the right person!
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