30 June 2022
On 22 April 2022, two representatives from the Experts by Experience (EBE) Reference Group represented their peers at a meeting of the Advisory Panel. They discussed the group’s ideas on what the Independent Lead Reviewer and the Advisory Group should prioritise in their considerations, and their hopes for what the review should achieve.
The EBE Reference Group held two online preparation meetings in early May, to start considerations of the main issues the Review should focus on. These issues formed the basis for the EBE Reference Group meeting held in Belfast on 23 May, where participants looked at the issues in more detail, and in relation to their personal experience of the services.
An EBE Reference Group meeting was held on 9 June in Belfast, attended by Professor Ray Jones, Lead Reviewer, Marie Roulston, a member of the Advisory Panel and Máire Redmond, head of the Review Secretariat. The young people engaged with the Review Team members, discussing their experiences and their hopes for the Review. The young people also shared their desire to work together to tease out solutions to the issues raised.
Three new young people joined the EBE Reference Group at this meeting, adding experience of physical and sensory disability services. The addition of these young people ensures the Group now has representatives with experiences of all services forming part of the Review.
On 10 June, another two young people represented the Group to the Advisory Panel, sharing their personal experiences and representing the views of their peers.
Over the summer, VOYPIC will be organising several workshops, ensuring a wider group of young people can have their views heard. These engagement workshops will include theme discussion for:
- Younger children (under 14);
- Care experienced adults;
- Care experienced parents;
- Youth carers;
- VOYPIC staff; and
- Open session (aimed, in the first instance, at young people who did not get a place on the EBE Reference Group).
Pictures of the EBE Reference Group on 9 June 2022:
