Proud moment for GMYN as Rob from the Tameside care experienced programme  takes centre stage at Leading Lights event

We recently shared a proud moment at GMYN when Rob who is part of our Tameside Care Experienced 16-25s programme took centre stage at the Leading Lights event.

Rob, 20, was a keynote speaker and delivered information to a room of professionals from across the country on what different organisations across Greater Manchester, including GMYN, had created as part of the Shaping Care Project.

The Shaping Care Project was commissioned by the Greater Manchester Regional Care Cooperative (RCC) alongside Salford CVS and involved young people taking part in creative projects that reflected their stories and experiences of care. 

The aim of the project was to ensure that young people’s voices form an integral part of the RCC going forward and to better understand what practical changes would make the most positive impact on their lives.

At GYMN we ran three projects for cared for young people and care leavers across Oldham and Tameside. 

This included the creation of a ‘United We Grow-opoly,’ a Monopoly-inspired board game that reflects the positive aspects of the care system while emphasizing the importance of unity and growth, and a Snakes & Ladders board game that symbolises young people’s experiences within the care system. 

Rob was absolutely fantastic in explaining the impact of the Shaping Care Project, and several professionals including Saeed Atcha MBE, the chief executive of Youth Leads UK and deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, personally came over to Rob to say how impressive he was. 

Saeed also presented at the event and being care-experienced himself, it was inspiring for Rob to hear about his journey. 

Rob said: “It was a great day at the Science and Industry Museum. I had the pleasure of meeting the keynote speakers whose voices left people speechless. I would like to say a huge thankyou to everyone involved. Also, thank you to Saeed for sharing from his own personal accounts.”

Attending GMYN has given Rob access to opportunities like attending the Leading Lights event and presenting at the Care Leaver Awards. This has in turn helped to develop many of Rob’s skills including presenting and networking. GMYN has given Rob the courage to do these things, and we could not be prouder!