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| Lucy Taylor - PAVO Start Well Children & Young People's Officer |
First tell us what brought you to work in the field of Children and
Young People?
I trained as a reception
class teacher, and later worked in information and engagement. I first started
at PAVO as the Children, Young People and Families officer before working as a
Community Connector. This role brings me back to the younger world.
What key qualities does a good Start Well Officer need to have?
Humour, patience and the ability to keep quiet and listen, particularly to listen to the children and their views. Then the ability to report accurately, using their words, the children’s views to partner organisations to enable the children to influence the development of services they receive.
Are there particular issues which arise in rural areas like Powys for
Children and Young People?
I would say access to
services that really listen to them and transport to activities. However, the
role will be about listening to children and their parents about what is
important to them, I would not like to second guess their answers.
What impact do you think COVID 19 has had on young people’s health and
wellbeing?
I think there has been
some supposition that as young people are generally more tech savvy that they
have fared better during COVID restrictions, but research has proven them to
have suffered more. Isolation and being unable to play or meet with friends,
worry about school and exams, worry about carrying the disease into their
family have all impacted the young people. The lockdown that reduced children’s
access to play and playing with friends has been difficult for them. I do not
think the media has helped with the focus on the detriment to children and
their use of terms like “destroying their future” only adds to the pressure
children are feeling. Action for Children are using their Guide Programme in
schools to bring the temperature of the words used down, to think of the
difference between worry and anxiety and we all need to use our words
carefully.
Action for Children protects and supports children and young people
What age range will you be supporting in your role?
Organisations that
work with children to engage with the work of the Start Well board and children and
young people to voice their views on what is important to them.
In terms of engagement
0 onwards and their parents. Under the UNCRC right 12 is the child’s right to
have a voice in things that affect them. As previous engagement work has shown even young children can be helped to tell what
is important to them.
Do you work closely with any other organisations or statutory services
to provide support ?
I will be working
closely with the third sector and our statutory partners both in the council
and health.
What is the most challenging / rewarding aspect of the job?
Most challenging will be
reaching those families that rarely speak out. Most rewarding will be any
change for the good I can help to make for children and families in Powys.
What is the most valuable thing you bring to the role?
Experience and
connections throughout Powys and being able to tap into the amazing work of the
third sector in all its forms from the small local community groups to large
partners like Mind.
If you could change one thing for the better for Children and Young
People what would that be?
Give them a voice and
have that voice listened to, and have play, especially outdoor play taken more
seriously as a right and a need for all.
