Start Well Children and Young People’s Officer

We're delighted to welcome Lucy Taylor back as our Start Well Children and Young People's Officer. Lucy tells us more about her role and what she hopes to bring to it. 

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.