A Peer Power event was held by the Institute for Public Policy and Professional Practice (I4P), in association with the Faculty of Health and Social Care, on 13th March 2018. Along with Anne-Marie Douglas, founder & CEO of Peer Power, guest speakers included Youth Engagement Co-ordinator, Ebi Lyere and Peer Leader, Seth Khan.
In an engaging and interactive session, the speakers discussed their work influencing system change. Peer Power specialise in empathy development, co-production and social and emotional learning for practitioners and young people. They argued that youth justice and children’s services should prioritise building empathic relationships – creating a sense of mutual respect, trust and belonging.
In addition to creating an emotionally safe workforce, Peer Power advocated shared decision-making and children’s voices being listened to and acted upon throughout systems. Indeed, meaningful participation – where children influence change and shape decision-making processes – has the potential to be an empowering and life-changing experience!
Please visit the Peer Power website which has lots of useful resources and information.
Sean Creaney is a Lecturer, Applied Health & Social Care at Edge Hill University.
Related Links:
Edge Hill University news story about the Peer Power event:
“Leading youth charity calls for greater focus on empathic relationships”
Upcoming talk at Edge Hill University with Voice for Children happening 18th May 2018:
‘Raising the Voice of Children in the Youth Justice System’