What is Participation?

Participation is about children, young people and communities being included as much as possible in decision making about the environment they live in and the services they need.  By involving people in the decision making process it is possible to make better decisions and achieve more.

How we can help

 Our Experience

• As an organisation committed to participation we involve children and young people in the recruitment and selection process for all our frontline staff.

• All our childcare settings have children’s councils.

• We have operational management  responsibilities for an Adventure Playground in Luton and have established a monthly meeting of a Children and Young Peoples Council. They are actively involved in the programming, marketing and development of the adventure playground.

• We have supported other organisations such as the NHS and councils to develop their participative practice.

• We promoted the active engagement and involvement of children, young people, parents and carers around Local Children’s Boards in Easington, Sedgefield, Durham and Chester Le Street.

• As part of Playbuilder funding we carried out consultation with children, young people and communities.  We also involved them in the design and commissioning of play areas.

• We gather regular feedback from all our customers.

• We are committed to providing opportunities around the Children Commissioner for England Takeover day. This annual, national event offers opportunities for Children and Young People in England to ‘takeover’ from adults and get involved in the delivery/decision making of services that directly or indirectly affect them.   

How we can help

We can provide

• consultancy, training and support to designated staff, individually or in groups.
• direct work with children and young people
• direct work with communities

We aim to tailor any support to meet the needs of the customer so please contact us to discuss our services in more detail.  Ring us on 0845 373 0645 or email participation@childrenslinks.org.uk

‘Children have the right to say what they think should happen,when adults are making
decisions that affect them, and to have their opinions taken into account.’

UNCRC article 12 –UNICEF little book of children’s rights and responsibilities