Shropshire Council asks children, young people and families to help shape future services at The Big Listen event

On Wednesday 5 and Wednesday 12 August, venues across Shropshire will take part in The Big Listen, two days of activities and events where children, young people and families will be asked to share their feedback to help improve children’s services in Shropshire.

The two dates coincide with the National Day of Play and International Youth Day respectively. As well as enjoying fun events and activities, including sports, crafts, cooking and story times, participants will be invited to share their views and experiences of services for children, young people and families to help shape future provision. Venues across Shropshire in locations as widespread as Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Market Drayton will be taking part.

Shropshire local authority area residents who are unable to attend the events on 5 and 12 August but would like to share their views will be encouraged to use an online form available from the beginning of August.

Councillor Andy Hall, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, said:

“We encourage local children, young people and families to take this opportunity to share their views and help ensure the council’s services meet the needs of Shropshire residents. Shropshire Council staff and partners are looking forward to welcoming visitors to their sites and events.”

The Big Listen is part of a long-term engagement and participation programme that will continue to gather local people’s views as part of the transformation of children’s services at Shropshire Council approved by Cabinet on 10 June.

The transformation programme, which reflects changes to government statutory requirements affecting children’s services nationwide, will affect services for children aged 0 to 18 as well as young adults with SEND up to age 25. The aim of the changes is to make the right help available, at the right time, where it is needed, so that support can be provided early, and to ensure greater collaboration between agencies and services to give families needing support a smoother experience.

Big Listen events and activities will vary at locations. For more information, go to The Shropshire Together Community and Activity Directory website.

A link to give your views on Shropshire children’s service online will be available here from August.