Cafcass 25 year celebration

This year Cafcass is 25 - lots has changed in this time, mostly for the better for children and hopefully this will continue, even as the pressure on this service continues to build.

I listened to this event as a recording and had time to think, reflect and draw. 

Not the usual mad scramble of live drawing, and I much prefer it!

Below is the full banner image with excerpts underneath. The contributions by the FJYPB https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/children-and-young-people/family-justice-young-peoples-board are my favourite and very much inform what I draw. My aim is to constantly put children and young people at the heart of these images, because their futures are dictated by the process of the family court.

Violence Reduction Unit - Greater London Authority

When you hear the words 'Violence Reduction Unit' you don't necessarily think of primary schools, but this project 'Talk Matters' set up by the GLA (Greater London Authority) is all about making education and learning as accessible as possible to help young children's literacy and articulation so that they get the most out of their education.

Helping them to speak.

I learnt a new word: Dialogic teaching is the process of using conversation or shared dialogue to explore the meaning of something. A powerful talk by Dr Kulvarn Atwal Executive Headteacher at Uphill Primary School.

This was a preparatory sketch I'd done to get into the zone and focus, as this was a relatively short job of a couple of hours:

And I know this is a bit silly, but I loved the graphic representation of their angular building on the doormat!

And the child bird sculpture facing the building seemed relevant to the emerging themes of isolation and alienation that some children feel when they don't get the support they need at school in the early years (and beyond...!).

Live Scribing for Kent County Council

I was back in Kent yesterday and last week for the second visit of two children's centres. I hope both these centres become thriving Family Hubs once the next phase of restructuring is over. 

The staff at both sites are just so dedicated and they serve a very deprived local demographic who are hugely grateful for their support.

 

Cafcass - Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service

Just sharing some of the work I do for Cafcass. I illustrate situations and ideas that help the organisation communicate with children, young people and their parents/carers, and my drawings also help Cafcass gather feedback so that the people they work with are treated respectfully and are really listened to.

I also work as a live scribe to help Cafcass managers communicate more clearly with their staff, and promote better ways of working. Please click on the images and they will enlarge.

Slowly things are starting to change and the ripple effects will hopefully mean better outcomes for children and young people after their parents split up. 

I created these Practice Framework images - this is used to promote and share good practice and was specifically designed with children and young people in mind, in order to make it accessible to all:

I designed the Together logo. The concept of the Together Framework was created in order to promote the values that the organisation holds dear, and the champions within Cafcass try to share and promote the framework.

Some strategic leadership images, again used to promote best practice:

 

Derby Educational Event

A day up in Derby for an education conference with a difference - how to build on inclusion within schools, so that everyone feels a part of something and no-one has to feel 'not good enough'.

Inspiring day, Jo Wilkinson is a wonderful leader and I felt humbled and privileged to work on this event. It felt like a movement for change was really taking shape!

 

Council for Disabled Children/Wellcome Trust/Kent Uni/Cambridge Uni

Had a lovely evening way back in June, working on the launch of a creative research project, all about how people experience care in the UK. Many partners involved in the project, and lots of young care-experienced people who are now getting involved. I hope they get a lot out of telling their story creatively.

This was started off in the reading room at the Wellcome Trust (what a lovely space!https://wellcomecollection.org/pages/Wvlk4yAAAB8A3ufp), but I finished it off in my back garden, as it was too beautiful a day to stay indoors!

Anglia Ruskin University - Cambridge

Had a fascinating day scribing at this research-based conference a couple of weeks ago in Cambridge.

How can we use research to create safer more inclusive communities? How can universities use their knowledge and influence to affect change in the wider society? Discuss.

Camden Evening and Night Time Citizens' Assembly - final week

Had a lovely session last week with the fabulous citizens of Camden, in a central London location. Much debate, disagreement, discussion and lots of heart in the room. 

And yes, there is a blank space in the middle of the image - the final vision is still at the 'wordsmithery' stage, so watch this space.

And here's me next to the graphic, absolutely exhausted at the end of the day!

 

Volunteering Matters - London

Last week I was working as a graphic recorder for 'Volunteering Matters' https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/

They are working hard to connect all the various groups that are doing such great work in and around London. It was a really refreshing and uplifting day.

 

Delphix - Customer event

I was recently working in the city, for a tech company called Delphix. They serve banks and other companies including Channel 4, behind the scenes of their websites, the wonderful world of DevOps.

As they had a photographer to capture their day they took a few of me too. Thanks to Aoife at Delphix and the friendly team, it was an afternoon of cake and laughter as well as a chance for people to get together, which is long overdue.

 

Cafcass Practice Week - Day 1

I've been working for Cafcass England this week. 

My favourite workshop was presented by the School of Kindness - really amazing charity and such wonderful work Jaime and Greig are doing, brought everyone out of their shell and left us all with a warm fuzzy feeling!