Creativity in crisis: family support in extraordinary times

The coronavirus lockdown put families and foster placements across the country under greater strain while restricting councils’ ability to support them. However, in Somerset, the crisis opened up new opportunities as the council’s in-house outdoor activities service – unable to accept schools visits due to lockdown – became a vital resource that has helped to keep young people out of care and support current foster placements.

The key to this has been giving children the opportunity to be children through fun-filled activities that have provided them with confidence, emotional support and skills while adhering to government Covid regulations.

Attend this session to hear:

• How Somerset County Council responded to the coronavirus crisis by creatively identifying new ways of supporting families in crisis.
• How engaging outdoor activities can provide an effective alternative to young people experiencing or at risk of exploitation.
• From young people, families and foster carers about the impact having access to outdoor activities has had on their lives. 
• The council’s plan to embed the approach post-Covid.

Jayne Shelbourn-Barrow, head of service, children looked-after and leaving care, Somerset County Council, Somerset County Council

Sam Fahey, operations manager for prevention, Somerset County Council

Daniel Moncrieff, service manager, SSE Outdoors , Somerset County Council