Opinions & Aspirations

Opinions & Aspirations

Building Bridges: Ensuring Children's Rights and Perspectives Drive Support

At Brighter Stays, young people's perspectives hold central importance in all our processes and activities. Their input is integrated informally into the daily living environment, fostering a culture of open communication and mutual respect. Recognising the significance of formal recognition, we facilitate monthly house meetings where young people actively contribute and their views are formally acknowledged.

These meetings, documented by staff, provide a platform for residents to engage in the decision-making process, share experiences, and plan activities. Additionally, suggestion boxes are available for anonymous feedback. Understanding that not all young people may feel comfortable participating in formal meetings, we encourage informal conversations during shared meals, such as breakfast on Saturdays or lunch on Sundays, where residents can engage with staff in a relaxed setting. Furthermore, every young person is supported by an Independent Review Officer (IRO) who advocates for their needs and interests.

Young individuals placed under the care of Brighter Stays will be assigned key workers responsible for creating individualised action plans. These key workers, along with other supporting adults, will conduct scheduled and spontaneous keywork sessions with the young people, addressing various pertinent issues and seeking feedback on the quality of care provided.

We will ensure the support plans are fit for purpose by doing the following;

  • Internal quality monitoring

  • Identification of barriers to progress

  • Person centred planning

  • Involvement of the young people

  • Involvement of significant others i.e. social workers/external agencies/education

  • Regular reviews of internal systems used.

  • Pathway planning

  • Support review meetings including social services, professionals, family and significant others

At Brighter Stays, young individuals have access to the complaints procedure and policy outlined in their Young Person's Guide, should they wish to address any concerns. We prioritise consulting young people regarding their plans, actively involving them in the formulation and implementation of these plans. Additionally, where suitable, young persons participate in the recruitment process for new staff and contribute to staff appraisals by providing their opinions and feedback on each staff member. Furthermore, the home provides young people with the opportunity to complete feedback questionnaires to assess the quality of care they receive.

Our young people are at the centre of what we do, so in addition, they will be involved in decisions such as:

  • Their views, preferences, and beliefs with regard to their religious cultural persuasion

  • House meetings and regular feedback

  • Choice of décor and furnishings of the home, including their bedrooms

  • Individual recreational, sporting and cultural activities

  • Choice of birthday and Christmas presents.

  • Educational and career matters i.e. subjects/exams and choice of college/training provider

  • Involvement in staff selection process

  • All health matters.

  • Listening to the young people’s views, wishes and feelings

We listen and learn:

  • We can always improve through listening, changing and learning.

  • Young people are key to this way of working and we speak to our young people on a regular basis both formally and informally.

  • Feedback sought from the young people.

  • Young people are made aware of their rights through discussions and the young people’s guide when they first arrive.

  • Young people are involved in the decision making process of what skills they want to complete, to develop their independent living skills.

  • Young people are aware of how to complain, their rights and support to do so.

  • Young people are also shown how and where to access complaints forms which are kept next to suggestions/complaints box near the front door.

Empowering Children: Understanding Their Rights

The residences will engage in consistent direct interaction with the young residents to ensure they understand their entitlements. Advocacy on behalf of the children will be undertaken by the residences as necessary, seeking advocacy when deemed appropriate and in consultation with the young residents.

Alongside the direct engagement with the young individuals under our care, we will facilitate the process for them to make formal complaints when necessary. Brighter Stays will also host regular house meetings to further enhance the young person's comprehension. Leaflets containing pertinent information will be distributed, and any concerns or issues raised will be addressed during reviews.

Young individuals will also be offered assistance and guidance regarding equality and diversity. This is demonstrated through various means, such as commemorating Eid, Christmas, and Easter, preparing dishes from diverse cultures, maintaining a diverse team, and implementing other inclusive practices.

Brighter Stays endeavors to establish a safe and pleasant living environment for young people, fostering mutual respect, value, and positive relationships among residents. Discrimination against any young person or their family members based on race, sexual orientation, gender, culture, or ethnic background will not be tolerated within the home.

Human rights exist to make sure that we are treated properly and fairly and are given the freedom to develop to our full potential.

Empowering Children: Understanding Their Rights

The residences will engage in consistent direct interaction with the young residents to ensure they understand their entitlements. Advocacy on behalf of the children will be undertaken by the residences as necessary, seeking advocacy when deemed appropriate and in consultation with the young residents.

Alongside the direct engagement with the young individuals under our care, we will facilitate the process for them to make formal complaints when necessary. Brighter Stays will also host regular house meetings to further enhance the young person's comprehension. Leaflets containing pertinent information will be distributed, and any concerns or issues raised will be addressed during reviews.

Young individuals will also be offered assistance and guidance regarding equality and diversity. This is demonstrated through various means, such as commemorating Eid, Christmas, and Easter, preparing dishes from diverse cultures, maintaining a diverse team, and implementing other inclusive practices.

Brighter Stays endeavors to establish a safe and pleasant living environment for young people, fostering mutual respect, value, and positive relationships among residents. Discrimination against any young person or their family members based on race, sexual orientation, gender, culture, or ethnic background will not be tolerated within the home.

Human rights exist to make sure that we are treated properly and fairly and are given the freedom to develop to our full potential.

Our young person’s guide contains the following contacts who can help them independently

  • Ofsted

  • The Young person’s Independent Reviewing Officer

  • Social worker

  • Mindline - 01823 276892

  • Childline - 0800 1111

  • Papyrus - 0800 0684141

  • Mind - youth matters - 01935 474875

  • Samaritans - 116 123

  • CAHMS Crisis - 01234 893337

  • Children’s Commissioner : Dame Rachel de Souza

  • 020 7783 88330 / ⦁ [email protected] 

The registered provider is:

Brighter Stays Limited

Contact us

Phone:+44 1462 415552

Address: Brighter Stays Limited , Croft Chambers , 11 Bancroft , Hitchin , Hertfordshire , SG5 1JQ

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