Change Council hit the runway in their bid to Change the Language

October 2021

The spotlight was on members of our Change Council last night, as they hosted a fashion show to mark the relaunch of their Change the Language campaign.

The Change the Language campaign challenges the language used by professionals working in children's services. The campaign aims to ensure phrases used to describe young people and their experiences are more personal, accessible, and inclusive. Examples include using 'child' or 'young person' instead of 'service user', and replacing 'placement' with 'house' or 'home'.

Change Council - a group of cared for and care experienced young people - created the Change the Language campaign. We soft-launched the campaign in April this year, and it was relaunched last night in a bid to effect change more widely.

The fashion show took place at the Beacon of Light, with elected members and partners from across the city in attendance.

For their first runway looks, Change Council members wore monochrome t-shirts filled with words and phrases they want to change, before switching into clothes they felt themselves in.

Raven, a member of Change Council who took part in the fashion show, said: "I was nervous, but I really enjoyed the event. It was nice to be able to express myself, as I'm not usually able to.

"We started the Change the Language campaign to benefit the younger generation. We want to make sure future cared for and care experienced children grow up hearing more personal and inclusive language."

Nikki Donaldson, Participation and Engagement Officer, added: "Our Change Council members have worked so hard on their fashion show, and I am so proud of their dedication and commitment.

"The campaign is so important for future generations, so we urge everyone to get on board and change their language."

Members of our Change Council are supported, encouraged and empowered to run their own meetings, create actions, develop campaigns, and have their say on things that matter to them.