Stronger Together

Unleashing the power of relationships and untold stories is at the heart of Your Life Your Story (YLYS) - using the Arts as a communicative tool, the charity brings together care-experienced adults and caregivers to express difficult emotions, document experience, expose injustices, overcome obstacles, celebrate diversity, and stimulate innovation. But, for innovation to be effective, impactful, and ethical, we need research. Scientific research is the most reliable and accurate means we have of expanding knowledge and improving services for future generations. And so, in acknowledgement of their mutual societal value, this event brings together the worlds of science, the arts and, lived experience, to innovate and, promote independent, impactful research. Our ability to improve children’s social care services for future generations is stronger when we are united. We are stronger together.

What to expect…

Inspirational talks, research presentations, creative workshops, informal networking and an exhibition of art by care-experienced artists.

Talks

This lively and interactive event includes a keynote presentation from the inspirational ‘Creative Champion for Children in Care’ and founder of Elements SEMH Support, Steven Russell.

His presentation, titled ‘The Power of One’, is a creative, visual, poetic, story about his journey through the care system - from being a child looked after to a children’s social care practitioner.

Creative workshops

We are also pleased to announce that the celebrated artist, poet, lived-experience practitioner, and Director at Your Life Your Story & Artifacts, Saira-Jayne Jones, will be leading our creative workshops - be prepared to get messy!

Research presentations

PhD students will also be presenting their work and offering the opportunity to participate in important research inspired by their own care experience - as children in care and as caregivers.

The value of this work is dependent on contributions from the care experienced community. So, if you are motivated to improve the system for future generations this would be a great way to get involved!

Art exhibition

In celebration of the communicative power of art, the event will also be presenting an exhibition of artworks by care-experienced artists.

There is a prize of £100 to be won for the artist voted ‘Best in Show’ so if you would like to showcase your work at the event, please contact the event coordinators using the contact details below.

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see” - Edgar Degas

Catering

Lunch and refreshments will be provided - please contact us if you have any special dietary requirements. Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options will be available.

Cost

This is a free event, but space is limited so early booking is advised.

Something else?

If you have any other queries about the event, please contact the event coordinators using the contact details below.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Event Coordinators:

Sally Peplow

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 07903048185

Shaunna Devine

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 07599695025

Host or Publisher The University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, & YLYS