Leading children’s rights charity has won the Partnership Working award

National Youth Advocacy Service has won the Partnership Working Award alongside Madlug CIC at the National Children and Young People Awards for the first time.

The award was given in recognition of ‘My Things Matter’, a campaign developed by NYAS and supported by Madlug.

Developed in January 2022, the campaign calls on local authorities across England and Wales to sign a pledge outlining five promises when moving children in and out of care to ensure they don’t live out of bin bags.

NYAS revealed in their campaign report that three out of five children will have their belongings lost or damaged when moving and four out of five young people in care will have their belongings moved in bin bags.

‘My Things Matter’ is supported by Madlug, a community interest company, who donate travel bags to children in care every time they sell one on their website.

When local authorities sign up to the campaign, they can access Madlug’s bags for looked after children in their area.

Rita Waters, NYAS group CEO said: ‘We are delighted to have won this prestigious award, recognising the value of working together to create change for children and young people.

‘We are incredibly grateful for the children and young people who have shaped My Things Matter and continue to be our focus, and also want to thank our partners at Madlug who are a vital part of our efforts.

‘We will not stop campaigning until every child has the best possible moving experience while in care.’

Over 30 authorities across England and Wales have already signed up to the ‘My Things Matter’ pledge and to ensure more do so, members of the public can write to their local council.

The National Children and Young People Awards, which took place in Birmingham and were hosted by Care Talk, celebrates children, young people and families who are involved in the care system.

The ceremony also recognises organisations and individuals who work within the care sector.

Dave Linton, Founder and CEO of Madlug said: ‘I am excited to have won this award with NYAS in the ‘My Things Matter’ campaign recognising our work to increase awareness of the bin bag issue,’ he said, ‘challenge local authorities to treat their incredible children with value, worth and dignity, and provide a practical solution to enable the execution of their commitment.’

Photo by Ariel