Success for looked-after children's suitcase campaign

The Looked After Children’s Council (LACC) campaign shone a light on the unacceptable practice of having their precious belongings put in black bin liners when they move foster placements.

When building firm Cidon Construction heard about the campaign, director Stephen Simpson said he had to do something to help. 

The Barnsley construction firm put out a call to its clients and suppliers and was quickly inundated with suitcases.

“Like many others, we were sad to see already vulnerable children having to move with their things in bin liners,” said Mr Simpson.

“We wanted to do something to help and to show the children that people do care.”

Mr Simpson and Cidon procurement manager Jane Galloway attended a Rotherham LACC meeting where they presented a sample of the 66 suitcases to the young people.

“We had a brilliant evening with the young people,” said Mr Simpson.

“We heard first hand just what a difference having a new suitcase will make.”

Rotherham’s Corporate Parenting Panel committed to prohibiting the use of bin liners to move personal possessions following a presentation by members of the LACC last year. Council social workers and foster carers now have access to dozens of suitcases, including the 66 donated by Cidon.

LACC member Kaylan said: “It’s great that people want to help us. 

“It makes our campaign mean even more now. 

“We want our success in Rotherham to help change things for all looked after children locally, regionally and nationally.”

Cllr Gordon Watson, Rotherhma Borough Council deputy leader and cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We are now providing suitcases to carers and social workers when children and young people are moving placements. 

“It is simple — if this is what we would do for our own children, we should do the same for our looked after children.”