Leading charities concerned
with the welfare of children in care are to launch a campaign to
ban the current practice of moving children’s belongings in black
bin bags. The campaign, This is not a suitcase, aims to encourage
all local authorities in Wales to sign a charter outlawing the use
of bin bags and to ensure funds are available for the purchase of
suitcases.
The three charities, the Fostering Network, Voices From Care Cymru and the Bryn Melyn Group Foundation are to stage a fashion show with a difference today, Thursday 5 July to mark the start of the campaign.
Helen-Mary Jones, Assembly Member, will be modelling alongside young people in care, care leavers, charity chief executives and a director of social services. The extraordinary collection of outfits has been created by designers and young people and clothes are made from bin bag material.
The event, which will take place at The Point in Cardiff from 7pm until 9pm, is funded by the Laura Ashley Foundation and supported by Clinique, which is providing make-up artists.
Debbie Jones, chief executive of Voices From Care Cymru, said: "The practice of allowing children and young people to move home or leave care with their belongings in a bin bag is offensive and wholly unacceptable in the 21st century.”
Jane Butler, director of the Fostering Network Wales, said: “It is appalling that children in care have to move their possessions in bin bags. It strips them of their dignity and gives these children the impression that they and their belongings are rubbish.
“Although it’s great news that half the local authorities in Wales have already signed the charter to ban the use of bin bags, I challenge the remainder to come on board and make sure their young people don’t suffer the humiliation of seeing their most precious belongings moved in something as inappropriate as a dustbin liner.”
Joyce, 21, said: “I went into foster care with my son when I was 15 years old. I was shocked to be handed a pack of black bin liners. It made me feel like a piece of rubbish – like I wasn’t worth anything. Some friends came to support me when I was moving out and one of the bags split and my things fell out onto the street. I felt so embarrassed.”