Care Day is the world’s biggest celebration of children and young people with care experience. This group includes children and young people who are or were cared for by foster carers, or other family members, and those who live in children’s homes.
Care Day in the UK and Ireland is a joint initiative across five children’s rights charities, and led in Northern Ireland by VOYPIC – Voice of Young People in Care.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper commented, “I am pleased the Council is showing its support by lighting up Antrim Civic Centre, Ballyclare Town Hall and Mossley Mill yellow to celebrate the importance of care in our communities.”
“The latest figures show that there are almost 4000 children and young people in care in Northern Ireland. This is more than at any point since the introduction of the Children (NI) Order 1995.”
Alicia Toal, Chief Executive of VOYPIC, thanked the Council for showing support for children and young people with lived experience of care.
“We are delighted that public buildings are being lit up across Northern Ireland, in a sign of support for the children and young people in and leaving care across the region.
“It is important to remember, not just on Care Day but throughout the year, that we all share a responsibility for ensuring care experienced young people feel safe and valued in our community, and that their voice is heard,” she said.
Care Day is an opportunity for all of society to find out more about these remarkable young people and ask what more we can do to ensure their rights are protected and their voices are heard.