A young person enjoying the lunch at the event

A plate of different types of rice, curry, and salad

Two dancers entertaining the crowd

A drummer leading a drumming circle workshop

Earlier this week we joined with our friends in @includeyouth.bsky.social to host a wonderful Cultural Celebration at 100GPS. We had lots of great food, were entertained by dancers and drummers, and had so much fun together.

www.voypic.org/cultural-celebration-event-at-100-great-patrick-street/

A flyer on a blue and yellow background. The VOYPIC logo is in the top right. In the top left, the words 'DONATE NOW'. There are two photos. On the left, in a yellow bubble, a young man wearing headphones with a young woman leaning on his shoulder. On the right, four young people smiling at the camera. In the bottom middle, the Enthuse logo.

Young people in care are doing amazing things. We want to support more young people, to help them reach their full potential. Will you help us?

Please donate, if you can, through our new online partner, Enthuse - voypic.enthuse.com

Thank you 💙💛💙

A young person, with adults around her, cutting a cake

A group of people holding recipe books, sitting around the room, with a pink neon light sign behind them reading 'The Lounge'

Last night, Christine and Dean from Barnardo's came out to present us with our Grandmother’s Hands cookbooks.

We loved being part of the Grandmother’s Hands project, and are really pleased that three of our recipes are included in the book!

~ Belfast Participation Forum

A flyer on a yellow VOYPIC background. In the top left, in blue letters, it reads "Independent Advocacy Service". Int he top right, in blue letters, "Get Help" in a light yellow bubble. On the left, a photo of a young woman wearing a pink hoodie. Text reads:Our advocates can help you find out about your rights in care and make sure your voice is heard in care planning and decision making. Our advocates can help young people up to 30 years old. Request support now at:www.voypic.org/contact-us

Get Support from the VOYPIC Independent Advocacy Service

We have a team of Advocates who can help you to find out about your rights in care, and make sure your voice is heard in decision about your life and your care.

Ger help now at voypic-referrals.caseworkerconnectonline.org

A checkerboard of blue and yellow squares, each containing a photo of a woman that works at VOYPIC. Along each side, a purple rectangle. In the one on the left, and VOYPIC logo. On the right, Happy International Women's Day.

International Women's Day 💜

At VOYPIC, we are privileged to support so many incredible young women in and leaving care.

And, we get to work with this incredible group of women, right across the VOYPIC team.

www.voypic.org/meet-the-team

Happy International Women's Day to you all 💜

A flyer on a blue and yellow background. The VOYPIC logo is in the top right. In the top left, the words 'DONATE NOW'. There are two photos. On the left, in a yellow bubble, a young man wearing headphones with a young woman leaning on his shoulder. On the right, four young people smiling at the camera. In the bottom middle, the Enthuse logo.

Young people in care are doing amazing things. We want to support more young people, to help them reach their full potential. Will you help us?

Please donate, if you can, through our new online partner, Enthuse - voypic.enthuse.com

Thank you 💙💛💙

Viki with her award

Viki received her award from Alicia Toal, Chief Executive of VOYPIC.

CARE DAY AWARDS - SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD 🎉

We recognised the special achievements, and significant contributions to the care experienced community, of three young people, through the Special Recognition Award.

Our third winner is Viki Balciunaite (Purple)

www.voypic.org/caredayawards

Rachel received her award from Alicia Toal, Chief Executive of VOYPIC.

Rachel with her award

CARE DAY AWARDS - SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD 🎉

We recognised the special achievements, and significant contributions to the care experienced community, of three young people, through the Special Recognition Award.

Our second winner is Rachel McCaughey

www.voypic.org/caredayawards

Josephine was unable to attend the ceremony, so her award was collected on her behalf by Harry Robinson and Maelisa Kennedy, fellow members of the VOYPIC Board of Directors. The received the award from Alicia Toal, Chief Executive.

Josephine pictured with Prof Ray Jones, Chair of the Independent Review of Children's Social Care Services, at the report launch in June 2023.

CARE DAY AWARDS - SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD 🎉

We recognised the special achievements, and significant contributions to the care experienced community, of three young people, through the Special Recognition Award.

Our first winner is Josephine Dowell

www.voypic.org/caredayawards

A young person and a member of staff enjoying chocolate and marshmallow covered pancakes

A young person designing their pancake toppings

A young person chopping bananas and strawberries

A young person eating pancakes

Pancake Tuesday 🥞

Did you have pancakes on Tuesday? We had a great time designing our own pancakes, using lots of different toppings to make them extra yummy! Delicious ☺️

~ Belfast Junior Participation Forum

Winners Southern HSCT 16+ Group with Chris Quinn

Highly Commended, VOYPIC Belfast Participation Forum, with Chris Quinn

CARE DAY AWARDS - SOCIAL ACTION CHAMPION 🎉

Sponsored by @actionforchildren.bsky.social, and presented by Chris Quinn, NICCY. Congratulations to:

Winner- Southern HSCT 16+ Group
Highly Commended- VOYPIC Belfast PF & The Fostering Network (not pictured)

Well Done!

www.voypic.org/caredayawards/

Spirit of VOYPIC award winner, Matthew Doyle

Matthew received his award from VOYPIC team member, Jo

CARE DAY AWARDS - SPIRIT OF VOYPIC 🎉

This year we recognised three young people who have really embodied the VOYPIC values, and who are great ambassadors for the organisation.

Our third Spirit of VOYPIC winner is... Matthew Doyle

www.voypic.org/caredayawards/

Spirit of VOYPIC award winner, Natalie Devine

Natalie received her award from VOYPIC team member, Donna

CARE DAY AWARDS - SPIRIT OF VOYPIC 🎉

This year we recognised three young people who have really embodied the VOYPIC values, and who are great ambassadors for the organisation.

Our second Spirit of VOYPIC winner is... Natalie Devine

www.voypic.org/caredayawards/

Thomas received his award from VOYPIC team member, Nicola

Spirit of VOYPIC award winner, Thomas Magee

CARE DAY AWARDS - SPIRIT OF VOYPIC 🎉

This year we recognised three young people who have really embodied the VOYPIC values, and who are great ambassadors for the organisation.

Our first Spirit of VOYPIC winner is... Thomas Magee

www.voypic.org/caredayawards/

Greg McGivern with Alicia Toal

CARE DAY AWARDS - WELLBEING CHAMPION 🎉

Sponsored by E&D Consultants and presented by Greg McGivern, Department of Health.

Winner- Ethan
Highly Commended- Martin & Noah

Well Done!

(Winners chose not to have their photos taken. So, here's Greg with our CEO, Alicia)

www.voypic.org/caredayawards/

Donna Lynch (Winner) receiving her award from Alex and Madison

Cynthia McEvoy (Highly Commended) receiving her award from Madison and Alex

Carrandra Herat (Highly Commended) receiving her award from Madison and Alex.

CARE DAY AWARDS - CARE HERO 🎉

Sponsored by Lunn's The Jeweller, and presented by VOYPIC Young Rep, Madison Boyce, and VOYPIC Team Member, Alex Cowan. Congratulations to:

Winner- Donna Lynch
Highly Commended- Cassandra Herat and Cynthia McEvoy

Well Done!

www.voypic.org/caredayawards/

@youthjusticeagency.bsky.social

Edel presented the Highly Commended Student of the Year Award to Flori

Edel presented the Student of the Year Award to Emad

CARE DAY AWARDS - STUDENT OF THE YEAR 🎉

Sponsored by the Karl Group, and presented by Edel Walsh, SPPG, congratulations to:

Winner- Emad Hamid
Highly Commended- Flori & James (not pictured)

Well Done!

www.voypic.org/caredayawards/

Tondra receiving her award from Orla and Jay Millar, from Jay’s Barber Club

🎉 CARE DAY AWARDS - RISING STAR IN EMPLOYMENT 🎉

Sponsored by the Karl Group, and presented by Orla and Jay Millar, Jay’s Barber Club, congratulations to:

Winner- Tondra Chowdhury

Highly Commended- Chloe Coleman

Well Done!

www.voypic.org/caredayawards/

Stephen Martin with Highly Commended award-winners Stefan and Jay

Stephen Martin with award winner, Michelle

CARE DAY AWARDS - COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS 🎉

Sponsored by the Youth Justice Agency, and presented by YJA Chief Executive, Stephen Martin, congratulations to

Highly Commended:
Stefan Sloan & Jay Hart

Winner:
Michelle Chapman

Well Done!

www.voypic.org/caredayawards/

Mark Simpson, holding up his has with #CareDay25 written on the palm, alongside Rhianna and son, with the audience in the Great Hall, Belfast City Hall, in the background.

What a night!

We're still buzzing from the amazing #CareDay25 Awards Ceremony on Friday night. Well done to all the young people involved, whether you took home and award or not. And a massive THANK YOU to everyone involved in the event. We greatly appreciate your support!

Young people with the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, having their photo taken int he Mayor's Parlour.

Our Care Day celebrations are in full swing, after our breakfast with Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr, Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, last week. Many thanks for welcoming us to the Mayor's Parlour, and for talking with us about the importance of Care Day.

Young people with the Lord Mayor of Belfast in the Mayor's Parlour

We had a great time earlier this week when we joined Cllr Micky Murray, Lord Mayor of Belfast City Council for breakfast in City Hall. Many thanks for welcoming us to the Mayor's Parlour, and for talking with us about the importance of Care Day.

The Mayor planting a tree, alongside staff and young people from VOYPIC

The Mayor with representatives from VOYPIC in the Council Chamber

Ald Legge, Thomas (VOYPIC Young Rep), Cllr Dickson & Alicia Toal (CEO of VOYPIC) having their photo taken

Cllr Craig talking to young people doing art activities.

A wonderful Care Day morning with @kurtisdickson.bsky.social, Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh, alongside Ald Hazel Legge and Cllr Jonathan Craig. They welcomed us for breakfast and art activities, before moving on to Wallace Park where he planted a tree, in honour of the care experienced community.

Deputy Mayor planting the tree, watched by young people and staff from VOYPIC

Great morning- if slightly wet and windy!- in Ballymena, as Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Cllr Bréanainn Lyness, planted a tree in The People's Park, to mark the 10th annual Care Day. A lovely way to honour and celebrate the care experienced community across the Borough.

The Care Day logo - a multi-coloured circle enclosing the words "Care Day". The text under reads: Celebrating and connecting the care experienced community. At the bottom, the logos of the five organisations behind Care Day - Become (England), Who Cares? Scotland (Scotland), EPIC (Ireland), VOYPIC (Northern Ireland) and VFCC (Wales)

Today is the 10th annual CARE DAY, the world’s biggest celebration of children and young people with lived experience of care. It began in 2016, coordinated by the 5 Nations, 1 Voice alliance of leading children’s charities across the UK and Ireland.

www.voypic.org/careday

A Care Day message from Alicia Toal, Chief Executive of VOYPIC.

Welcome to VOYPIC, the charity for children and young people with lived experience of care in Northern Ireland.

We'll be back to launch our new channel on Care Day, Friday 21 February.

For all the info about who we are, visit www.voypic.org