Young people from Hull’s Young Voices Influencing Care (YVIC) group recently celebrated their nomination for the Campaign Award at A National Voice’s (ANV) Amplify 2025 event, held in London on Friday 31 October.
ANV, which is the Children in Care Council for England, hosts the Amplify event annually, to bring together groups across the country so they can share ideas and recognise excellence in children in care councils, care leaver forums, and other participation groups within children’s social care. The Campaign Award recognises groups that have developed or taken part in a meaningful campaign.
YVIC were nominated for their Anti-Bullying Week campaign last year, which saw them devise and create resources including the song ‘Shine Bright’, which they wrote and performed to encourage people to respect each other’s differences, and to call out bullying. Since then, the melody to ‘Shine Bright’ has continued to be used when callers to 300300 – Hull City Council’s Contact Centre, are put on hold.
Catherine Vulliamy, Young People’s Targeted Engagement and Participation Worker, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the YVIC group for this national recognition. Their Anti-Bullying Week campaign showed such creativity, courage, and teamwork – using their own experiences to make a difference for others. The fact that their message reached so many people, including through their original song, really shows the power of young people’s voices when they’re given a platform to shine.”
Councillor Linda Tock, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People at Hull City Council, said: “It’s wonderful to see Hull’s young people being recognised on a national stage for their positive campaigning.
“We’re so proud of their dedication and passion in helping to make Hull a more inclusive and supportive place for children and young people.”
This year, Anti-Bullying Week runs from Monday 10 to Friday 14 November, and the theme is Power for Good. The theme came about following consultation with teachers and pupils by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, which coordinates Anti-Bullying Week every year in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Teachers and children wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes.
November is also National Care Leavers Month. For more information on events taking place around Hull for care experienced young people, click here.
