9/5/2005 - Partnership working for children's services

Voluntary and community sector professionals who work with children, young people and families in Cumbria will get together today at a special conference organised to explore the implementation of new legislation in children's services. 

The legislation is set to have a dramatic impact on all work with thousands of children and young people under 18 years old across the county. This conference aims to get together all providers to see how organisations can work together to maximise the skills and expertise available to get the best possible results for children, young people and their families. 

The conference offers an excellent opportunity for voluntary organisations and the community sector in Cumbria to get involved in the implementation of the government's 'Every Child Matters: Change for Children' agenda. 

Peter Stybelski, Chief Executive of Cumbria County Council said:

"I am pleased that so many voluntary groups will be coming together to discuss how they can play a key role in shaping the future services to children & young people in Cumbria. We already have some really good examples of joint working in Cumbria and we want to build on the excellent partnership working that exists already increasing our capacity to work together."

The conference will be held at Newton Rigg in Penrith and will be chaired by Russell Norman, Chief Executive of the Howgill Family Centre. Keynote speakers include, Peter Stybelski, Chief Executive of Cumbria County Council, Chris Berry, Regional Change Advisor for Government Office North West, Sian Rees, Chief Executive of Cumbria Connexions and Gill Haynes OBE, Chief Executive of the National Childminding Association.