This is not a suitcase
"This is NOT a Suitcase" recycled fashion show event took place on 18th June at Swansea's Leisure Centre 2
Young people and staff from Ty Tom Jones Swansea Foyer worked with CYP Youth Participation Team to help organise, design outfits and participate in the event. Several of the young people were involved in catwalk modelling, DJ-ing for the event and backstage support. Kevin Johns and Siany from '96.4 The Wave' presented and modelled at the event.The models hair was styled by Icon Hairdressing. There was Street Dance by Carima Heaven, drama performance by Antic Youth Theatre, refreshments and a raffle, all contributing to an evening of fun and entertainment.
The aim was to raise awareness and money to end the practice of placing children and young people's possessions in bin bags when moving between accommodation. As part of the campaign children and young people staged a catwalk protest - a fashion show with a difference; where all outfits were made out of black bags and recycled material which had been fabricated in workshops run over the last 12 weeks.
Swansea Council Social Services already has a policy of not using bin bags when helping young people enter, leave or move within care, and has signed a pledge that will support the This is NOT a Suitcase Campaign which aims to do just this.Head of Child and Family Services Mark Roszkowski said: "We want to make sure young people in care feel valued in our society. Lindsay Haywood, Young Person's Partnership Co-ordinator, said: "Having appropriate luggage helps people feel more positive about moving on."
There was no charge to attend the event; but donations were welcomed. The evening's event raised over £400 and will now be used to boost funds for buying sports bags or suitcases for young people in housing need.
The This is NOT a Suitcase Campaign has been supported by Voices from Care Cymru, the Fostering Network and the Bryn Melyn Foundation and a similar event was held in Cardiff last autumn to launch The No Bin Bag Charter.This event was organised as a partnership with Out of school activities, Social Services and the CYP Participation Team on behalf of the Children and Young People Partnership to highlight the need to recognise that young people who are vulnerable due to having to move from one home to another as looked after children, asylum seekers, or homeless young people have to also face the added stigma and inconvenience of often not having a suitable suitcase/ holdall in which to carry their belongings.
This is Not a suitcase campaign was originally launched in 2003 by a National Voice.
