Digital platform launched to save memories for children in care
A new digital platform has been launched this week by our Children's Social Care service, providing care-experienced children and young people a place to capture important memories, milestones and experiences in one accessible place.
Virtual Memory Box is an innovative, secure online system that allows photos, videos, audio recordings and documents to be uploaded and organised into a visual timeline keeping everything in one place. Children and young people can add captions or voice notes, helping them to tell their story in their own words and help them to reflect on the key moments and events that are meaningful to them.
Memories for children and young people in care has traditionally been a physical memory box or paper records, which can be damaged or lost over the years. The Virtual Memory Box will enhance life story work and support the capture of further memories staying with the young person throughout their life into adulthood.
Social workers, foster carers and other professionals can also contribute appropriately, ensuring that memories are captured collaboratively. The system includes robust cybersecurity measures, and content cannot be permanently deleted, reducing the risk of accidental loss.
Helen Fergusson, Strategic Director of Children's Social Care and Lifelong Learning at the council said:
"For children and young people in care it is vital that their memories and personal histories are recorded and that they can keep and treasure these throughout their lives.
"We are thrilled to be working with Virtual Memory Box so that more than 500 children and young people in Gateshead will be provided with a secure and modern way to keep hold of their life stories and better understand their own journey, supporting identity, wellbeing and a sense of belonging."
Christian Brock, MD at Virtual Memory Box said:
"We are delighted to have Gateshead Council joining the local authorities we partner with, and it's particularly special to us as we are based in Gateshead's Northern Design Centre and developed Virtual Memory Box here.
"It's our aim to give all children in care across the country access to a Virtual Memory Box, as we know from research how vital it is in helping support their life story and building their identify, and how useful it is for social workers and carers too. It's wonderful to know that children and young people across Gateshead will be benefiting from this innovative digital tool too."
The council rolled out Virtual Memory box to all children in care, foster carers, children's care homes and social work staff with guidance and training on how to use the system. All who play a part in caring for the children and young people will contribute and support them to develop their memories.
Visit the Virtual Memory Box website to find out more.
A new digital platform has been launched this week by our Children's Social Care service, providing care-experienced children and young people a place to capture important memories, milestones and experiences in one accessible place.
Virtual Memory Box is an innovative, secure online system that allows photos, videos, audio recordings and documents to be uploaded and organised into a visual timeline keeping everything in one place. Children and young people can add captions or voice notes, helping them to tell their story in their own words and help them to reflect on the key moments and events that are meaningful to them.
Memories for children and young people in care has traditionally been a physical memory box or paper records, which can be damaged or lost over the years. The Virtual Memory Box will enhance life story work and support the capture of further memories staying with the young person throughout their life into adulthood.
Social workers, foster carers and other professionals can also contribute appropriately, ensuring that memories are captured collaboratively. The system includes robust cybersecurity measures, and content cannot be permanently deleted, reducing the risk of accidental loss.
Helen Fergusson, Strategic Director of Children's Social Care and Lifelong Learning at the council said:
"For children and young people in care it is vital that their memories and personal histories are recorded and that they can keep and treasure these throughout their lives.
"We are thrilled to be working with Virtual Memory Box so that more than 500 children and young people in Gateshead will be provided with a secure and modern way to keep hold of their life stories and better understand their own journey, supporting identity, wellbeing and a sense of belonging."
Christian Brock, MD at Virtual Memory Box said:
"We are delighted to have Gateshead Council joining the local authorities we partner with, and it's particularly special to us as we are based in Gateshead's Northern Design Centre and developed Virtual Memory Box here.
"It's our aim to give all children in care across the country access to a Virtual Memory Box, as we know from research how vital it is in helping support their life story and building their identify, and how useful it is for social workers and carers too. It's wonderful to know that children and young people across Gateshead will be benefiting from this innovative digital tool too."
The council rolled out Virtual Memory box to all children in care, foster carers, children's care homes and social work staff with guidance and training on how to use the system. All who play a part in caring for the children and young people will contribute and support them to develop their memories.
Visit the Virtual Memory Box website to find out more.
