Hi reader 😊

My name is Noori and I am Children England’s newest addition to the team, mucking in with all things policy and communications for the next year ahead.

In case you haven’t seen my introduction in our previous weekly email news bulletin (sign up here if you’re not registered already), I am between my 2^nd and 3^rd year of studying Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary, University of London. I am really interested in social issues, especially regarding justice reform and the failure to rehabilitate offenders efficiently, as well as equal treatment for children in education regardless of cultural heritage or economic background.

You’re probably wondering what the term Make the Most of Monday has anything to do with me … So, in brief, when your main passion is social change, the world can be a VERY bleak place. As I grew up studying politics; I witnessed many questionable policy changes, never-ending scandalous news stories and rising inequality despite politicians across the board seeming to address the issue. Just rising tuition fees was enough to make me want to throw the towel in, but every time I would hear one small quote shining with positivity or an example that makes me believe the world is a good place again, I find enough motivation to keep going. I believe everyone working within social change needs this reminder every now and then. So, what better time than a Monday morning? Instead of the only thing on your mind being how many hours are there to bear until Friday, how about being inspired to make the most of your hours until Friday?

So, enough waffling from me, and here’s the part you’ve all been waiting for. Your small burst and weekly roundup of positive news to start your day as you mean to go on, ready to kick the world’s butt.

* If not me, who? If not now, when? – Emma Watson, 2014.

* More support for care leavers announced during National Care Leavers Week- Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced investment in more support for care leavers, recognising the barriers they face in housing, employment and education. Including; 1,000 internships over the next two years and a further £19 million to expand existing schemes such as Pupil Premium Plus and Staying Put and introduce Staying Close (helping young people leaving residential care to continue to get on-going support from their previous carers they know and trust). We can’t wait to see this in practice and the difference it makes for young people.

* Change to law on legal aid for separated migrant children– An amendment to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) came into effect on the 25^th of October, bringing non-asylum immigration matters back into the scope of legal aid for separated migrant children. This was pushed by a few of our members, so we'd like to give a shoutout to The Children’s Society who were the main driver in achieving this change, as well as Just for Kids Law who put in a massive effort. Keep it up guys!

* Launch of the ChildFair State Inquiry – Children England successfully launched our new programme, in collaboration with Leaders Unlocked, to redesign the welfare state with young people at the heart of this inquiry. The first session kicked off with getting the young people together and understanding what they think of the welfare state in its current state. Watch this space for more information as the journey progresses.

That’s it from me, I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of #makethemostofmonday. If you did, please share it using the hashtag above! If you feel you’re doing something super positive that should be included in next weeks edition, drop us a line at [email protected]. I hope you have a lovely rest of your week and this has inspired you to not only keep going until Friday, but to give it your best possible shot 😊