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Cas and Lewis from The Children's Society's Reaching out Project, which supports disabled young people, spent time with the Children's Commissioner in April to find out how she involves children and young people in her work.

"I've loved every little bit, I wouldn't change anything", was Lewis's verdict when the train pulled into York Station after an action-packed two days in London. 

The trip had included work experience at the Office of the Children's Commissioner and at the headquarters of The Children's Society; an all-dancing, all-singing, all-moonwalking West End show and a bird's-eye view of the capital from the London Eye.

Inclusive work experience

The journey had begun nearly a year before when Matthew, Jamie and Ruth from Reaching Out met Maggie Atkinson, the Children's Commissioner at a conference in York and challenged her to find inclusive work experience opportunities in her office.

She agreed, and eventually a date was set for two young people to travel to her office in London. Lewis and Cas were invited to go. Their first job was helping Shaila Sheikh, Principal Participation Adviser, and Anna Emerson, Communications Officer (Publications), with their research into how to encourage more disabled young people to be involved in Children's Commissioner's Takeover Day, when young people work with adults and take part in decision-making. 

Lewis and Cas also got the chance to interview the Children's Commissioner.

Cas said, "I was a little bit nervous about meeting the Children's Commissioner.  She seemed strict but she wasn't really. She told us to get in touch with our councillors and our MP if we wanted things to change.

"I would like to see more activities for young people where I live because it's hard for some people to get into town to do things in the evening."

Learning more in London

Across town at The Children's Society's head office, Lewis and Cas' opinions were also in demand.  After a tour of the building they checked out the new website for young people and told Amy what they would like to see on there, while Rafi and Dave from the media team asked Lewis and Cas to write about their adventures for their new blog.  Finally there was a meeting with Bob Reitemeier, The Children's Society's Chief Executive. 

After all their hard work Lewis and Cas deserved some relaxation.  Thriller Live!  a theatre show about Michael Jackson had them dancing in their seats, and the next morning they were on top of the world, 135 metres in the air on the London Eye.   The only disappointment for Lewis was not being able to pick out Wembley Stadium.
And Cas' view on the trip - "I found it all very intriguing and interesting."

Reaching Out for an inclusive workforce
The Reaching Out project is based in The Children's Society's office in York.  Funded by The Big Lottery it supports disabled young people aged between 16 and 25 who want to volunteer with businesses and other organisations in the local community. 
www.childrenssociety.org.uk