The Protective Power of Identity: Reimagining Digital Memory Box and Life Story Work for the child in care, and for the adult they will become

"I would just like to conclude that hearing about how much it means to 'Jack' just shows the importance and the weight of the actual app... as you can see in just our little 5 minute chat the light of hope in Jack's face, exploring and seeing the difference in his journey and providing a safe space for the children as a way of reflecting on their journey through life and the memories... without realising it, it shows the weight and the passion and the meaning behind the app and it just shows how beneficial it is for the children... we can spend years trying to help some of our children to try and find coping strategies, try and find ways to manage trauma, note milestones in their life... Jack has always struggled with areas of remembrance and celebrating and this app shows that actually this is just a natural coping mechanism for him, it's simple, not complicated, a space to let his thoughts off... I'm immensely proud of him."

Jane, Darren and Kevin will introduce and explore Storyteller, the digital platform upon which this therapeutic practitioner was reflecting, having listened to a 14 year old boy using it. Photos, video, voice-notes and text are all collated, curated and held for the child, and for the adult they become, to own forever.

By engaging with children in meaningful ways, we can help them build and claim a more coherent narrative of their past, present, and future. This strong sense of self and identity helps prevent the detrimental fragmentation that too often occurs when children move through the system, losing connection with people, places, and a sense of belonging. Protecting their self-confidence and identity is crucial for their mental health and well-being as they grow into adults.