For the first time, COPE was able to send a small delegation of children impacted by parental imprisonment to the Children as Actors for Transforming Society (CATS) Global Forum, in Caux, Switzerland. The week-long Forum’s theme of “Reaching for an inclusive world” offered children a “platform that inspires others to share their difficulties, to tackle obstacles, and to promote inclusion”, through a variety of activities, discussions and presentations.

The young people who participated in CATS shared their experience of the Forum with COPE, saying “Switzerland was the best experience of my life. Whilst I was there my confidence grew a lot. Just knowing people were listening and cared about me and my story was the best feeling. I met so many people from all different countries and it was so nice to hear all their different stories” – Alex, 12.

In keeping with the theme, the CATS Forum offered a range of activities that encouraged reflection on the theme of inclusion. Games were organised that required collaboration and partnership and there was an activity on the importance of overcoming labels—so important to children dealing with the imprisonment of a parent—and focusing on similarities rather than differences.

Alex and Olivia, the young people representing the COPE delegation at CATS, were invited to share their stories as part of a “Human Library”. They shared their story three times with different audiences. This was quite emotional as both girls shared difficult memories which moved the audience (often to tears). The girls were touched by the positive feedback and praise they received from their audiences. During the week, Alex and Olivia gave a video interview about their experiences, which can be viewed here.

“I am more open minded, my heart is ten times bigger than it was already, I am
able to tell other people about stories of meeting the most beautiful kind
hearted souls that I have ever met who want to help in today’s society who
have the most fantastic stories. Thanks to COPE I will be able to carry this
experience all through my life” – Olivia, 16.