THREE care-experienced youngsters have been appointed to help reshape the future of West Dunbartonshire care system.

The newly established “champions board” will now allow children in care to have more involvement in decisions affecting their lives.

Marileigh Barnes, Lynzy Hanvidge and James Sutherland have committed themselves to making positive changes for young people in care by offering support, acting on feedback and improving experiences.

Lynzy, 24 from Clydebank, said: “By working together, we can make care in West Dunbartonshire the best, and by listening to experiences we can ensure that everyone who enters our care system receives the love, support and the same opportunities as all of their peers.”

The trio will also reflect on their own care experiences in order to help reshape the future system.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a review of Scotland’s care system in 2016 so that “every young person could be safe, feel loved and able to reach for their dreams”.

Marie McNair, vice chairwoman of West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The champions board will help ensure the voices of our children and young people are heard, their opinions respected, and we act on their ideas for change.

“As corporate parents we all have a duty to ensure every child in our care receives the same care, attention and personal development to make sure they strive from young children to mature adults and play an active part in society.”

The board has already seen progress by ensuring all care-experienced young people are provided with discounted leisure passes.