Virtual memory box for children in care has been developed
Children in foster care are often known to move around frequently, which is why an award-winning software house has created a Virtual Memory Box that ensures young people never lose sight of where they came from.
Nebula Labs, a software house, developed the device after South Tyneside Council carried out research examining the challenges young people in care face, and how technology could help.
People in care may find themselves in multiple placements over a number of years which can result in possessions being misplaced or damaged. A physical box of memories – or its contents – is often one of these possessions and if lost is irreplaceable.
During Foster Care Fortnight – the Fostering Networks annual campaign to raise the profile of fostering and display how the care can transform individuals lives – which takes place from 15th until 28th May, Nebula Labs and South Tyneside Council are holding a free online workshop for anyone involved or interested in fostering to learn more about how the new tool can help young people in their care.
Commenting on the new device, Dylan McKee, CEO of Nebula Labs, said: ‘Our Virtual Memory Box enables young people to navigate a ‘living timeline’ of visual, audio and text memories displayed in a scrapbook style, with a chronological timeline to scroll through, or users can search through thematic tags.
‘Foster carers and social work staff can help build the memory box, uploading content, providing narrative and responding to comments from the young person – either within the platform or in discussion.’
Additionally, Cllr Adam Ellison, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families at South Tyneside Council, said: ‘This is a really exciting additional way for children and young people to store and then access key moments from their childhood in a safe and secure way.
‘Too often children can lose special photos and mementos and by storing them digitally this enables protection of things that are important and help young people understand and recall what happens to them. We are committed to ensuring children understand their life story and have access to memories and the virtual memory box is another fantastic way of doing this.’
Images: Nebula and Raj Rana