We were over the moon that Virtual Memory Box, a digital innovation that saves precious memories for children and young people in care won the Tech for Good category in the prestigious Prolific North Awards.
Developed by Nebula Labs in partnership with South Tyneside Council, Virtual Memory Box gives a safe, secure place for children and young people, their carers and social workers to keep, share and access memories and mementoes that are special to them.
South Tyneside Council was the first to pilot the digital tool, after it was developed with input from young people, social workers and carers, and it is now rolling out to other local authorities across the country.
Virtual Memory Box MD, Christian Brock who was at the Prolific North Awards ceremony in Manchester, said, “We are delighted of course that the Virtual Memory Box has been recognised and acknowledged by this sector and we are pleased that it’s also helped raise some awareness of the vital work that goes on in children’s social care. This award isn’t just recognition for our team but for all of our partners too. We look forward to continuing to make the Virtual Memory Box the best tool it can be to help change young people’s lives, and support social workers and carers too.”
Adam Ellison, Councillor, Lead Member for Children and Families’ Social Care, South Tyneside Council said “Too often children in care can lose special photos and mementos. We are committed to ensuring children understand their life story and can safely access their memories now and in the future. Virtual Memory Box is a fantastic way of doing this.”
Debbie Malone, Service Manager Supporting Children Through Care, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said, “A child’s understanding of their life journey is so important for them and helps to develop identity and sense of self. We want to give every child in our care the chance to have the best possible chance of a happy and healthy life and believe the Virtual Memory Box will help us do this by providing a vital tool to support our life story work.”
