MyView
Helping children and young people have their say
Viewpoint myView is an app for use by children and young people online or on a mobile device. It helps them have a say in the plan for their life while they are in care. What young people feel and think about is a really important part of their plan; it helps ensure their care plan is right for them. But it can be difficult for them to talk to adults about their wishes and feelings. Using the myView app helps with this.
It helps keep young people informed (providing information and messages); gives them access to self-assessment modules, e.g. Help with a problem.
The app is commonly used with Looked After young people, young carers, and is configured uniquely for each customer.
Different formats available (text can be spoken in all options):
myView Interactive
Graphical backgrounds and avatars tailored to the agency. Variety of response formats.
myView Touch
On touch screen devices, young people select responses by tapping the options displayed. Text supported by colourful symbols tailored to agency requirements. All text spoken.
myView Express
Scroll up and down through the multiple feedback questions and response options displayed on one page.
The app helps young people express their views in a safe, easy to use way. They can go through questions at their own pace with everything spoken to them if they need help reading.
Responses are hidden once a young person moves forward, so details are kept private. The app is easy to use with any device: phone, tablet, laptop or PC. Young people are asked a few questions about their health, education, hobbies, friends, and the care and support they are provided with.
Using the app
There are no right or wrong ways of using the app. Sometimes a social worker will meet with the young person and organise use of the app, or a social worker will send details about accessing the app to the young person or to an adult responsible for their care, for the young person to use at a time of their choosing.
What young people say
‘It helps if you are shy in front of people and too scared to say what you feel’
‘It lets you write down stuff instead of talking face to face. I can write down my thoughts and feelings better than I can say them’.
‘It helps me discuss my feelings’
‘It’s a better way of communicating’
Better conversations
Using the myView app helps children and young people talk to adults.
A social worker will usually have a conversation with a child or young person about the information they have shared, discussing what is going well, helping them identify their priorities for inclusion in their plan and how they would like to present these at the meeting.
“Using Viewpoint myView seems to remove any awkwardness for children about discussing positive and not so positive aspects of life. It is as if the children have permission to talk in detail about themselves. And they do.”
Consultant Psychologist
MyView App Case Studies
In Western Australia, the myView app is being used for Advocacy and Complaints.
The Blues Programme
It is used with the Blues Programme to support young people’s mental wellbeing.
Privacy and security
Privacy is important. All information is stored securely online, not on any device and maintained in line with data protection legislation.
Read more here.