Hull City Council is introducing a new digital platform to help children and young people in care safely record, store and reflect on their life stories.
The council has approved the use of the Virtual Memory Box, a secure online system that allows care-experienced children and young people to capture important memories, milestones and experiences in one accessible place.
Life story work is a vital part of social care practice, helping children understand who they are, where they come from and the decisions that have shaped their lives. Traditionally, this information has often been kept in physical memory boxes or paper records, which can be lost or damaged over the years. The Virtual Memory Box will enhance life story work and support the capture of further memories.
The platform allows photos, videos, audio recordings and documents to be uploaded and organised into a visual timeline. Children and young people can add captions or voice notes, helping them to tell their story in their own words. The system can be accessed on smartphones, tablets and computers, making it easy to use and available wherever they need it.
Social workers, carers and other professionals can also contribute appropriately, ensuring that memories are captured collaboratively, while remaining safe and secure. The system includes robust cybersecurity measures, and content cannot be permanently deleted, reducing the risk of accidental loss.
Councillor Linda Tock, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services at Hull City Council, said: “For children and young people in care it is vital that their memories and personal histories are given extra special care.
“Virtual Memory Box provides a secure and modern way for young people to keep hold of their life stories and better understand their own journeys. This supports identity, wellbeing and a sense of belonging.”
The introduction of Virtual Memory Box reflects Hull City Council’s ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people in care through meaningful, child-centred digital solutions.
