SpeakOut Winter 2022

Louise Looks Back at 2022

For Who Cares? Scotland, 2022 has been an important year. As we emerged from the major restrictions surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, we had to think carefully about how best we could serve you, our members, throughout the year. We wanted to rebuild those lost connections, and ensure you had the opportunity to have your voice heard individually and collectively. Two years on from the publication of The Promise and 5 years from the start of the Independent Care Review, we also wanted to ensure that progress and implementation picked up pace. And organisationally, this was the year to agree our future priorities and launch our new strategic plan.

I’m confident that we used this year well and achieved a lot of what we set out to do. We created connection opportunities all over Scotland through our dedicated and creative team of Development Officers; we ran groups and had summer programmes; and we provided direct aid support through the Scottish Government funded programme last winter.

We listened to you and advocated for thousands of Care Experienced people in every local authority area in Scotland. Our Advocacy Workers took a relationship-based approach to getting to know people, understanding what they wanted to change and helping them to request that change. For those Care Experienced independent

advocacy (likely those over the age of 26) we continued to deliver our Advocacy Helpline and developed a team of skilled and dedicated volunteers to support.

We continued to challenge public attitudes and the impact of stigma in our communities. We worked in schools and local communities and supported people with corporate parenting responsibilities to think about the improvements they need to make. We challenged the media portrayal of care experience and had a significant role in the development of the John Lewis Christmas advert.

And we continued to engage with decision makers around the policies which directly impact you – The Promise, UNCRC and the National Care Service. We facilitated events which brought Care Experienced

people together with Government and Local Authority officials, and we continued to push for better progress.

Last but not least, we created those big moments, for the first time in 2 or 3 years, to bring the community together. We raised flags and banners as we marched through Glasgow for the Love Rally and celebrated and had fun at Time to Shine. We will end the year with our traditional Christmas dinner, in person on Christmas Day, to allow our care family to come together. I look forward to seeing you there ��

In 2022 we also came to the end of our strategic plan, which had been developed pre-Promise, and prepandemic. Our team of staff and volunteers consulted with almost 300 people for their views on what they need from Who Cares? Scotland in the next 5 years, and we created a strategic plan to reflect that (Find out more about our strategic plan on page 20) What we heard was consistent across the care community – you asked us to ensure you are supported to understand and claim your rights; to continue to campaign and influence change; to create connection opportunities and never underestimate the desire just for fun!; and you highlighted the importance of our ongoing efforts to change public attitudes towards care. You also asked us to create a better offer for members and we’ve added that as a strategic objective to reflect the importance we place on achieving that.

Who Cares? Scotland is your organisation. Everything we do is designed to ensure we deliver on what you’ve asked of us and we will report back to you each year on our progress. We will not stop until every Care Experienced person in Scotland has equality, respect and love which endures for a lifetime. We are ready to deliver: Our Voice. Our Community. Our Future.

Meet our New Volunteers!

We’ve got four new volunteers joining our team. We spoke to them about their role and what motivates them.

Carmel

What is your volunteering role at Who Cares? Scotland?

I will be working with the Communities That Care team in and around Edinburgh. I was also one of the speakers of the Love Rally.

What motivates you to volunteer with us?

Because we’re the best! I’ve had so much fun as a member with opportunities to connect at residential weekends away as part of the Spokesperson programme, summer camp, Care Day and the Love Rally.

Now, I want to give something back and support others to enjoy the same sense of belonging and family I’ve got from this amazing organisation.

Dionne

What is your volunteering role at Who Cares? Scotland?

I will be supporting the group in North Ayrshire.

What motivates you to volunteer with us?

I decided that I would really like to volunteer with you as I strongly agree Care Experienced people deserve a lifetime of equality, love and respect. When I first came across the opportunity I didn’t think twice!

Samantha

What is your volunteering role at Who Cares? Scotland?

I will be volunteering in the South Lanarkshire area and joining in with group activities with young people where they can explore and learn through play. I was also at the Love Rally and Time To Shine.

What motivates you to volunteer with us?

I want to volunteer due to my belief that every Care Experienced person should be given the opportunity to reach their potential. Everyone deserves one positive role model in life. If I can assist in playing a positive part in someone’s life that is a successful outcome.

Lucy

What is your volunteering role at Who Cares? Scotland?

I will be working with the Edinburgh team on the Communities that Care project. This project is still in its infancy so it’s a really exciting time to get stuck in!

What motivates you to volunteer with us?

I was searching for a way to fill my time with meaningful contributions. I came across Who Cares? Scotland and did some research into the organisation - I immediately wanted to get involved.

I’ve worked with children and young people in various roles and thought it would be a great opportunity to bring my skills to a volunteering role for such an incredibly important cause.

The Director Diaries

For this issue, Kenny Murray, Director of Engagement and Influence, tells us about his kids, what it’s like to be a Care Experienced Director and shares a message to our members.

How does it feel to be a Care Experienced Director at Who Cares? Scotland?

It’s a big challenge. I firmly believe that not all Care Experienced people are the same. We’re not a homogenous group but we experience many of the same challenges and difficulties in life. I’m keenly aware of this in my role. I’m really keen to hear from many Care Experienced people and ensure that my work is driven by the experiences they have on a day to day basis.

I’m also pleased as it ensures that the organisation is investing in Care Experienced people and putting us at the heart of it. As one of many Care Experienced staff in the organisation, I know that we are connected to the community in a very real way.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m Kenny, I’m 31 years old and I’ve worked at Who Cares? Scotland for five years.

I have lived all over the country but lived for the longest period of time in Easterhouse. I’m a passionate fan of MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and writing.

I spent a number of years in my childhood in foster care and residential care with some experience of kinship care as I lived with an auntie and my granda. This makes me extra passionate about what we do at Who Cares? Scotland as I have a personal connection to the cause as well as a passion for social justice and activism.

I live with my fiancée, Kirsty, who has a much cooler job than me as she is a biomedical scientist! I have two children, Mia and David. Mia is 18 and is very interested in fitness, Brazilian Jiu jitsu, horses and anime. David is 15 and is a big fan of playing computer games, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is a world champion kickboxer.

My role is essentially about engaging and influencing people. What this really means is that I take the voices of Care Experienced people, our supporters and our allies to the decision makers across the country and then I drive for them to listen to those voices and make change.

I’ve been involved in a number of campaigns during my time at Who Cares? Scotland including around media portrayal of care, dental care and others – I firmly believe that when given the opportunity to listen and get close to our community many of those in positions of power are keen to hear our voice.

I hope that the organisation continues to grow and that we ensure we connect with as many Care Experienced people as possible. I’m particularly passionate about ensuring that Care Experienced adults are not forgotten in conversations about system and cultural change. I feel like we’re leading the way with that conversation and I hope that we continue to do so and make real change in that area.

I’m a passionate writer and activist so this is a tricky one. I’ve already met Jacqueline Wilson so I feel like it would be cheating to say her. I think I would have to go with Townes Van Zandt, a country folk singer who sang and wrote many of my favourite songs. He had such a way of telling stories and weaving a commentary through them that reflected on society at the time and to many extents, to today. He sadly passed away through addictions – another issue I’m passionate on campaigning about.

Going through care often felt to me that I was a prop in someone else’s’ story. It wasn’t until I reached adulthood that I reflected on the idea that I was the protagonist in my own adventure; and that as challenging as my life has been at points, the experiences I have had made me who I am today.

I would encourage you all to think about yourself as the protagonist in your own story. If you’re the hero, what decisions do you have to make to move your story forward? What help do you need to do that (advocacy for example) and how can you take it?

Once we see ourselves in this way – then our world viewpoint will be shaped by us. We’ll be active agents in our own lives.

What does your new role involve?

What are your aspirations for the organisation and the care community as a whole?

If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?

Is there anything you’d like to say to our members?

Finding Our Place

Our member, Loraine McHendry, has written a powerful piece about growing up in care and being mixed race.

‘You must be the milk man’s!’ words I heard often as a child, with the successive sets of white foster families I spent time with. If I had a £1 for every time my legitimacy was called into question, I’d be writing this article on a yacht.

For their trouble, the foster families received extra money for welcoming a mixed-race child under their roof. I, like others of my kind, was awarded with only the discomfort and uncertainty of being who I am - a half South Asian girl who, when against the background of a white family in a monocultural community, is perceived as different.

For any child or young person who is no longer living with their birth family, home life can be difficult. Neither parent is in the picture to them help understand who they are and where they belong. This sense of isolation can be further magnified for minority ethnic children. Feelings of difference can create barriers, especially if these differences are reinforced by those around them and society at large.

That said, there are many

Minority ethnic children are concerningly overrepresented in the care system. This can be down to BAME and bi-racial families being more likely to experience poverty, being at risk of mental health issues, having a shorter life expectancy and other social challenges.

examples of babies and infants, adopted from parts of East Asia and Africa, who’ve assimilated seamlessly into their adoptive families. Unlike in the past, white carers are no longer encouraged to correct cultural behaviours. This means, through wholehearted efforts of their adoptive families, and perhaps the wider community, the child is given a feeling of identity and belonging.

Further attempts may be made to teach and connect the child with their culture. But this ideology is

often lost for BAME children in the care system. Resources used by agencies and carers can sometimes eclipse the child or young person’s chances to connect, discover or re-familiarise themselves with their culture and ethnic origin(s).

Sometimes ill-informed attempts to integrate minority children and inform them of their cultures can translate into insensitive acts of exclusion and further disconnection. For example, one set of foster parents called me over to a window: ‘’Look! Those people are just like

you!’’ they chanted gleefully, as a totally unrelated, elderly Indian couple stepped from a car, into a community where migration has remained largely unchanged since the stone age. Instantly, I was detached from my immediate surroundings - you don’t really belong here.

In another foster placement, my hair was braided into cornrows. The aim was to make my thick, wispy head of curls more manageable and make it easier to remove the chewing gum spat in it at school, usually accompanied with racist remarks.

Fashionable with pop stars at the time, this was a cool, acceptable ethnic minority style. ‘’You’ll be able to get away with your hair like that’’, I was assured. Though my cornrows generated many positive endorsements, it happened because of a pervasive belief ethnic minority people and cultures can be viewed interchangeably.

African culture was entwined into Asian DNA. Native Britain versus the homogenous group of all other ethnic minorities.

Minority ethnic children are concerningly overrepresented in the care system. This can be down to BAME and bi-racial families being more likely to experience poverty, being at risk of mental health issues, having a shorter life expectancy and other social challenges.

Mixed race children in care, like myself, are likely to live with white single mothers. Many are connected to British culture through domestic exposure and the type of cultural influence which dominates society more generally.

Caught in a quandary of only really knowing how to be white but recognising there’s something more going on and not knowing what exactly to do about it, we’re under prepared when we’re seen as not white.

Sometimes when a Care Experienced child is bullied, they’ll think twice before reporting

the incident. Some will blame themselves for their predicament.

Such bullying feels like something we can prevent burdening others with. Racial bullying though provokes an instinct especially since it would be addressed in other contexts.

When I was growing up, reporting racism could sometimes ignite a ‘sticks and stones’ mantra. With reminders that other forms of bullying would happen anyway, if not the racial variety.

As a Care Experienced person, something about us provokes adversity. Consequently, we’re sometimes encouraged to accept

and tolerate bullying and racism.

Corporate parents, carers, schools and communities must work together to ensure all children in care are given the opportunity to connect with their race and cultures sensitively, accurately and on their terms.

What is unacceptable elsewhere, can‘t be overlooked within the Care Experienced community. As the Black Lives Matter movement, awakened the world, we must make sure ethnic minority Care Experienced children and young people do not become the forgotten or left behind.

Corporate parents, carers, schools and communities must work together to ensure all children in care are given the opportunity to connect with their race and cultures sensitively, accurately and on their terms.

The Life Lessons Learned at Harvard

This year Who Cares? Scotland brought back it’s Harvard Summer School programme. With the support of local authorities and the University, we sent four Care Experienced students to Boston, Massachusetts for 7 weeks. Meg Tulk, 17, tells us about their time at Harvard and what the experience means for their future.

I decided I wanted to apply to the Harvard Summer School programme because it was an opportunity of a lifetime for me. Before I left to go to Harvard, I had several goals in mind. Firstly, I hoped to gain more independence as I would be taking care of myself without the support of my mother. Secondly, I wanted to educate myself on

building on my social networking skills to befriend people from different regions of the world. Thirdly, I wanted to work towards achieving university credits and lastly, I just wanted to experience living in America. I am very proud to say that I’ve now accomplished those goals, some of which I thought wouldn’t be possible for me.

I was comfortable taking care of myself without relying on my mother’s support. I didn’t struggle without her, and I enjoyed being able to make decisions for myself. I was also proud of myself for making (mostly) responsible decisions for the time I spent there as there wasn’t any room to be irresponsible. A lesson well learned at Harvard was how to follow a budget. I have since learned

Our 2022 Harvard Summer School students - Téa, Stephanie, Meg and Lauren.

Lessons I Harvard

been left empty after visiting the states.

I will never forget the connections I made with the other students. There were so many good people there that helped me through so much and they made me grow as a person. I will never be able to forget the memories we made together, whether it was studying in the science centre or getting lost in Boston. These people encouraged me to put 100% effort into everything I did, and they wholeheartedly supported me through my most difficult and trying time at Harvard. Without them every step of the way, I don’t know if the experience would have been as exceptional. They always made every day a little bit brighter, and I am so grateful I met them. Harvard gave me the opportunity to connect with people who I now hold more value to than I could imagine. I was also able to determine what I want to do in the future because of Harvard. Due to the courses I studied over the summer, I have been able to narrow down what I’d like to do at university as well as the career I’d like to pursue. I discovered my passion for still life drawing, as I’d drew a lot when I had free time. Art is something I’d like to pursue in university as well as English or Art History. If I didn’t go to Harvard this summer, I doubt that I would have narrowed down my options this far. Harvard has benefitted me so much and I’m always going to be grateful I got to meet so many good people, put my independence into practice and explore my options for my future. In my personal opinion, this programme has shaped how I see things now and I’ve grown so much and learnt things I never thought I’d be able to.

Applications are now open for the next round of the Harvard Summer School programme! Visit our website to find out more and how to apply. Applications close on Friday the 13th of January 2023.

Harvard gave me the opportunity to connect with people who I now hold more value to than I could imagine.

Learn about Leanne

Hello there!

My name is Leanne Murdoch and I joined Who Cares? Scotland in June as the Advocacy and Participation Manager for the North. I manage a wonderful team of 10 – made up of 7 Advocacy and Participation Workers, 2 Advocacy and Participation Development Officers and an Advocacy Coordinator. The team provide advocacy and participation opportunities for individuals living in the Highlands, Moray, Western Isles, Orkney Isles and Shetland Isles. Working for Who Cares? Scotland makes me proud to be part of a charity that really cares about Care Experienced young people and adults. The voices and views of Care Experienced individuals are at the heart of everything that Who Cares? Scotland stands for. It is why we exist.

A bit about me…

I have worked in the field of advocacy for 16 years. I don’t claim to be an expert and I still find myself in new situations. Every day is a school day as they say, and I love this aspect of the job. I’d get bored working in a job where every day is the same.

I have held various roles during my advocacy career, and I have worked for 4 advocacy providers. I am passionate and enthusiastic about supporting individuals to speak up for themselves. I am committed to ensuring that all staff in my team have the skills, knowledge and support to advocate for those who use our service.

I think I’m quite funny and I love a bit of banter. Life is too serious and hard. That reminds me… What is a pirates favourite shop?... Arrrrgos of course! Okay I’ll stick to the day job!

What is a pirates favourite shop?... Arrrrgos of course!

An interesting fact about me…

Not really sure if everyone will find this is “interesting” but I have two dogs who like to make a guest appearance whenever I am in an online meeting. They like to jump up and give me big slobbery kisses and cuddles. Its nice to know that I’m loved but sometimes it’s a bit embarrassing having two big daft dogs wanting my attention. Other times I have to put myself on mute as the dogs will be snoring so loudly or barking at the postman (they really are big softies). Anyway, I look forward to meeting more of you in the new year, and please come and say hi to me when you see me.

Leanne x

who is this?

Our 2022 Fundraising Finale

Amassive thank you to every single person that put in a pound of their money or minute of their time towards any of our fundraising activities this year!

We’re proud to be finishing the year on a high with our new partnership with the John Lewis Partnership alongside Action for Children. We can’t wait for the things to come as part of this opportunity and to create long lasting change for the Care Experienced community. Read more about it on page 20.

From the beginning of 2022, we have seen massive support through our membership and corporate parents especially during our annual Kiltwalk fundraisers. We had over 200 walkers and we raised £30,000.

A special thank you to the supporters who did their own fundraising activities by completing sponsored swims, runs, cycles and more.

‘I wanted to give back to a charity that helped me throughout my care journey, that’s why I fundraise

for Who Cares? Scotland’- Care Experienced Member.

This year, we did our first fundraising bungee jump. It was fantastic as it gave people an opportunity to fundraise for us whilst ticking off a bucket list item. We’re immensely proud of everyone who took part and together raised £2,800.

Our fire walk returned for a second year and had our members and corporate partners side by side. It was a really special moment which taught us ‘we can walk on fire so we can conquer anything’. We raised £3,000 from this event and

we’re really grateful for everyone that took part.

This year has been really successful and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our corporate partners. Two are ending this month and we would like to say a massive thank you to Ashurst and Wylie and Bisset. A massive thank you for the ongoing support from our partners Wee Blue Coo, Birchbrae Lodges and the John Lewis Partnership.

Fundraising is a vital part of Who Cares? Scotland and we couldn’t do this without our supporters, partners, funders, friends, and members who have braved earth, wind, and fire for a lifetime of love for Care Experienced people.

This year, you’ve helped us raise over £40,000.

The Fundraising team want to say thank you to each and every one of you for your ongoing support

If you want to get involved in your own fundraising activity, email fundraising@whocaresscotland.org

A Website Made for You

At the beginning of November, we launched our brand new and improved websitecreated with Care Experienced people and our members at the forefront. The launch comes at the end of a long-term rebranding process which has been going for over a year – since the creation of our new logo. The new site was created in direct consultation with members, staff, corporate parents, and external stakeholders.

The website is now far more intuitive and userfriendly. It is optimised to work on mobiles as well as computers and has loads of new features for you to discover, such as our Members’ Hub and Events & Opportunities calendar.

The Members’ Hub is home to all the information you might want to know about being a member of Who Cares? Scotland. It explains the three main themes of our membership: Reward, Shape and Connect to help make sure you know what our membership actually means.

You can also read blog posts and interviews we have made either by or alongside members, past and present. If you’d like to be featured here and have something you want to write about, get in touch with comms@whocaresscotland.org as we would love to hear from you!

Our Events & Opportunities calendar is a live digital calendar which shows you everything we’ve got coming up – from our national events, local groups, membership opportunities to job vacancies and volunteering opportunities. We can’t wait to update it with all our plans for next year.

The Members’ Hub is specifically designed for you, so get exploring and let us know what you think.

This is just one of the many new and improved parts of the new website. It also has a Helpline messenger service so you can get the support you need right at your fingertips. There’s a dedicated ‘News and Blogs’ section as well as a filterable ‘Resource Library’ which has our full range of reports, consultations and videos for you to browse.

With all this as well as information on our history, our staff and more there is something there for everyone to check out, and with the brand-new search function, what you’re looking for is easier to find than ever.

So have fun exploring! We can’t wait to hear what you think.

NEWSFLASH

Who Cares? Scotland’s Members’ Newsletter

Every month we send out a digital newsletter called Newsflash to our members. However, we know that not all of our members will have an email account or access to the internet. That’s why we are including a roundup of important headlines from the

#AdvocacyMatters

During Care Experienced Week, we highlighted how important the right to advocacy is.

We asked people to share their positive stories to show that #AdvocacyMatters. And we shared some of the experiences of people we’ve supported.

Check out the reasons why #AdvocacyMatters on our social media feeds.

Jasmin’s Petition Update

National Representative Body member, Jasmin, submitted a petition to the Scottish Parliament to provide truly lifelong support to all Care Experienced people. The Scottish Government responded but not in the way Jasmin had hoped. She felt that their response did not adequately address her concerns or recommendations. As such, she wrote a reply explaining her disappointment. In December, Jasmin’s petition and letter were considered by the Citizen Participation & Public Petitions Committee. Keep an eye out on our social media for updates.

Award winning MSYPs!

Who Cares? Scotland MSYPs, Charles Fernando and Oisín King, won the Human Rights Defender award at the 2022 SYP awards.

Massive congratulations to both and thanks for their hard work.

last couple of months and sharing them again, here in SpeakOut, so you don’t miss out!

If you haven’t been receiving NewsFlash but have a working email address, just email membership@ whocaresscotland.org and we’ll update your details.

Outlander Information Evening

We had Kyrie, who works on the show Outlander, in our office to deliver a session for those interested in working in the Film and TV industry.

It included an insight into the different roles, what skills they require and how to get involved.

Programme for Government 2022 - 2023

The Scottish Government announced its new Programme for Government. Within the plan there is a range of commitments that will impact the Care Experienced community. We’ve outlined some of these changes on our website.

SYP Motion Commended in Parliament

Charles and Oisín, Who Cares? Scotland MSYPs, passed a motion to the Scottish Youth Parliament about Care Experience and mental health services. Since then, Monica Lennon MSP put forward a motion to the Scottish Parliament to acknowledge their efforts and praise them for bringing attention to the issue.

Help with Disclosures

Alongside Disclosure Scotland, we’ve created a guide for Care Experienced people who might need a disclosure check. There are different levels of disclosure depending on the type of work, volunteering or education being applied for. This will provide them with a criminal record history.

This can be daunting, especially if you’re worried about convictions that may be disclosed. It can be even harder when there’s a lot to remember like previous addresses or your mum’s maiden name.

Check out the guide on our website. For more advice, email ScotlandWorksforYou@gov.scot

Care Experienced

Care Experienced week, we loved being back together in person at lots of different events all over Scotland!

This

The Members’ Assembly was the perfect setting to kick-start Care Experience Week. Members came together at St Lukes to enjoy a catch up over a bacon roll and a cuppa before we got down to business with the AGM. During which, members voted in five new Board Members and learned more about the inner workings of the organisation. We said good-bye to Alicia Santana, Euan Haggerty and Lee Davidson as they stepped down from the board. We’d like to thank them for their hard work and dedication during their time on the board. Chair of the board, Ryan McCuaig was re-elected to serve for another four years. We’re delighted to keep you, Ryan!

After the AGM, we launched our new strategic plan, Our Voice, Our Community, Our Future, which will guide our work for the next four years. To launch the plan,

Louise Hunter gave a short speech and then we heard from each of our directors on the five different priorities. These are: Upholding Rights; Influencing Change; Creating Connection; Providing Opportunities; and Creating Communities That Care.

Members got to engage with each of the priorities by answering questions on each and adding their thoughts to our big hearts before passing them to the next table. We even had Anas Sarwar MSP, Jackie Baillie MSP and Clare Haughey, the Minister for Children and Young people, involved in the activity.

Find out more about the strategic plan on page 19.

Experienced Week 2022

Love Rally

One

My name is Charlie and I stay in Renfrewshire. I have been a member for many years and always try and get along to the events.

This year, I joined the Love Rally in Glasgow, and it was such a great day as I got to walk beside people I hadn’t seen for a while. I’m so glad to have been part of something that was amazing and very special. It’s so important for Care Experienced people to know that there are people that understand and support them and try to make communities more caring towards us. The Love Rally is an excellent platform to showcase this community support.

The week before the rally, a group of us in Renfrewshire had a banner-making workshop. We ate pizza and listened to music while we talked about the messages we thought were important. We brought these along with us on the day and carried messages of support from people that couldn’t make it. I marched right at the front! It was such a good day, I was buzzing!

Charlie was joined by more than 500 people on the rally, marching from Glasgow Green to George Square. It was brilliant to see so many familiar faces and to be joined by politicians and Corporate Parents. Keeping the pace were Glasgow-based band, Samba Ya Bamba. Their upbeat drumming kept our marchers in the spirit, despite a bit of Glasgow drizzle!

At the end of the march, we heard inspiring speeches from Care Experienced campaigners; Carmel Jacob, Charlotte Armitage, Thomas Carlton, Jasmin Pilling and Eireann McAuley. Carmel recited her poem To The

Care Experienced One’s and Thomas reflected on how far we’ve come with The Promise. You can find some videos of the speeches on our Instagram or Facebook pages.

of our members, Charlie, has written about her day at The Love Rally:

Care Experienced

The Wee Meet

On the Tuesday of Care Experienced Week, we held The Wee Meet in Glasgow. The event was full of engaging and meaningful discussions with Care Experienced parents.

It was made up of a ‘marketplace’ with different stalls. We had 3 stalls hosted by our NRB reps Amie,

Lanarkshire Showcase

The Lanarkshire Showcase was on again and bigger than last year. I really like that we have it each year as it gives young people the opportunity to show what their talents are to all corporate parents. I was so impressed with the turnout!

This year, the atmosphere was great and everyone spoke to one another and was really supportive. We all gave each other praise when seeing each other’s work – which I love. There were lots of performances such as singing, crafts, mental health work, language bin and much more.

APP report, Believe in Us. There was also a stall for our helpline, one for The Village and one from Cardiff University’s Care Experienced Parents Charter of Rights project.

By G McConnell

I was involved in the singing on the video from the Reeltime project which got a really good response.

I think the showcase is so important as it keeps everyone close together and gives young people a spotlight to show off all their work. I’m looking forward to taking part in it next year and seeing all the different skills and talents on the different young people.

Experienced Week 2022

Time to Shine

To mark the end of Care Experienced Week, 300 of our members and their families took off on an out-of-this-world experience at our Time to Shine festival.

We filled the dancefloors of SWG3 in Glasgow on Saturday 29th October. This year’s theme was ‘Outer Space’ and we made sure our Care Experienced attendees, their families and friends had the chance to travel through time and space whilst taking part in a number of fun intergalactic activities.

There was a hover board simulator, a bungee run to experience zero gravity, a star beads workshop to make space-themed jewelry, a chill-out pod where you could gaze at the stars, alien face painting, a lunar disco and much more!

In our cosmic canteen, our guests got to enjoy tasty burgers from Freddy & Hicks and delicious pizzas from the Woodfired Guys – enough to satisfy the hungriest voyager after a long day exploring the galaxy.

Before everyone headed home in their rocket ships, we announced our fancy dress competition winners with the help of Buddy the bear. The best-dressed prizes went to The Shaded Voyager, an American Astronaut and a light-up googley-eyed costume!

How We’ll Work for Care Experienced People for the Next 5 Years

In October, at our Members’ Assembly we launched our new strategic plan, ‘Our Voice, Our Community, Our Future’ setting out our strategic priorities for the next 5 years. Members, stakeholders, staff, and volunteers alike all fed into the creation of this ambitious new plan for the future of our organisation.

Our new plan will begin in 2023 and outlines our five main strategic priorities that will shape our work going forward. These are:

1. Upholding Rights – We will support all Care Experienced people to know, understand and protect their rights

We are committed to continuing our provision of high quality, independent, relationship based advocacy through both community practice and our Helpline. We will also seek to improve understanding of rights, both in general and to independent advocacy, as well as campaigning for the right to independent advocacy as set out in The Promise and we will promote equality in advocacy using our evidence database.

2. Influencing Change - We will positively influence decision makers with the ability to impact on the lives of Care Experienced people, using our robust evidence database and through gathering the views of Care Experienced people.

We will create space for Care Experienced people to influence change on a local and national level. This and all of our influencing will use our robust evidence base and we will promote diversity and equality, supporting Corporate parents to respect Care Experienced rights.

3. Creating Connection - We will bring Care Experienced people together for meaningful connection opportunities and to feel a strong sense of belonging.

Through consultation with Care Experienced people and volunteers we will provide meaningful and inclusive belonging and connection opportunities all across Scotland. We will create a diverse network of lived experience to represent the community.

4. Providing OpportunitiesWe will provide an inclusive, consistent and appealing membership offer for Care Experienced people across Scotland, which promotes a positive sense of care identity and builds an engaged movement of people.

We will create a membership programme with clear benefits and opportunities alongside a compelling national events programme for Care Experienced people of all ages. We will ensure members’ voices filter through into the shaping of our work.

5. Creating Communities that Care - We will create more inclusive and caring communities for Care Experienced people to live in, by educating Scotland about care through awareness raising activity in local communities and in the media.

We will create the conditions for Care Experienced people to be supported in their schools and communities, through local training and awareness-raising activities. We will transform public attitudes to care by delivering a public education campaign, shaped by the voices of Care Experienced people and tackle the stigma which exists.

We want to thank everyone who contributed to the formation of this plan. It is available to view, in full, in the resources section of our website.

East Lothian Champs Get Busy

The month of October was full of exciting events for the East Lothian Champions Board. Here, our participation assistant Bethany, who works alongside the East Lothian Champs, has written about some of the stuff the group has gotten up to since our last SpeakOut edition.

Back in September, we took part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk. We had a great turnout and thankfully the weather stayed nice – which is always a bonus! We completed the Wee Wander which was a 5-mile route from Silverknowes to the BT Murrayfield stadium. Our champs had a great time. Speaking on the walk and what they enjoyed about it they said:

We completed our big month of events by going along to Time to Shine. It was such an amazing experience getting all our guys together and to reconnect with people we hadn’t seen in a while.

There was lots of fun had, they said: “At time to shine I enjoyed meeting new people”

“It was great to see old pals”

“Since I fractured my tibia, I could not do a great amount”

“I sat and danced on a chair”

The next event we attended was The Love Rally to kick off Care Experienced Week. We arrived a little later because our pre-booked bus never turned up and we had to run for the train. But once we were there we could feel the passion coming from everyone, it was an amazing experience for us! Our champs shared their thoughts on the Love Rally: “It was amazing, and I loved doing it and I would do it again” “I also loved the Greggs that we got after” “Virtual Love Rally helped me stay involved” One of our young people couldn’t make it to The Love Rally as they had fractured their tibia (ouch). But they joined in the experience by watching the Facebook live and said it made them feel connected.

“Saw folk I hadn’t seen in ages”

“Met someone new”

“Love the sensory colours in the background at the dancing area”

“Met loads of different people”

“Talked to different people about their care experience”

“Eat some pizza”

“Got to meet new people”

“Took part in dancing, out of my comfort zone but just what I need”

“Encouragement to keep me going” “Exercise”

“Getting out the house”

“It was awesome, and it was good to walk with everyone”

“It was great to see all the dog’s there”

Raising Awareness of Care:

Our Exciting Partnership with John Lewis

Every year, the John Lewis Christmas advert is a national talking point. But this year, the John Lewis Partnership has decided to do something different. This year it tells a story about another type of family: a foster family, welcoming a teenage girl, Ellie, into their home.

This is just the start of the retailer’s commitment to the Care Experienced community. In October, we were excited to announce that, alongside Action for Children, we’ve been selected as the national charity partner of the John Lewis Partnership.

We’re delighted with the ad, especially with our logos appearing at the end and the fact that the retailer – which includes all John Lewis and Waitrose stores – will be raising funds for our work.

Our learning, from what we’ve heard over five decades, tells us that Care Experienced people, from birth to old age, continue to have their rights diluted, infringed, or disregarded altogether. We’ve had an Independent Care Review, which led to the publication of The Promise, setting out a blueprint for Scotland to create a care system with love at the heart.

But policy and legislation can only take us so far. We know, that for positive change to be felt in full, the public will need to know

and understand care, and care experience.

This is why support from a major household name like John Lewis is so important to our care community.

Now, with the strength of the John Lewis Partnership behind us, and with it, all its creative powers to capture the public attention, we are excited about where this could take us.

It’s not just over the festive period that we’re partnered with John Lewis. This is part of their bigger commitment and their Building Happier Futures programme which aims to help young people leaving care find meaningful employment.

“We are absolutely delighted that the John Lewis Partnership will use its tremendous presence and platform to make a real difference to Care Experienced people. We know that all children and young people need support, love and nurture in order to thrive, but for our children and young people with experience of care, those elements might not always have been present. Who Cares? Scotland is the only national, membership organisation for people who have experienced the care system. Our vision is a lifetime of equality, respect and love and at the heart of our work are the rights of Care Experienced people, and the power of their voices to bring about positive change. We provide advocacy as well as a range of opportunities for Care Experienced people to come together for friendship, connection and to feel a powerful sense of belonging.

“I am also honoured to be a part of the Building Better Futures Advisory Group. Every child in the UK should feel equal, loved and respected, and we know that so often this isn’t the reality for Care Experienced people. There is only so much we can do within our own organisations to demand the right to better lives for Care Experienced children and young people. This advisory group brings together significant expertise, huge potential and, most importantly, real commitment to working together to make a difference.”

Louise Hunter, CEO of Who Cares? Scotland.

Originally written by Marie-Claire Jones, Director of Fundraising and Communications, for the Big Issue but adapted for SpeakOut.

Fantastic Photography

One of our members, Megan, is a keen photographer and we asked her to tell us a little bit about herself and what inspires her photography. She’s chosen a selection of photographs from her hometown.

Here’s what she had to say: Hello, my name is Megan Gray, I am 28 and live on the Isle of Lewis! I thought I’d share a little bit of Stornoway, the town on the Isle of Lewis. I took up photography to express myself. I particularly like to take macro (close-up) shots of objects as quite often you see stuff you wouldn’t normally see from a distance. Photography is also a way for me to cope with my abuse, it speaks for me when I can’t speak for myself. It also brings out my creative side and definitely lifts my mood whenever I am feeling low.

The first photo is of our gorgeous castle which we call Lews Castle, it is located in the Castle Grounds. The Castle Grounds is a big area of woodland with many paths to walk on. The castle has not long been fully refurbished and on the inside of the castle there is now a small museum, a café, and accommodation!

Second, we have the War Memorial. The Lewis War Memorial is dedicated to the men from the Lewis area who lost their lives in World War 1 and those who survived the war, only to drown when returning home during the 1919 sinking of HMY Lolaire (an Admiralty Yacht). The build was completed in 1924 and it is situated at the highest point of the town of Stornoway.

And thirdly, we have the Northern lights over Stornoway. The Northern lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, is a natural light display in the sky. It’s predominately seen in high-latitude regions. The Northern Lights is a beautiful display of lights that can appear as dancing curtains, rays, spirals, or even dynamic flickers which cover the whole sky. The Northern Lights are best seen on a dark night with clear skies.

Thanks for sharing your passion with us, Megan. If you have a special interest or hobby that you’d like to share with our SpeakOut readers get in touch by emailing comms@whocaresscotland.org we would love to feature your work.

Keeping The Promise in North Lanarkshire

Since the release of The Promise in 2020, it has been fully embraced by North Lanarkshire council. In fact, it was one of the first local authorities to have a full council motion to commit to keeping The Promise.

But what has been the key to its implementation and buy-in throughout the council? Melissa sat down with Beth-Anne Logan, Promise Development Worker for North Lanarkshire Council, Laura Campbell, Who Cares? Scotland’s Development Officer in North Lanarkshire, and Louise Hunter, Chief Executive at Who Cares? Scotland, to find out.

According to Beth-Anne, there has always been an appetite to improve things for the Care Experienced community but The Promise was the mandate the council needed to drive forward.

But the progress of The Promise in North Lanarkshire can’t be attributed to one single aspect. The group agreed there is a range of elements that are all intertwined.

An important factor was relationships and collaboration across organisations within the area.

Thanks to our better relationships, so many more have signed up. In just a year you can see there is a real difference.

Beth-Anne said: “The relationships between The Promise Team, management, and politicians are hugely important. It’s the continuation and strengthening of these which have enabled us to get others on board.

“I’m in loads of meetings with different organisations and Laura is in most of them as well. We’re constantly working in partnership on so many projects.”

Louise added: “That seems to be what the difference is here –relationships and partnerships. You’ve got people throughout the local authority all focussed on making change happen.”

Seeing the direct impact this has had, Laura used the popularity of the Lanarkshire Showcase as an example: “I feel we’ve definitely got better at partnership working. We’re doing the showcase again this year and had to

change the original venue as it wasn’t big enough.

“Thanks to our better relationships, so many more have signed up. In just a year you can see there is a real difference.”

It’s not just the relationships and partnerships that are steering the progress of The Promise in North Lanarkshire. Laura and Beth-Anne highlighted that the value of Care Experienced voice is really felt by all involved.

Sometimes we forget the progress that has been made. It’s important to look at where we were and where we are now.

Beth-Anne said: “I’m constantly being contacted by people looking for more information on The Promise or care. I can sense the curiosity and willingness to learn and to listen to lived experience. They’re willing to put their heads above the parapet and understand what is happening which is really important.”

Despite the changes in North Lanarkshire, it was acknowledged it might be feeling slow for some. Laura shared that it’s important to focus on what has been done, she said: “I understand why people get frustrated, but you need to look at the full journey and focus on the small steps. Sometimes we forget the progress that has been made. It’s important to look at where we were and where we are now. It was never going to happen overnight - it’s a 10year plan for a reason.”

Agreeing that it is important that these small changes keep happening, not only in North Lanarkshire but across Scotland, the group discussed just how important it is to ensure The Promise is kept.

Beth-Anne shared: “The care community deserves better than what we’re currently getting. Morally I can’t see anybody going back from this or shying away. We demanded the change, we drove it and now some of us are in places to deliver it. We owe it to our community to make sure that we make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.”

Explaining why it’s important to her, Louise said: “Failure is not an option. The Promise must be delivered. At Who Cares? Scotland, we will do everything we can to make sure that we’re part of the solution. It’s everybody’s duty to keep fighting because every Care Experienced person deserves it.”

Before ending each of them wanted to share a message to Care Experienced people.

Beth-Anne said: “I see you. I hear you and I’m going to continue to strive to do everything I possibly can to make sure that The Promise is fully implemented and that it’s done with care, compassion, and love.

“My loyalty is always going to lie with the care community. I’m not a Promise Development Worker because I wanted a career in local government, I’m a Promise Development Worker because I want to do better for my peers.”

Laura echoed Beth-Anne’s message and spoke directly to those in North Lanarkshire by adding: “We are here for you, and we understand your frustrations but please reach out to us and use us. Come along to our groups. Let us know how we can help make things better for you.”

Louise finished with a message about Who Cares? Scotland, she said: “We’re here for every Care Experienced person in Scotland. We’ll continue to work in partnership with all the other organisations involved to make sure the Promise is upheld. We’re here to listen and enable your voice to be carried forward to decision-makers.”

Failure is not an option. The Promise must be delivered. At Who Cares? Scotland, we will do everything we can to make sure that we’re part of the solution. It’s everybody’s duty to keep fighting because every Care Experienced person deserves it.

Chelsea’s Trip to the

Our member, Chelsea Ely, wanted to share her trip to the circus she took with Joanne Hunter, one of our Advocacy and Participation workers. Find out all about her trip and Chelsea’s favourite act that they saw on the day.

We went to the Circus Xtreme in Greenock with Joanne our APW in West Dunbarton and it was amazing. We got Burgers and Juice and the show was amazing from start to finish. We were on the edge of our seats the whole time!

My favourite part was the motor bikers where they were all in a massive ball.  They started with one guy on his bike just going round and round and then upside down.  Then they brought in another 2 guys on their bikes so there were 3 bikers all in the wheel, it was crazy.

We love to hear what our members are getting up to! If you’d like to submit a piece to be included in the next issue of SpeakOut, email your article and photos to comms@whocaresscotland.org.

It was such a great experience we loved it ��

Care in Books 2022

Book Week Scotland took place from the 14 – 20th of November this year. To mark it, we’ve taken a look at care and care experience in books from

Love Me, Love Me Not by Kirsty Capes

Written by Care Experienced author, Kirsty Capes, this book follows the story of Lucy Banbury. Lucy isn’t a protagonist that you instantly like but instead you warm to her throughout her journey. The book follows her grappling with who she, who she is trying to be and discovering she is adopted.

Nothing Else by Louise Beech

Inspired by her own care records, her love for her sisters and the music her father played during her childhood, Louise Beech tells the story of Heather Harris. Heather, whose life revolves around music, was separated from her sister while in care and never saw her again. But whilst starting a new job she starts to search for clues for her sister and come to terms with her past.

MEMBER’S PICK - Louise Hart

the last year. We’ve highlighted four books that feature a Care Experienced character or have been written by someone with experience of the care system.

Hex by Jenni Fagan

In her fourth book, Jenni Fagan, who grew up in the Scottish care system, tells the story of Geillis Duncan. Set during the times of the North Berwick Witch Trials, Duncan has been convicted as a witch and is in a prison cell in Edinburgh where she gets a mysterious visitor.

Son of Sin by Omar

Sakr

In this book, Sakr tells the story of Jamal who is a queer Arab-Australian Muslim who is coming to terms with who he is against a backdrop of Islamophobia and a community which views homosexuality as a sin. Jamal lives with his brother and mum in Australia. But this wasn’t always the case. For the first seven years of his life, he lived with his aunt and believed she was his mother.

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

The comfort book has been an absolute lifesaver for me. The book is based on entries by the writer about life and different lessons to learn in life.

When I was at my lowest, I found this book and it showed me that there is always sun in the rain clouds. One of the pages, the title is - ‘For when you reach rock bottom’. This chapter recites: “you have survived everything you have been through, and you will survive

this too. Stay for the person you will become. You are more than a bad day, or week, or month, or year, or even a decade. You are a future of multifarious possibility. You are another self at a point in future time looking back in gratitude that this lost and former you held on. Stay.”

At this point in this book, we are only a few pages in. This has been a book I have slept with and a book I took everywhere when I was going through a rough patch.

Live on Set with

The Beaker Girls

Our member, Farrah, 13, took a trip to the set of The Beaker Girls in Bristol. She caught up with the crew and got to see how a scene is filmed. Read all about her trip and check out her Q&A with Dani Harmer who plays Tracy, Emma Maggie Davies who plays Jess and Chi-Megan Ennis-Mclean who plays Jordan.

My favourite part of the visit was getting to meet all the actors and actresses, getting to see all the backstage stuff and seeing where it was filmed. I liked getting to see them film the show and it was really interesting! I didn’t realise how long it took to film. They spent the full day filming just one scene.

From the sets I saw, my favourite was the circus because it looked really nice and decorative. It must have taken them ages to do! The designers of the backdrops must have put a lot of effort and time into them.

All the actors and actresses were all really nice and I got to speak with most of them. It was really cool getting to interview the actors that play Tracy,

Jess and Jordan. I also got to sit with the make-up artists, who were really friendly, and watch them do all the make-up for the different actors and actresses.

I’d never been to Bristol before and I didn’t know what it was going to be like. We went down by plane and got to stay in a hotel near the recording studios. Bristol was very nice and I really enjoyed my trip. Thank you for reading!

Q&A

What is your favourite memory from We Are The Beaker Girls/ Tracy Beaker?

Dani – “I’m going to go with the best memory was eating the worm. Because everyone thinks I did actually eat a worm but I didn’t because the BBC can’t allow that. But it was just a bit of liquorice. It’s one of those iconic moments that everyone always asks me about.”

Emma – “One of my favourite memories is one of the first things I filmed with Dani. Which is when we’re in the pink Cadillac. It was very cold and very rainy. But I got to really bond with Dani and she bought me hot chocolate.”

Chi-Megan – “I don’t know if I could pick just one. My favourite ones have to be when I’m filming with Dani and Emma. We have really cool scenes together like relationship bonding scenes. And then we have like really fun scenes like chaos scenes. I just really enjoy filming with them.”

What is your most embarrassing moment on set?

Dani – “I actually don’t get embarrassed. But there was a time when I was like a teenager in the Dumping Ground. There was this big hill - everyone fell down it. But I really, really, really fell down it. And it was in front of absolutely everybody and I broke my toe.”

Emma – “It was when we were doing a Dumping Ground shot. I was walking up this hill on location. And they told me just to do it. So, I was walking up the road. And I kept walking, and walking and walking. I was like “where is the shot?” And I walked right past it! All the crew were stood there just going ‘Emma. Emma’ and I just kept walking. Eventually they got my attention and I had to walk over which is embarrassing because they’re all stood on the other end of the road.”

Chi-Megan – “I have a few. I’m very clumsy. I walk into everything. I have walked into cameras. I’ve walked into people. I’m extremely clumsy. I feel like I’m always walking into stuff, to be honest with you.”

Dani – “I think I quite like Justine Littlewood because she’s quite feisty, a bit patronising and she’s got nice clothes.”

Emma – “Mrs Cook. She’s not in the books but she’s in the series. I like her and in this series you kind of see an interesting side to her.”

Chi-Megan – “I think this season my favourite character would have to be Peter. I think he’s got a cool storyline this season. It’s fun to watch it unravel.”

Emma – “Mrs Cook or Justine Littlewood. I want to play a baddy. I think Jess is a bit of a goody two shoes. She’s always kind of snitching and stuff. I love Jess and how she’s so nice. But it would be cool to play a baddy.”

Chi-Megan – “That’s a hard one. I think it would have to be Flo.”

Who is your favourite character that’s not you?

If you weren’t your character, who would you want to play?