The Director Diaries

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.

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.

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.

What does your new role involve?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.