4 minute read
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.
Advertisement
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. 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: “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.
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.”
