SpeakOut WHO CARES? SCOTLAND MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2020
LIFE IN...
LOCK DOWN Through words, pictures and poetry, members share what life has been like for them living p 4-9 in a pandemic
PLUS!
QUIZ PAGES, SO JUNIOR AND DIGITAL FESTIVAL - SHARE THE LOVE 2020! WHO CARES?
S COT LA N D
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NEWS & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
Welcome to the latest is s ...
Check out what’s inside
Welcome to the Summer 2020 issue of SpeakOut! We’ve made it to the half way point of 2020, and I definitely don’t think it’s been the year anyone was expecting, but on behalf of everyone at Who Cares? Scotland, we’d just like to say how proud we are of you all for coping so well. Our Life in Lockdown piece (p4-9) shows just how strong, creative and caring you’ve all been during the past 3 months. Our volunteers have been equally as busy and resourceful, as you can see on p13. Thank you to members Keren (p10-11) and Ishbel (p14-15) for sharing your stories with us, they are both so brave and inspiring. Living through a pandemic doesn’t stop you guys, we’ve got an update from your National Representative Body – The Collective (p19). A rundown of our first ever digital festival – Share the Love 2020 (p20). The results from last year’s Annual Membership Survey and what actions we’ve taken (p22-23). Summer may feel a little different this year but we still have our summer themed Quiz Pages (p26-27) to bring back some good memories. SO Junior includes a comic strip created by a WC?S Member. Big changes are in the pipeline for Who Cares? Scotland, as we say some goodbyes and look toward our next chapter on p16-17. We hope you enjoy reading this issue. See you next time.
The SpeakOut Editorial Team x
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Inside this issue 2-3
Welcome Pages
LIFESTYLE 4-9 Life in Lockdown 10-11 My Journey with Autism 12 Meet Your Local Officer 13 Volunteering During Lockdown 14-15 One Woman and Her Dog
NEWS & EVENTS 16-17 We’re Going Through Changes 18 The Age of Criminal Responsibility 19 The Collective Update 20 Share the Love 2020 21 Conversations with Creatives 22-23 You Said, We Did 24 A Message from SCAI
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ENTERTAINMENT 25 Page of Positivity 26-27 Quiz Pages
SO Junior 21
25
28-31 SO Junior 32
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Contact Page
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NEWS & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
Meet the Editorial Team
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EDITOR)
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The views expressed by the young people in this magazine are their own and not necessarily those of Who Cares? Scotland.
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NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
. . . N I E F I L
LOCK DOWN
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ife has been very different for most of us since the arrival of the Coronavirus. The world seemed to stop, as country after country went into lockdown and we wondered if life would ever be the same again. Now, as lockdown gradually lifts and the slow return to normality begins, we’re sharing your experiences of living in a pandemic.
Bethany
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ethany is 11 and during lockdown she has been busy growing her own strawberry plant, making healthy dog biscuits and showing amazing patience by completing ‘paint with diamonds’ picture. She just needs to get a frame for it to finish it off.
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Little Fix Keva, Aaliyah, Antony, Jordan , Abbie, Athos, Megan and Daniel
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e are a group of young people living in Moray who meet every week and since the Coronavirus we have been meeting virtually using Zoom. It felt a bit strange at first but now it is fun and cool. We have been doing some fun things like origami, bingy (bingo), scavenger hunt, would you rather game and superhero quiz. When we meet up again it will be fantastic, brilliant and amazing! We would like to have a party with Domino’s pizza or McDonald’s and we have lots of ideas for activities like soft play, bowling, laser tag, nerf wars or paint ball. 4
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ockdown hasn’t felt too different for me. I am quite an introverted and indoors-y person anyway, I generally spend most of my time at home, online, gaming and talking with friends. Lockdown hasn’t changed this too much, in fact it’s actually made it easier as we’re all in the house more often. But I do miss being able to go out and meet with friends, whether it’s to go out for a meal, going to see a film or even just to see them. Even though I like being inside, there’s something different about being told that you can’t go out and choosing not to! To try and help get through lockdown, my friends and I have been having a weekly quiz on Zoom. I always do terribly, but that’s not the point! We’ve been listening to music and playing games to try and pass the time and keep ourselves stimulated. I’m quite lucky that I still have work during lockdown so I’m not struggling for things to do during the day, but actually doing the work is a different story a lot of the time. I’ve also been doing a training course alongside my work so by the time this is all over I’ll have learned something, which can’t be a bad thing.
Damien , 24
NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
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ne of our Renfrewshire members, has really been enjoying the online groups that the Renfrewshire Team have organised. It lets her see familiar faces and have a laugh. Candice says she has especially loved the arts and crafts groups, learning to make things from stuff we all have lying around and was also able to help other young people with their homework at another group! She’s also done some singing as well as meeting online for a cuppa and a chat with friends from the regular groups. She is looking forward to taking part in an online art project with Who Cares Scotland and Paisley Museum which involves keeping a scrapbook and learning a little about museums and local history. Candice says: “The groups have helped me with my mental health during the COVID crisis as they give me a routine and connect me with my care family. I can be myself, be comfortable in my PJs, look a mess, eat loads and people don’t judge me!”
Foster Care Hard pillows shaped by someone else’s head, rotting bananas, sweaty feet and dust. Each time we come to a new place I try to hide one shirt beneath the mattress, just to keep the smell of home. Sometimes they find it, squeeze it through the wringer. Hid long enough the cloth absorbs the air around it, loses its memories.
But apparently the authority had to butt in, Didn’t give my family a chance To show them that we could win. Foster care was horrid, With no love from my “parents” I just wanted to go home Where I wasn’t seen as transparent. I’ve been in and out of “the system” All my life that I can recall. Early on around myself I had built an unbreakable wall, I’m still behind that wall I cannot break it down Even though I’m back home I’m scared to show a frown, I’m so used to pretending I don’t know how to be real Can’t show no one how I truly feel. Met a lot of friends while I was in foster care, Friends that I never see now, Friends that are never there. Foster care made me realise That what people think doesn’t matter, I found this out when my whole world nearly shattered. I often still feel the urge to shout, I tried to write about foster care But my mind is STILL filled with doubt. All my love for Care Experienced people, only you know what we’ve been through… I love you
My brother smells like sour milk, unwashed armpits and the school toothpaste. He eats, He cries when they hit us, I never do. Each night I hear his sniffles soak the pillow, Come morning, I grab the damp case hold it to my nose and breathe. Please… Moving around from town to town With no place to call my own It’s not my fault I’m in foster care I never wanted to feel so alone but circumstances I couldn’t vary, although I tried my best. I was taken from my mother and had to change my address, I never really knew what was happening. I was placed in foster care, Mum and Step-Dad were alcoholics And hit me till I’d hide under the bed, praying to God my Saviour.
Candice, 21
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NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE
SpeakOut OutMagazine Magazine||SUMMER SUMMER2020 2019 Speak
Midlothian Champions Board Susan Armstrong, APW Midlothian & Scottish Borders
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idlothian Champions Board have had a jam-packed programme of activities and creative ways to keep our young people connected during the lockdown period. We launched a 30-day art challenge for the month of April, inviting young people to post a photo of their creations, with a different theme every day. We followed this with 20 days of random challenges which was fun. We also offer daily support with exercises and challenges on Mondays, home treasure hunts on Tuesdays, wellbeing Wednesdays, a quiz on Thursdays and live streamed cooking sessions on Fridays. Thanks to recent funding, we were able to buy and deliver all of the recipe ingredients to young people prior to the cooking sessions. Our champions groups are running online, and we keep in touch with young people daily. Art packs have been delivered to young people and we also offer home schooling support on social media, and we have launched online bingo, with entries such as ‘spoke to 5 people today’, and ‘took part in an art challenge’.
During Mental Health Awareness Week Wellbeing packs were delivered to Midlothian Champions and Mini Champs. Packs contained face masks, modelling clay, stress balls, and a jar full of motivational messages. Younger ones had puzzle books, story books, crayons, and a water pistol. Friday cooking sessions became ‘Food for Thought’ as the young people learned about the importance of food and nutrition and mental health. Midlothian Council won a social media award at the Mind of my Own national awards ceremony. Ashleigh Stephens, WC?S Participation Assistant was recognised for all her hard work. Thanks Ashleigh you are a star. Council members continue to communicate regularly with young people to get their point of view on a range of issues including the impact of Covid-19. Follow Midlothian Champions Board on Facebook and take part in their daily activities.
Rossie
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ossie young people have been very busy during lockdown. The young people have created various arts and crafts as well as some scrumptious baking. These arts & crafts and baking have all gone out to our local community, to the people most in need at this difficult time. Through the partnership that Rossie has with Volunteer Action Angus, volunteers have collected the Compassion Goody Bags and taken them to our local youth club who are running Simmer Doon Soup Bags. Compassion Goody Bags have so far gone to our local Doctor’s surgery, Dentist, Sheltered Housing complexes, Montrose Community Trust, young people’s family and friends, and staff have given to neighbours who are vulnerable or self-isolating. For Mental Health Awareness Week, young people added information on various helplines to the bags. One of our young people wrote this lovely letter to go in with the Compassion Goody Bag to brighten up someone’s day. 6
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“Hello, I am currently living in Rossie, I’m writing to you to say that this is a difficult time for us all and it will be over soon hopefully. I am in the same situation. My father is the only family member I have left and he is quite vulnerable to this virus because he has asthma and slight heart disease, this is difficult for me but I’m standing strong, as you should too. Mother Nature shall help us through this, we’ve got to protect her and help her by continuing this social distancing, as we have all noticed the animals of our earth are all coming out gnawing on our grass and almost shopping in our centres. Maybe this is for the better for us all to realise to protect our world and not damage it and destroy it.”
NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS
2019 Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
West Cottage Cody, Kacey, Katie and George
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ockdown was a scary time at first. We were all worried about our families, friends and the staff that support us. We didn’t really know what was going to happen, we don’t think anyone did. After doing a bit of work to understand more about COVID-19, we all knew what we needed to do to keep everyone safe. Once we knew this then the fun began... We enjoyed doing themed nights, where we chose a theme and decorated the house, then make dinner. This one was an American theme night. One night we even got a Domino’s pizza delivery. The best bit was that it was for free because Domino’s were giving free pizzas to all care homes in the area. Thanks Domino’s! One of the best bits of lockdown was getting our new swimming pool. It was great in the hot weather. Not only did we enjoy spending time together we also enjoyed reading. Lockdown has been a scary time, and we have missed our friends and family but overall it has been a lot better than we expected. It has also allowed us to build stronger relationships with everyone at West Cottage. It will be a time we will never forget. Now we move into phase 1 of releasing the lockdown, it’s still scary but we know that together we can get through anything.
Outside the window I
look out the window. I don’t see much anymore, it used to be busy with children of all ages running about, laughing and smiling. It’s quite depressing really, how quickly everything changed. It went from loads of families going on walks and children being happy and taking advantage of actually being able to go outside to being empty. I sit here and look, the more I look the more I think. I think about how quiet it is now. I think about how the trees will soon be bright and beautiful as we are coming into spring soon. I think about how everything has changed, but I can’t decide if it’s for the better or worse. Think about it, isn’t it good that hardly anyone is out anymore? There’s been a huge drop in air pollution. I sometimes forget there’s a deadly pandemic spreading across the world. I enjoy spending time in the house, I can still keep in touch with my friends and see them through
Fiona, 14
video call. Although it is not as good as actually being there with them. As I look out the window, I think about how it would’ve been if this pandemic happened hundreds of years ago. You wouldn’t have had the technology to speak to any of your friends and how would you have even found out about what is going on in the world if you couldn’t go outside? You would probably have become miserable. I think in a few weeks everyone’s mental health will start deteriorating because nobody has anything to do anymore, we can’t just go outside and meet our friends, can we? We can’t go to gyms and that’s where a lot of people deal with their mental health. We can’t go and see a therapist or speak to our family who we don’t live with. I should look out the window more often, it makes me think.
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NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE
OutMagazine Magazine||SUMMER SUMMER2020 2019 Speak SpeakOut
Jennifer, 11
J
ennifer is 11 years old and from East Ayrshire. She has been enjoying building Lego during Lockdown. Her favourite set to build is the one she is sitting with on her desk. Jennifer has also been having a go at making things using the sewing machine. She made a gorgeous hairband.
THE FUNNY THING ABOUT To a Friend on Your Birthday in Lockdown I could take this opportunity to wish you all the best Get lots of gifts, eat lots of cake, and all the rest. But no, what I wish for you today is the happiness of right now, The feeling of being relaxed, like you’re floating on a cloud. To know that one day, we will celebrate when this pandemic ends And know that I am here for you, today and always, my friend. For I want you to be spoilt but not just for today.
FEAR The funny thing about fear is…
It can feel like it’s all around you. It can swallow you up. It can hold you down. It can make you frown. It can make you feel like you’re not enough.
But you can crush it like a grape Push it out of the way, Put on a brave face, Share it with a loved one and together win the race.
By Tanera, 22 8
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NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS
2019 Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
n w o d k Loc By ACE
It’s been a tough few months, but We are getting through it, together. I know things will change, but I feel like I can manage that change. It was so scary, but We worked it out, together. There are good and bad days, but These are just days. There was loneliness, but We shared this, together I didn’t know what to do, but I have got through I am strong We did this, together
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NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
My Journey Getting Diagnosed With Autism 11 years old and anxious I was, as I sat outside the doctor’s office, waiting for the truth behind the reason why I could never hold conversation like my friends did. Or why, whenever someone fell and got hurt, despite my eagerness to help, I never knew what to say or do. My friends always seemed to know what was right. It didn’t take long for the answer to my questions to arrive. “Keren has ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder” said the nurse. “The shock hit me hard like a meteor, I just fell to pieces.” What should have been a step forward for me, actually caused my life to crumble. I felt ashamed of myself, because I have ASD. Since then life hasn’t been the same.
A Holy Place At last, a ‘breath of fresh air’ - I got accepted into my dream school! Have you heard the phrase “this is the closest to heaven that I’ve been”? Well, that statement is truly how I felt. I went there for speech therapy and it opened my eyes to the world of disability, and I loved it there. The people were
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Life In Crisis The next 5 years at home, were so sad. After a bad breakdown whilst at high school, I went into a deep depression. I gained roughly six stone in one year from eating and spent about 9 -12 hours a day on my computer, they were the only things left that gave me ‘comfort.’ My parents are lovely, godly individuals but were among the many people who hadn’t experienced or learned about autism themselves, and their painful misunderstanding caused me to grow terrified of them. Life was horrendous. Sorry. I couldn’t even comprehend leaving the house anymore. I’d go into extreme panic over the idea of leaving. I could hardly talk, and what used to be a wonderful imagination had now turned to hallucination. I felt I had nobody who got the picture, I couldn’t cope. I needed help.
extraordinary, and the Christian setting was perfect for me, I felt happy there. Unfortunately, they didn’t have a room for me to live there too, but with the turmoil going on at home, I still had to live somewhere else. Despite my initial disappointment, I was thrilled to be leaving the troubles of home for good. I’d miss my family, but we all agreed it was for the best. I still really wanted to see them while I was there though.
NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
with Autism 7 1 , n e r e K
My New Home with people who have mental illnesses or autism, who are suffering alone. I believe that that is what I am meant to do in life through my condition. Life is still anything but easy, but God has blessed me with some loving people in my new home - they give lovely hugs! To anyone out there struggling with their autism, I know how difficult it is to find someone to trust and confide in, but I hope and pray that you find at least one person where you live who understands you and will be a good friend. It is hard to be positive all the time but it’s comforting to think that there are people out there who I can relate to. I love you dearly. Thank you for reading my magazine article. I’ve got some good news by the way, I’m not ashamed of my ASD anymore, it’s only the emotional challenges it brings that are a struggle now. Thank you for your time, I love you so much! I hope you have a blessed day!
It’s a lovely building, and I am so grateful for my bedroom. Initially I wasn’t aware of how special the garden was, it took quite some time to realise its beauty. I have built very close relationships with the other young people, we have our differences and sometimes they can forget how sensitive I am, but we still look out for one another. The atmosphere can be rather loud and scary sometimes because I am the only one there who has autism. The other young people are very kind most of the time, sometimes they have their own struggles and I try to be very mindful of that. All in all we are a great team. And the staff? I think because of my autism, there are certain approaches from staff that don’t really suit me. One of the ideas we had, was for me to write my own ‘All About Me’ document. I loved doing this! It has helped others to realise what the best approach to work with me is. This inspired me to write more things, including this article. I think my calling is to help and empathise
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NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
Meet PC McGuire W
ho Cares? Scotland constantly strive to better the relationships between the Care Experienced community and their Corporate Parents. Awareness raising, training and open communication is at the heart of moving forward positively with your Corporate Parents. Over the last while, we have been working hard with Police Scotland to break down barriers and build lasting relationships between the Care Experienced community and Officers. Our new feature titled; ‘Meet your local Officer’, gives space for
passionate Officers who we believe champion the Care Experienced community, a place to introduce themselves and show how they are changing the culture within their organisation. We would like you to meet PC McGuire. PC McGuire is a local Officer within South Lanarkshire who we feel demonstrates a passion for the Care Experienced community and someone who believes in the work Who Cares? Scotland are doing to ensure a lifetime of equality, respect and love for Care Experienced people.
“When I was young, I faced many barriers and challenges that sometimes felt too much to overcome. I remember a few times I needed help from the police. I remember seeing the police uniform and instantly feeling safe. The police were a positive role model for me and that’s why I decided to become a police officer. I understand that the relationship between the Care Experienced community and Police Scotland isn’t always perceived as positive, however I am passionate about changing that perception. Every day is different in my role. Sometimes I am solving crimes or dealing with disturbances, but other times I get to help someone who’s feeling down, listen when others won’t and make sure everyone I speak to feels safe. When I put my uniform on, I aim to promote positive relationships with children in care and advocate for the Care Experienced community so that all people I come into contact with can share the same experience that I did growing up.”
PC McGuire, East Kilbride
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Volunteering NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
During Lockdown
V
olunteering for Who Cares? Scotland has dramatically changed during COVID-19. At first when I was asked if I would like to volunteer digitally, I was apprehensive about how we would show members fun ways of connecting over a computer screen. I had concerns about being able to take the time out from my own children so that I could volunteer, however, my children already feel like they are part of the WC?S Family, so they often join in with my activities which makes it more fun for me because I get to combine my two favourite roles. I managed to incorporate the crafts that I do at home with my kids to show our members. It’s been so much fun. My assistants have loved showing the members what we do at home, its new and exciting for them. I have always thought of myself as quite a boring person so was worried about it being fun when I delivered group work. I heavily rely on my feelings of how something is going when I am in a room of people but over the screen is different. Over the past few weeks my Craft with Lee group has become a regular slot. It’s been engaging for our young people, and for our staff and volunteers. I find myself being excited about all the projects we have been able to do so far.
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Recycled clothes “no sew” cushions
Pom pom keyrings
The biggest thing I have learned through this time is that volunteering is not just a job role for me. Sharing this part of myself has been my own little saviour - still feeling like I am useful and not just cut off in my own little bubble has been my very own type of therapy and I have loved every minute of my crafty groups. I would love for my role to expand and I actually hope that I can carry it on in some form in the future. My favourite part of all of this time has been when people send me the pictures of their crafts and they say thank you for the tips that have given them a focus for that time. I love that I get to share my passion and everyone can join in.
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3. “No sew” tutu
Macrame hangers
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Birdhouse
Lee Davidson
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NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
One Woman
Ishbel Holmes, Member of WC?S and The Collective
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’m Ishbel Holmes and my dog is Maria, and we are super excited to be writing for SpeakOut! I say ‘we’ because my dog is my best friend and we do everything together. She’s sitting beside me right now, her big puppy eyes staring up at me, pawing at my leg and melting my heart… that’s her contribution to this article! My dog loves me, just as I am, and her love fills every part of me and positively affects everything I do.
Maria
I’m 39 years old and I live in Falkirk. I’m an author, blogger, social media influencer, and public speaker, using my life experiences to make the world around me a better place. Sometimes, I am unable to work or do much at all, because of my mental health, but these times don’t stop me from having dreams and achieving them. A female entrepreneur and self-made multi-millionaire, once said to me, “Ishbel, there are days I can’t get out of bed because I feel so sad, but look... look what I’ve still managed to create.” That was a game changer for me and I realised that the only limits that exist are the limits I place on myself, regardless of what the outside world expects of me. I am Care Experienced and when I was 16 years old I was in foster care. I ran away from foster care and as a care leaver, I was homeless, whilst still trying to go to school, which was so important to me. I went from being a straight ‘A’ student, to failing my exams and spent the next few years alone, experiencing homelessness, addiction and prison, with not one person in the world who loved me. All I wanted was for someone to love me. At age 21, I crawled out of the gutter that was my life, and I made a promise that I would give myself an
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amazing life, because I knew, despite the trauma, I deserved an amazing life. I began that promise by going to college and studying Holistic Therapies, Stress Management and Life Coaching. Fast forward, a few years later, and I was a professional velodrome sprinter, racing internationally and then I spent four years cycling the world solo, rescuing street dogs along the way. I got the injured dogs’ medical treatment, and helped them to leave behind the learnt behaviours, which they had used to protect themselves on the streets; behaviours which I knew, would hold them back in their new lives of being loved, accepted and protected and where their happiness was central to the humans around them. I found the dogs wonderful homes and families who would love and cherish them for the rest of their lives. I wrote a book about the first street dog I rescued. It’s called, ‘Me, My Bike and a Street Dog Called Lucy’, and it’s published all over the world in multiple languages. Cycling with Lucy in
Turkey
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
& Her Dog
NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS
Ishbel in Argentina
partner Steven and his dog Lucky, bounded down the path to our side. We said hello and after some chat continued the walk together. We have been inseparable since, and I am now 26 weeks pregnant, with our baby girl. I went for so long without love, without family, without a home, but Maria, a street dog who was dying in Brazil, changed all that and she gave me love, a home and family. People think I rescued her, but she rescued me too! That’s why she’s my best friend. I used to blame myself for being in foster care and for everything that happened to me, and I spent many years hating myself for it. But now I know it wasn’t my fault. It was never my fault. Just as it’s not your fault. It’s because of a broken system. And that’s why I’m part of The National Representative Body (you can read more about us on page 19); to make the world a better place, so others don’t have to go through what I went through. Maria is a big part of this movement too and even comes to The National Representative Body (NRB) meet ups and marched in the Love Rally! If you have any pictures or stories of animals you love, or you want to pass on a message to Maria or myself or ask us a question please write into SpeakOut or email membership@whocaresscotland.org! Reach for the stars!
Maria, my dog now, was a street dog in Brazil. I scooped her up off the streets and adopted her, even though she was so sick, and given only two weeks to live. I got her help and I sat up every night, hugging her, and gently singing to her, and telling her over and over how much I loved her. And Maria did it! She recovered! I stopped cycling the world then and returned to Scotland, to give Maria the home and family life she deserved. The home and family life that we all deserve. One day, when out for a walk in Falkirk, Maria stopped suddenly and wouldn’t budge! A few minutes later, my now Maria, Ishbel and Steven
Ishbel & Maria xxx
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NEWS & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
WE’RE GOI THROUGH 2020 is a year we’ll always remember! COVID-19 has changed our way of living, and although things are starting to go back to normal, the future still seems uncertain. Some might say that now is a time to avoid more change, to stick with what you know, as we all get back on our feet. But as members of Who Cares? Scotland, you will know that is not the way we tend to do things. Who Cares? Scotland was established in 1978 and in the last 42 years, we have grown, we have adapted and we have evolved into the organisation you see today. That journey of growth is an ongoing one, and we find ourselves about to undergo another phase of evolution.
“If we don ’t change, we don ’t grow. If we don ’t grow, we aren ’t really living.” 16
CHERYL-ANN
At the end of May, Cheryl-Ann Cruickshank, Director of Operations, Finance and Impact Measurement, left Who Cares? Scotland after roughly 19 years and a variety of job roles! We are so thankful for everything she has done for us and our cause in this time. Beginning as an Advocate, she worked through various roles to become a valued part of our Senior Management Team. We know she will continue to be an ally for us and stand by our side too as we work to secure a lifetime of equality, respect and love for Care Experienced people. Cheryl-Ann left us with these words, “I’ll continue to champion Care Experienced people wherever I am until they all have the lifetime of equality, respect and love they rightly deserve Red heart I have not just worked for this cause, I have taken it into my heart and it has gotten under my skin. Who Cares? Scotland matters.” Cheryl-Ann has moved on to a new challenge as CEO of Dundee University Students Association and we wish her all the very best.
DUNCAN
After 9 years at the helm of Who Cares? Scotland, Chief Executive, Duncan Dunlop announced he will be leaving at the end of August. Duncan’s leadership has been a catalyst for change at Who Cares? Scotland and beyond. His bold and determined decision making has thrust Who Cares? Scotland and Care Experienced people into public and political consciousness in a way that has never been achieved before. Ryan McCuaig, Chair of the board said: “I’d like to thank Duncan for 9 years of hard work, dedication and progress for our organisation and movement. Duncan had a bold vision when he joined Who Cares? Scotland and has continually been guided by the principle that Care Experienced people deserve a lifetime of equality, respect and love. He has brought us all such a long way and he is owed an immense gratitude.” Duncan had this to say: “Being in charge of Who Cares? Scotland for almost nine years has been the privilege of my life. I have learned so much from the bright, dynamic and brilliant Care Experienced people who have let me into their lives. We have shared tremendous highs and lows together, whether we were camping in a field or campaigning in the corridors of parliament. I may be stepping down as the leader of the organisation, but I will never leave the movement. I am very proud to count many members of the care community my friends for life. Thank you for your trust and friendship.”
W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D
NEWS & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
NG CHANGES A NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Recruitment is now underway for the next Chief Executive Officer of Who Cares? Scotland. Our board are working hard to make sure that the successful candidate is up to the task of taking on our vision of a lifetime of equality, respect and love for Care Experienced people. Our CEO is Who Cares? Scotland’s most senior employee and is responsible for managing our staff and volunteer team. They make decisions day to day to achieve the vision set by our members.
Whilst the responsibility of this recruitment ultimately lies with the Board, which is led by Care Experienced voice, they will engage with staff, members and National Representative Body meaningfully and constructively throughout. If you have any questions about the recruitment of our new CEO you can always contact the board by emailing board@whocaresscotland.org. Ryan and Megan, our chair and vice-chair, would be delighted to hear from you.
A NEW NATIONAL OFFICE
On Wednesday 1st July the Who Cares? Scotland National Office moved house. Don’t worry though, we’ve not gone far! We’re still in Glasgow and even nearer to Central station for when you come and visit. Our new address is 40 Wellington Street, Glasgow, G2 6HJ. We are still following advice to remain working from home and so we won’t be working out of the new space just yet. Once it is safe to do so, we’ll hold a welcome event. We know Oswald Street will hold special memories for many of you. We’d hoped to host a farewell event but weren’t able to because of COVID-19. We have made a ‘Goodbye to Oswald Street’ video though which you can find on our social media pages. We’ve been on various floors of 5 Oswald Street since 2000, but it’s time for a new chapter and a new and improved space for our members and staff team. Some of the benefits of the new office at Wellington Street include that it’s wheelchair accessible and we will have our own entrance. We can’t wait to show you all around and have your help to make it as much of a home as Oswald Street was!
A NEW LOGO
We are commissioning a redesign of our logo to ensure that it embodies the breadth of our work and the diverse membership we proudly represent. Our members will be heavily involved throughout the creative process, starting with the formation of a steering group who will inform the brief that is passed onto the designer, and then once the designer’s concepts have been finalised, all members will have the chance to vote on which one should become our new logo. As we embark on a new chapter in the history of Who Cares? Scotland, our vision for a lifetime of equality, respect and love for Care Experienced people will remain unchanged until it has been achieved. And when it is achieved, it will be because of all the people – members, staff, board members, volunteers, friends – who have been a part of Who Cares? Scotland – past, present and future! W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D
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NEWS & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
Think Peice:
THE AGE OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY T
he Age of Criminal Responsibility Bill which was passed by the Scottish Parliament almost one year ago raised the Age of Criminal Responsibility in Scotland from 8 to 12 – this was a positive step forward, but unfortunately it does not go far enough. The Age of Criminal Responsibility is a concept enshrined in law that states that a child under a certain age lacks the mental capacity to be able to form criminal intent. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland this age is set at 10, whilst in Scotland it was recently bumped up from 8 to 12. Despite this rise in Scotland, the new age limit of 12 does not go far enough. The Scottish Government introduced this legislation to the Scottish Parliament because of concerns about how Scotland was not meeting the international minimum standards as set out by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Essentially, the objective of this bill was to therefore raise the age to bring Scotland into line with its human rights obligations as a signatory to the UNCRC. Despite this stated aim, during the process of putting the bill before Parliament, the UNCRC revised its policy surrounding the absolute acceptable minimum age. Previously, this minimum was 12, however, in light of new evidence regarding childhood brain development, this minimum was changed to 14, meaning that states signed up to the UNCRC must not have an MACR of lower than 14. What this means is that the bills objective of bringing Scotland into line with our human rights obligations was not met. There is a great deal of evidence that exists which suggests 12-year-old children are not developmentally and cognitively mature enough to properly understand the consequences of their actions in the same way as an older adolescent or adult. Whilst 12-year-old children may have a basic understanding of right and wrong, it is simply reductionist and overly-simplistic to say that the age should not be raised because of a concept of right and wrong. Evidence in areas such as neuroscience and in psychology show us that the part of the brain responsible for governing things such as decision making and the ability to understand the risks and consequences of an act (the pre-frontal cortex) is not fully developed in children as young as 12. In addition, evidence collated over the years suggests that criminalising kids before they reach the age of 14 means that they are more likely to 18
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offend into adulthood, creating a vicious cycle which does nothing to solve the issue of children who offend. Children of such a young age and offending behaviour is not at all common. However, for those who do become involved in such behaviour, and especially when that behaviour is serious, they tend to have one thing in common – their behaviour usually points to chaotic backgrounds, with abuse and neglect being a defining characteristic of their early childhood. As a result, careexperienced people tend to be over-represented in the criminal justice system. Indeed, the bill that saw the MACR raise to 12 has a statutory clause within it which makes way for a compulsory review period after 3 years, which means that the age could be raised further. However, simply having this compulsory review is not enough. Organisations such as WCS and other charities need to keep the pressure on the government to ensure that when the time comes, a further increase in the MACR happens. An adult with a mental age of 12 would be deemed unfit to stand trial and thus would not be criminally accountable for their actions. Why is this not the same for actual 12 year olds?
Ryan Bazga
NEWS & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
The Collective Update Y
our National Representative Body (NRB) otherwise known as The Collective, have been raring to get to work, especially with the publication of the Independent Care Review’s (ICR) findings, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) being incorporated into Scottish Law! This truly is a monumental time for the Care Experienced community and our wider movement for a lifetime of equality, respect and love for all Care Experienced people! Our Collective meetup to begin this work on the 21st March, was cancelled, due to Covid-19, with Lockdown coming into force on the 23rd March. We refused to be deterred by lockdown and embraced the mighty Zoom. After a couple of test runs, we had our first Collective Meeting on the 24th April. After so much isolation, it was great to see the familiar smiley faces of our Care Family and of course some tremendous lockdown haircuts! Our first task was to begin exploring the ICR Findings, which detail 5 foundations for change, and over
80 specific changes recommended. There’s so much to understand, discuss and respond to. Like any task, that looks so big it seems impossible, we are breaking this big task down into smaller manageable chunks. So instead of being overwhelmed with the full 7 reports of the ICR, we have begun by looking at just 25 of the key recommendations made The Promise report, and this has worked much better! We met again on Friday 22nd May where we discussed WC?S Covid-19 response and the Impact Report, which details challenges that many members and the wider Care Experienced community are facing during lockdown. We discussed the Independent Care Review’s (ICR) findings, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). On Wednesday 3rd June we had a Zoom development session to begin shaping the future work of the Collective, which was so much fun! It’s so important to us, that all WC?S members have the opportunity, if they
want, to understand the Independent Care Review’s (ICR) findings, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and how this will be incorporated into Scottish Law, so you too can have your voice heard on the matter. We want this to be an easy process for you so we are constantly brainstorming ideas on how to create the space for this to happen! Watch this space! We really hope you are all okay during lockdown and remember the WC?S Helpline 0330 107 7540, if you want to chat or find out about what help is available to you during lockdown. All our love x
lshbel Holmes
On Behalf of The Collective
Marissa
Ro
What’s t xburgh’s Joke: he only joke can tell in lockdo you wn? An insid e joke!
W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D
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NEWS & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
SHARE E V O L E H T 2020 O
n the last weekend in May, Who Cares? Scotland did something special, we held our first ever digital festival – Share the Love 2020. Share the Love came about because Coronavirus had led to all large gatherings and events being cancelled this summer, but we still wanted to create a safe space for Care Experienced people to come together and connect.
Over the 3 days, we held 60 activities and had 189 Care Experienced people sign up for tickets. The festival was an opportunity to come together as a digital community during a time of isolation and social distancing. It was a space to learn, get active and share talents. The final festival programme included a : Language Hour, Pet Party, Song Writing, Conversations with Creatives, Poetry Workshop, Meet the Collective, live music, Disney Quiz, Wee Uns Disco, and our very own radio show. Something for everybody! One residential house celebrated the digital festival in style and set up a festival themed party in their garden. Check them out joining in with the Pizza Making Party. Our resident Summer Camp Postie made a special appearance each morning of the festival and read out beautiful messages that festival goers were sending to one another. We’re very proud of what we achieved and would like to thank
Here are a few quotes from people who attended Share the Love 2020, which we think perfectly capture the intentions of our digital festival: So here we go with this new phase. I’m so glad that I’ve got this weekend to “Share the Love” with other Care Experienced people at the Who Cares? Scotland digital festival. It’s perfect that it’s happening on the weekend that people are getting back to whatever family they can.” ABM
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Until this weekend I literally have never felt part of a community where I feel absolutely understood. I feel that’s why, having come across your first ever digital festival for Care Experienced people, it is all resonating so much. It all feels more than coincidental… it truly felt like I had found the family I never had. Thank you!” MK
everyone who made it possible. But most of all, we’d like to thank our members for coming and taking the time to #SHARETHELOVE. Thank you for being so patient and understanding as we grappled with unfamiliar technology and technical difficulties – together we managed! We hope to make use of this digital platform again, as it’s a great way to bring people together no matter where they live.
NEWS & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
CONVERSATIONS WITH CREATIVES: KIT DE WAAL C
reating a space to connect during the pandemic, Who Cares? Scotland’s Media Club offers Care Experienced people the chance to read a selection of books before virtually sitting down together to share our opinions and critically look at our portrayal within the media. In May, Kit de Waal, author and winner of the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year 2017, joined Who Cares? Scotland’s Media Club on Zoom for a Q&A session on her novel, My Name is Leon. My Name is Leon follows 9-yearold, Leon, as he goes into foster care with his brother, Jake. Jake soon gets adopted without Leon. Leaving him to stay at his foster carer’s house alone. Without anyone explaining it to him, Leon is confused but determined to get Jake back, Leon struggles with a number of obstacles which are familiar to Care Experienced people. These range from issues with contact, having to move more than once and experiencing a constant change in social workers. During the Q&A session Kit covered her experience of working within the care system, adopting her two children, the upcoming TV adaptation, and confirmed there will be a sequel to the book, in some form.
Kit explained her interest in writing started after adopting her second child. With time on her hands after giving up work due to the health issues of her son, she started writing crime thrillers. Shocked by how hard it was to write, despite being an avid reader she decided to leave the genre of crime thrillers behind. Instead, she approached a topic she was scared of writing because of the importance behind it and for fear of getting it wrong. Writing from her heart it took her nine months to complete My Name is Leon. Kit based her writing on a collection of children she had worked with through the adoption panel, to ensure that everything Leon did and thought was authentic and realistic. She said: “What I wanted to do with Leon is to be true. When I was writing any single sentence. I wanted to know this was a true, authentic and real thought that this boy would have. Not does it make sense or if it’s a good plot. But have I been true to those people?” Talking about Leon and Jake’s separation, Kit emphasised that whatever the relationship between siblings, it is always a loss and there is still the associated grief with that. Kit explained that the way the social workers deal with the separation of Leon and Jake in the book is a critique on the current process. Describing that it is often not child centered and social workers find themselves talking children into care, despite not believing it is the right thing to do. Kit talked about the importance of having a
range of voices in the media. She highlighted her amazement at the lack of books on or by Care Experienced people. Encouraging Care Experienced people to start writing she said: “Anyone who is trying to write or wants to write, please do it so that we have these voices and stories out there.” Who Cares? Scotland’s Media Club is very thankful for Kit de Waal writing My Name is Leon and giving her time to answer peoples’ questions. If you want to take part in the next round of Who Cares? Scotland’s Media Club then please email mediaclub@ whocaresscotland.org to be included in an email for the next round. W WHHOO CCAARREESS?? SSCCOOTTLLAANNDD
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NEWS & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
You Said, We Did! The Results of 2019’s Membership Survey W
ho Cares? Scotland believe in a Lifetime of Equality, Respect and Love for our members. As a membership organisation, we exist to promote your voice across our organisation, Scotland and the world, creating a sense of connection and belonging. Your opinion matters to us and it’s important that we hear from you on everyday issues, achievements and how you want Who Cares? Scotland to grow and develop in a way that is representative of Care Experienced people. To help us achieve this, we created our Annual Membership survey which we carried out in 2018 and again last year. Each year we produce a report from our findings which is shared amongst the whole organisation and helps guide our work. Here are the highlights of the 2019 report:
Participation ■■ Overall, members said they were most interested in doing influencing (60%), campaigning (55%) and music (46%) activities at local groups. ■■ 62% had attended at least one National event in the past year. ■■ 59% of members said they had heard about The Care Collective and 55% said they understood the purpose of it.
Identity Members were presented with four statements about their perceived care identity and asked whether they agreed with these statements. ■■ 70% agreed with “I am proud to be care experienced” ■■ 61% agreed with “I tell other people I am care experienced” ■■ 77% agreed with “I am proud to be a member of Who Cares? Scotland” ■■ 67% agreed with “I feel like I belong at Who Cares? Scotland” 22
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Demographics 201 responses 32 local authorities in Scotland = 8% of the total membership
Age of members who took part:
10 or under 1% 11-15 13% 26+ 36% 16-20 32% 21-25 19%
Is there anything else you would like to tell us? The following 5 broad themes were the most frequently mentioned: ■■ Opportunities “Promote the groups more in every area” ■■ Voice “I would like to find my place within Who Cares? and to amplify the voices of adoptees and barriers faced by adoptees (many of whom have also experienced care).” ■■ Communication “The communication could be 100 x better especially when you are involved in groups/ movements…I feel like the communication between myself and who cares has been cut off” ■■ Aspirations “Who Cares? Scotland’s vision for all Care experienced people is incredible and I highly recommend every Care Experienced people get involved” ■■ Belonging & Identity “Amazing - I feel like I am safe and wanted” “Being Care Experienced was embarrassing for me in the past but not now!”
NEWS & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
What We Did...
After the survey we also went also through a developmental phase that looked at our overall membership approach. This work showed us that we had to be different and resulted in a change in structure and the re-focussing of our teams. We then took the
findings from the 2019 report and have been working to improve in the areas that you highlighted. This included more local opportunities for members, with national connection and being involved in our front facing work.
1. Improving Your Voice in our Annual General Meeting (AGM)
2. Understanding the Role of our National Representative Body
This year we ran preparation workshops in local areas in advance of the AGM and then all members were given the chance to vote on our priorities for the year ahead. We did this because over the years, you have told us that you would like to have more involvement in decision making and a better understanding of our AGM. This year we had the highest level of involvement in an AGM and are using the feedback to make sure the next is bigger and better.
In the survey a lot of people said that they did not understand the role of our National Representative Body, otherwise known as The Collective. To improve this, we featured key articles in SpeakOut, and held a number of “Meet The Collective” sessions during the digital festival. We are exploring how we can build local links between your groups and The Collective, to make sure that local needs drive national conversations.
3. Connection to National and Local Events
4. Making Sure Your Voice Drives Change
We ran our national events and made sure that as many people from across Scotland could attend. We made sure that we also held local events including Christmas dinners and festivals in Shetland and Aberdeen. We are going to keep developing this model and making sure that people have plenty of local opportunities.
Last year we developed a campaign called “40 Years of Us”. The campaign looked at how life for Care Experienced WE DON'T HAVE people can be better. Our work TO WAIT in advocacy, engagement with our groups and discussions with our broader members, all helped us make asks of the Scottish Government and Independent Care Review. We published a key report called “We Don’t Have to Wait” and made over 40 asks which would improve care for our members across Scotland. Six of these were supported by Government and we are working to understand how we can make these a reality over the coming year. to change the lives of Care Experienced people
JUNE 2019
We are now approaching 3000 members, representing a wide array of care contexts, ages and stories. More than ever, we are committed to listening and involving you in our work. With this in mind we, have begun to plan this year’s survey. Membership is the heart of this organisation and by taking part in these surveys you
will ensure we are doing what’s needed to achieve a lifetime of equality, respect and love for Care Experienced people. The 2020 survey will run from July to September. We look forward to hearing from you.
W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D
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NEWS & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
A Message from Lady Smith, Chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry
• Were you a child in care or child whose care was arranged in Scotland? • Were you abused in care? If the answer to these questions is “yes”, we want to hear from you.
What is the Inquiry about?
I am Lady Smith and I chair the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry which is an independent public inquiry looking at the nature and extent of abuse of
Contact us
children in care in Scotland, including within the foster care system. Our work looks at whether organisations which were legally responsible for children in care failed in their duties, whether any failures have been corrected and whether changes to the law, policies or procedures are still needed. The Inquiry is also creating a national public record of abuse. The Inquiry’s Terms of Reference enable me to investigate the abuse of children in residential care in Scotland, or children whose care was arranged in Scotland, within living memory of anyone who suffered such abuse, up to December 2014. We are interested in hearing about different types of abuse – including physical, sexual, psychological and emotional abuse. We will also investigate the impact of such abuse on individuals and their families.
Progress of the Inquiry
Since beginning our work, the Inquiry has been taking evidence at private sessions across the UK and internationally from individuals who have experienced abuse in care, and from anyone who has useful
Please contact the Inquiry if you have relevant information. You can still come forward if you have already reported abuse to the police or other bodies, or if you have been involved in any other investigation. I know that it can difficult and very emotional for you to tell us about your experiences. We have a witness support team who help anyone giving evidence to the Inquiry. We want you to feel safe when you speak to us. Although we are not currently holding face-to-face meetings due to the COVID-19 outbreak, our important investigative work continues as well as essential preparations for announced case studies. Our witness support team continues to operate the ‘Talk to Us’ phone line. The Inquiry has also started to take evidence from certain applicants remotely. Do let our team know if this may be of interest to you. If you were in any type of care, including the foster care system, and experienced abuse, talk to us. We want to hear from you. The Inquiry’s ‘Talk to Us’ phone lines will operate Monday - Friday between 10am and 4pm until further notice.
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information to share with the Inquiry. To date, I have announced investigations into 96 establishments and care settings. Some of these investigations have been examined in more depth at public hearings. My findings from some case studies have already been published and can be found on the Inquiry website at www. childabuseinquiry.scot/case-studyfindings/
Foster care case study
The Inquiry is examining the abuse of children in foster care, and I expect this case study to begin in 2021. This includes children who were boarded out, as well as children who were placed in foster care. We want to hear from anyone with relevant information, especially if you have more recent experience of being in foster care.
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
Page of
y t i v i t i s o P
T
his page is full of little messages of positivity. Words and pictures to make you smile and give you the strength to keep going, even through the most difficult of times. If you’d like to share some positivity with others, it could be a specific message to someone or just generally good vibes, send them into membership@whocaresscotland.org. , has been Assistant Editor, Emma ctice using lock down to pra ter wa her calligraphy and e little es colour skills. Aren’t th drawings d collection of notes an ul? so bright and beautif
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS & EVENTS
Even though our groups aren’t happening the way they usually would, we’ve not forgotten about our members. We miss you all and think about you often.
Here are two messages for the North Lanarkshire groups – TNT Champions Board and the Crafty Foxes.
M
Thank you to our volunteers!
any organisations have unfortunately had to completely suspend volunteer activity during lockdown, but thankfully not Who Cares? Scotland! We’ve got a fantastic volunteer team who have adapted so quickly to the new normal, and really helped us to establish some amazing digital groups
and activities. In fact, a lot of the group activities we are now regularly doing on Zoom are completely led by volunteers’ creative and brilliant ideas and skills. From homework clubs to music groups, and story-time to crafty fun, we couldn’t do it without these wonderful people who give up their time for us.
A heartfelt thank you to volunteers for sticking with Who Cares? Scotland during this time, and for being such a phenomenal support. Our staff and members are so grateful to you all! Love, Yvonne Atkins – Volunteer Coordinator Heather Donaldson – Volunteer Development Officer
W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D
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I N I T T O W I N I T… NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
O
nce you’ve completed the IN IT TO WIN IT page, please return it to your Who Cares? Scotland APW or send it to Who Cares? Scotland, 40 Wellington Street, Glasgow G2 6HJ by Tuesday 1st September to be in with a chance of winning a £20 voucher of your choice.
QUIZ
QUIZ QUIZ QUIZ
QUIZ QUIZ QUIZ
1. What does SPF stand for when you see it written on bottles of sun cream?
? ? ?
2. The football tournament Euro 2020 was meant to take place this summer but has been pushed back to 2021. Who won Euro 2016?
3. Honey and Bumble are two types of which creature that we often see flying about in the summer?
4. Which Scottish musician had a hit song named ‘Summer’ in 2014?
AGE: PHONE: WC?S WORKER: RETURN YOUR ENTRIES TO: Who Cares? Scotland, 40 Wellington Street, Glasgow, G2 6HJ
W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D
Finish these lyrics from 2019’s summer hits: “I’m gonna take my horse to the old road…”
town
“I’ll be riding shotgun…” a…”
“I love it when you call me senorit
Euros, France are favourites for the upcoming er? but can you name their talisman play (Shown below)
?
YOUR NAME:
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What kind of Ice Cream is this?
HHHHHHHH
HH
LAST ISSUES WINNERS ARE:
Liam (16), Lewis (11) , Shannon (10), Joshua (14), Iona (1 3).
HHHHHHHH
HH
NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
… N U F R O F T S JU A U K B X N C H L K H G Y H N K Z Q D X R F L C X G C O N T B U T T E R F L I E S L A G O S I O W Q Q K A Q C I V Q E H R U V K B V J E K D D Z Y Q B Z C N B W I S M A E A Y C S O E G A S O O F Y X A C X I Z I V C T G C L S K V L D Z C G X S H H E Y R Z L D Y J N E S F S C H S D L E Q Z Q D D C Y I M E R V Z R K E I Y B X R F K R E M M U S J A N S L T E Q E Q W N W P B X B D H X G A I Q I S A X X D M M M V L N M P W H J L R J B T Q W L H J S A K BBQ
BUTTERFLIES
BEACH HOLIDAYS HOT SUMMER
ICECREAM SUNSCREEN
W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D
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R O I N U J SO SO JUNIOR NEWS & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
ur younger o t a h w t u o g in d ves fin Buddy the Bear lo ou let him know! y re su e k a M ! to en up members have be
ames By Jack and J
This book is dedicated to Jack’s mum
the lost city Dugless had a plan to find canoe to of Ballybru. He needed his cross the big river
Dugless had to
use a swing rope to get across
the dry riverbed, because it was filled with
poisonous snakes
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e river, he When Dugless got to th it had run dry was surprised to see
Dugless made a mighty leap to the other side,
but he bumped his head
and was knocked out. He was rescued by another explorer called Jack
JUNIOR NEWSSO & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
Jack took Dugless to his base camp to recover
Once he had recovered, Dugless set out on his search
He searched high
He searche
d low
Dugless came upon an ancient stairway. The steps were as
tall as Dugless. It took a long time to get to the top
the evil Dugless had to hide from kittens of Ballybru
W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D
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SO JUNIOR NEWS & EVENTS
At the top of the stairs, he met
old man of the forest, James
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
ere he might find James told Dugless wh Jack and Dugless the key to Ballybru. So nd dug it out of the grou
the
Dugless had to speak to the bird who was
the keeper of the gates
Dugless found the secret entrance hidden on the wall to the city
Dugless did a back flip onto his thinking chair and started planning his next adventure!
Dugless discovered the city was
empty! In fact, he found it very boring
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JUNIOR NEWSSO & EVENTS
Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020
Kai and Kourtney Crafts K
ai, aged 8, and Kourtney, aged 7, have been spending their time making arts and crafts. With a little help, they’ve manged to make these cushions which look very comfortable indeed! And this cardboard flower garland is very pretty too. Keep up the good work guys.
Our Youngest Fundraising Hero C
T
ara, who is 6 years old, woke up one morning and told her mum that she was going to wash bikes to raise money for charity. She would charge £2 for kid’s bikes and £3 for adult’s bikes. It would be social distancing friendly, as people could just drop their bikes at the gate and she would wash them, with a little help from her assistant - “that’s you mum”! Cara’s mum then asked Cara which charity she would like to donate the money she raised to. After hearing about a few different charities, Cara chose Who Cares? Scotland because she thinks it is really sad that some young people have no families to help them out. So far Cara has raised over £360! We would like to say a massive thank you to Cara for all her hard work and picking Who Cares? Scotland. We are very grateful!
his graphic was created by C who is 5 years old with the help of his advocate Lindsay. C created his very own superhero, complete with back story and superpowers. Lindsay and C then explored what it means to be a hero, this helped C name some people in his life who are heroes to him.
Not all heroes Not all heroes have
have superpowers Not all heroes superpowers have superpowers
by C. from East Renfrewsh by C. from East Renfrewsh by C. from East Renfrewsh
Your Your mummum can can be be Your mum a hero can abehero
Heroes can Heroes becan brave be brave Heroes can
Heroes help Heroespeople help
a hero
be brave
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W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D
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Sian Wild APW Shetland 07599044615
Donna Bentley Schools Advocacy and Participation Development Officer 07748494341
Candy Preater APW Rossie 07712 866 835
Callum Ly nch Glasgow Champion s Board (PAC 0141 226 ) 4441
Morag Cantwell APW Clackmannanshire 07523512612
Mel Hunter APW Angus 07748 308 338 Pamela Hynes APW Argyll & Bute & Crossreach 07739 078 244
Jemma Kane APW Kibble 07540 823 286
Angelina Gould APW Orkney 0784 9087478
Paul Lamont APW Dundee 07787436681
Mags Corr APW North Lanarkshire 07841033018
Jordan Ray APW East Dunbartonshire 07849086681
Amy Goodwin APW Spark of Genius 07971474168
Lindsay Cook APW East Renfrewshire 07973801709
NATIONAL OFFICE: 40 Wellington Street, Glasgow, G2 6HJ. Tel: 0141 226 4441 e.mail: membership@whocaresscotland.org DUNDEE OFFICE: 11 Castle Street, Dundee DD1 3AA Tel: 01382 202888
Caroline Breen APW Renfrewshire 07394 418 025
Jacqueline McLachlan APW North Lanarkshire 07841033020
Laura Campbell North Lan Development Officer 07849086191
Lynne Morris South Lanarkshire 07786 068 138
Sharon Edwards West Lothian APW 07779 451 117
Ray MacLean APW North Lanarkshire 07523 512 800 Lisa Allan APW North Lanarkshire 07790341265
RENFREWSHIRE OFFICE: c/o West Primary School, Newton Street, Paisley, PA1 2RL 0141 887 5563 Julie MacTaggart Project Coordinator 07769 326 101
IRVINE OFFICE: Sovereign House, Academy Road, Irvine, KA12 8RL Donald Walker APW Renfrewshire 07712 865958
Lynsey Emery Development Officer 07980956140
Karen Kearney APW West Lothian 07523 512 796
Ross Thomson APW Clackmannanshire 07523 512 799
Lynne Williamson APW Aberdeenshire 07712 869 576
Cindy McNaughton Senior Practitioner Dundee 07810 570222
Heather Nailard APW Argyll & Bute 07769325000
Beth Simpson APW West Dunbartonshire 07787 560 467
Mary Bateman APW Falkirk 07739 078 247
Alison Frizzell APW Western Isles/ Eilean Siar 07764290921
Lesley Prendergast DO, Moray Champions Board 07841 032 885
Laura Graham Development Officer Highland (MAT cover) 07825269678
Brooke Reid APW Perth and Kinross 07894 084 721
Peter Melrose Aberdeen Champs Board Dev Officer 07849 083 246
Scot Millar Falkirk Champs Board Dev Officer 07712 872 096
James Cameron APW Highland 07841 878 953
Paula Campbell APW Moray 07712870335
Kirsteen Wood APW Highland (MAT cover) 07523512610
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Kiera Kerracher APW Edinburgh 07849083003
Sophie Morris APW East Lothian 07985 046739
Ewen Kerr APW South Lanarkshire 07970515442
Michelle McAtear APW South Lanarkshire 07841033107
Calum Holt Development Officer South Lanarkshire 07769 325162
Brenda Ann Murphy McKenna APW North Lanarkshire 07805 541 262
Kerry Connor APW North Lanarkshire 07841 033 019 Kari-Ann Johnston APW East Lothian & Champs Board Dev Officer 07841 033 100
Fiona Simpson APW Glasgow 07787 560 472
Kieran Platts APW Fife and Cairn Mhor 07841 033 104
Ellie Barrow APW Edinburgh & Harmeny 07970 515 440
Susan Armstrong APW Midlothian & Borders 07712872078
Lesley-Anne Rafferty APW Edinburgh 07787560471 Sarah Bailey APW North Lanarkshire 07715 312 658
Kim Campbell APW Glasgow 07712 870 343
Sheryl Kay APW South Ayrshire 07738 195 692
Denise McMillan APW East Ayrshire 07932 101 076
Jemma Kerr North Ayrshire Dev Officer 07712 870 390
www.whocaresscotland.org
Geo Welshman APW Inverclyde 07849087806