issue of SpeakOut
What the Drop In Means to Me
Kiki – WC?S Member
“The thing about being Care Experienced is that even after you’ve left the system, the system never fully leaves you so you have this strange void that can’t be filled and you can’t go back. You find yourself in situations where people are chatting about their childhood or their school days and you can’t join in, or maybe you do join in and then they ask a lot of questions but they still don’t understand – it can be tedious and lonely.
Art Attack
The Glasgow Drop In has really filled that void for me because it’s somewhere familiar I can go to and although we don’t often talk about our experiences of care, we all know how it is. I always feel welcome and accepted and although I struggle to make friends, I still have a laugh. There are times when I feel too overwhelmed or anxious to converse much, but I still go and read my book or draw and just bask in amongst the vibe of Who Cares
with friendly faces and laughter and banter. There isn’t much support for Care Experienced adults so I really appreciate Who Cares? Scotland and all the people who put their time and energy into making it a much needed organisation.”
14-year-old Max shared their amazing artwork with us at Summer Camp. Max would like to go on to become a designer or character artist for games and films. With talent like this we’re sure they will achieve their dreams!
Take Me Out to the Circus
Animal Madness!
Our West and West Central team took a bus load of excited members to see Zippo’s Circus in Glasgow in August. Highlights include La Loka the clown and the Globe of Death motorbike act.
The Chill Out and Wee Diamonds groups from Renfrewshire enjoyed a day at Blair Drummond Safari Park. Their favourite animals were the penguins and the farm animals. Take a look at this cracking photo of a goat taken by Kayla.
Caring Scotland News From the National Theatre of Scotland
We are delighted to announce the creative artists who will be working with Nicola McCartney on our threeyear Caring Scotland project. Artists Kevin Gilday, Lewis Hetherington, Sara Shaarawi, Jo Mango, Roxana Haines and Mal Fraser will form the team that will drive the project and engage with Care Experienced people from across Scotland.
Caring Scotland is a far-reaching creative oral history project led and inspired by the practice of playwright and socially engaged theatre-maker, Nicola McCartney and presented by partners National Theatre of Scotland (NTS), Who Cares? Scotland, National Library of Scotland and funded with an award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Over the next three years it will document the lives and experiences of at least 100 members of the Care Experienced community in Scotland.
Lead artist Nicola McCartney said “I’m honoured to lead this project which is about actively listening to and recording the stories Care Experienced people want to share about their lives. The most important story is the one we tell to ourselves about ourselves. And these individual stories are a vital and hitherto often overlooked part of the nation’s story, what Scotland was, is now and what we can become.”
As part of a special week of events, taking place during Care Experienced Week (19-26 Oct), these artists will be visiting five different venues across Scotland to launch the project, to meet local Care Experienced people and start to collect stories. All stories will be deposited in the final oral history sound archive, housed in perpetuity at the National Library of Scotland and will inspire the creation of the touring interactive installation as well as the photographic exhibition.
As well as the Caring Scotland team going on the road, the National Theatre of Scotland alongside partners the National Library of Scotland, will be hosting a special in conversation event on Tuesday 22 October with acclaimed artist and author Juano Diaz. Juano will be in conversation with writer, broadcaster and journalist Paul English discussing the themes of Juano’s powerful memoir, Slum Boy, an exploration of his experiences as a young boy
growing up in care in Glasgow.
Juano Diaz, artist, lent his support to the project;
“Every story matters. By sharing our journeys, we turn our experiences into powerful voices of hope, resilience, and change. Projects like Caring Scotland offer us a platform to remind the world that those who have spent time in care have a voice that belongs and a story worth telling. By doing so, we not only transform our own lives through these shared experiences but also touch the hearts of those who care to listen, inspiring understanding, empathy, and a stronger community.”
We want to hear from YOU!
Individuals can register their interest via a form on this webpage - www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/projects/caring-scotland/getinvolved-with-caring-scotland
During Care Experienced Week the Caring Scotland team will be travelling around the country, and we hope to meet and connect with the local Care Experienced community wherever we go.
Come and meet the team and artists involved, find out more about the project and, if you’d like to, share your story at the following venues:
(If you would like to book in to share your story with one of our team members, please register via the webpage above.)
DATE TIME VENUE
Saturday 19 Oct 12-4pm National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh
Thursday 24 Oct 12-4pm University of Highland & Islands, Inverness
Friday 25 Oct 12-4pm The Mitchell Library, Glasgow
Saturday 26 Oct 12-4pm The Music Hall, Aberdeen Performing Arts
Saturday 26 Oct 12-4pm Central Library, Dundee
We really want to hear from you and give people the opportunity to share their story so please do get in touch.
Oversight Board Update
Hello everyone, I hope you are enjoying this edition of SpeakOut! My name is David Anderson, and I am the current chair of the Oversight Board. I am also a member of Who Cares? Scotland (WC?S). I first became involved when I was in a residential home a loooong time ago! Back then, we were some of the first young people supported by WC?S to have our opinions considered by those who were supposed to be caring for us. Much has changed since then and I am proud to be one of those – alongside many others – who have played a small role in getting positive and necessary change for our community. I am still trying to help get things moving in the right direction and that is why I am on the Oversight Board.
So, what is the Oversight Board? It is a group of individuals tasked with assessing Scotland’s progress in keeping The Promise. The Oversight Board is made up of up to 20 people and over half of us have experience of care. Many of us care experienced members are also members of WC?S, some have even worked there! Every member of the board is involved in supporting change in their day jobs, some at a strategic level, in education, and others are working directly with children and their families. Each of us want the very best for care experienced people of all ages. We meet several times a year and also work together online to try and understand what is happening across Scotland to keep The Promise. We know there is still much work to be done for that to be the case.
Our remit is to report on a regular basis to the care community, parliament, and all those involved or interested in caring for children, young people, and their families. We do this primarily by writing annual reports (though this year we have put it back due to there being so much going on and wanting to ensure that we write as good a report as we can for the halfway mark in 2025) and
trying to support and influence Politicians, Organisations, and Public Bodies in making the necessary changes so that The Promise is kept. For example, we are having a roundtable meeting at Parliament in September to speak with MSPs and we have recently met with adoption, fostering, and kinship organisations to hear what they believe is needed to improve things further.
So that is what we are supposed to do. Does that mean we are doing it well? I don’t know, I won’t mark our own homework. In fact, it would be great to hear from some of you about how well you think the Oversight Board have kept you updated in a way that you understand and are clear about. In saying that, if I am honest and relay to you some of the conversations we have had then I would say there is definitely room for improvement with regards to how we communicate with the care community, not just WC?S members, but the community in its entirety.
In fact, this article is part of that effort. This is one of a number of ways in which we will try to ensure we get our assessment of progress to as wide an audience as possible. We are grateful to WC?S who have kindly agreed to give us a page in this magazine for the next wee while. In future editions, you’ll hear from other members and on various subjects that relate to The Promise recommendations. We hope there will be some feedback from you all so we can use this opportunity to answer any questions and consider any advice you may have for us. So please get in touch if you have anything you would like to say. We plan to invite some WC?S members to the launch of our next report in February, so we’re already looking forward to meeting some of you.
David Anderson
MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers with Who Cares? Scotland come from all walks of life and represent many different demographics. Emily Blackwood, 22, is a student from Stirling University. Initially, Emily came to us to complete a student placement which lead to her wishing to remain as a volunteer for our Glasgow Drop-in and she’ll soon be helping us in Clackmannanshire.
We asked Emily about her experience so far with Who Cares? Scotland and the benefits volunteering can bring.
How did you first get involved with Who Cares? Scotland?
I got involved with Who Cares? Scotland after doing some research: I’d been looking for a charity I could work with that supported young people’s mental health and the development of social relationships. Not long after, I decided to reach out to Who Cares? Scotland to carry out my work placement for my university course - a fab opportunity to start my volunteering journey with them.
Do you feel volunteering can help you with your education or career prospects?
Absolutely! I’ll be writing a reflective essay on my experience as part of my psychology degree. So far, my lecturer has given me really positive feedback. My personal interests are mental wellbeing and building community resilience; I hope to create meaningful change in these areas as a prospective psychologist. I’ve learned so much already in my short time with Who Cares? Scotland. It’s been a steep learning curve, but so worthwhile.
With your ongoing studies, how have you managed your volunteering time with us?
It’s been a case of planning, open communication and delegating my time wisely - all necessary skills when it comes to volunteering. Carolelynne, the Glasgow Drop In lead, has made it easy for me to stay on track and develop my role as a drop-in volunteer. It’s always helpful to be working alongside supportive and experienced staff.
You’ve taken on more than one role with us, showing fantastic commitment. What would you say to anyone looking to volunteer with us?
Consider what you bring to the role. Are you passionate about building communities? Are you willing to set aside time for training, hands-on involvement and skills development? The age groups and voluntary roles are varied; keep an eye out for any available opportunities that might fit your lifestyle. I couldn’t encourage anyone enough; if you’re thinking about volunteering with Who Cares? Scotland, go for it!
And finally, if you could sum up volunteering in one word, what would that word be?
Joyful.
If you’re thinking about volunteering for Who Cares? Scotland, you will find our current vacancies on our website – www.whocaresscotland.org/volunteer or you can email volunteering@whocarescotland.org and speak to someone on Volunteering team.
Emily Blackwood
MEMBERS MATTER!
It is an exciting time for us at Who Cares? Scotland with our new dedicated Membership and Participation Team now in place.
To kick off and show our commitment, the team are carrying out a Membership Check In. We want to hear directly from you, our Care Experienced members, to make sure that our membership offer is the best that it can be.
There are just 4 short sections which shouldn’t take you long to fill in:
• What do you think of our membership offer right now?
• Help us shape what perks, discounts, offers and opportunities you might benefit from.
• Share what issues you feel we should be speaking out about to ensure a better future for Care Experienced people.
• Help us keep your record up to date and share how’s best for us to keep in touch to ensure you hear about our exciting offers.
As well as the Check In, we are planning an important Membership Refresh which means we will contact every one of you to make sure you still wish to be a member and are happy with the personal information we hold for you. This Refresh will take place between now and the start of next year. We will either try to phone you or else email and text you, so watch out for that.
TAKE PART IN OUR MEMBERSHIP CHECK IN!
PureGym Offer
If we don’t have any contact details for you and can’t get in touch, then we are not allowed to keep any personal information about you so we would need to delete your membership record. We want to avoid this happening. If you have received this SpeakOut magazine through the post, it means you are a member. If you are not sure that we have up to date contact details for you, a way to let us know that you want to remain a member is by completing the Membership Check In or emailing membership@whocaresscotland.org.
Already our new team have secured a great offer through our partners at PureGym to allow members aged 16+ an exclusive half price membership and an opportunity to try the gym with a free day pass.
We secured this offer after a member told us how much they enjoyed attending the gym and the positive benefits to their health and wellbeing but that they found the monthly membership fee expensive. We then contacted PureGym who were delighted to partner up with us and create an offer which helped reduce the financial barrier for our members.
Find out more about our PureGym offer by visiting the Members’ Hub on our websitehttps://www.whocaresscotland.org/members-hub/ Look out for more exciting membership offers coming your way!
SUMMER
This year we held our Summer Camp in July at a brand new location – Auchengillan Scout Centre! For the first half of the week we welcomed members aged 12-15 for 2 nights of fun and friendship, swiftly followed by our 16+ camp for more good times and the final 2 nights of the week. Who Cares? Scotland Members Charlie and Lorenzo, have shared their Camp highlights with us!
Lorenzo
Day 1
CAMP
We all arrived at the 12-15 camp on the Monday, got settled in our rooms, went for a tour of the grounds and enjoyed pasta Bolognese for dinner. After dinner we played games and sang songs around the campfire. It was good to meet other members, staff and volunteers.
Day 2
Day two was a busy one choosing between activities and then covering ourselves in temporary tattoos and glitter ready for the colour run.
The colour run is an assault course where campers get covered head to toe in chalk paint before sliding down the slip-in-slide to reach the finish line. Even WC?S staff were turned into smurfs…
“My favourite activities were the climbing wall, colour run and the slip n slide. The slide was absolutely amazing!”
To top things off, we had a visit from the First Minister, John Swinney.
Being picked to welcome the First Minister was exciting. I wish I had longer to chat with him.
At nighttime campers wowed everyone with their singing, artwork, dancing, and comedy in the talent show. I made everyone laugh with my impersonations of different accents. Everyone was cheering each other on, and it was hard to get to sleep because we were so happy and excited!
Day 3
We had to say goodbye which was sad but not before a game of Camouflage where we had to try and disguise ourselves to remain unseen by the person in the middle or risk being knocked out of the game.
“I would recommend camp to anyone. Everyone was so nice. I can’t wait to be back next year!”
Number one song on repeat: Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus
Lorenzo rates camp 6 out of 5!!!
CAMP
Charlie
2024
“I had the opportunity to attend Who Cares? Scotland’s 16+ Summer Camp this year. I got the chance to meet new people and meet up with friends and spend time with everyone. I had such a great 3 days spending time with my Who Cares? Scotland family! We did ice breakers, raft building, sang songs round the camp fire, enjoyed a BBQ and swimming in the outdoor swimming pool. We laughed, giggled and had so much fun spending time together as one big family. We also had a talent show where we saw lots of amazing talent from everyone – there were poems and singing – everyone was truly amazing and inspiring and I already can’t wait till Summer Camp 2025!”
Shout Out to our Volunteers
We couldn’t do Summer Camp without support from our volunteers! Here’s what they had to say about this year’s camp:
‘Camp was brilliant, I loved it so much! Real friendships made for the young people. Definitely a massive highlight of my whole volunteering career!!’ –Heather
‘Summer Camp allows for Care Experienced people to connect with others who just get it, who they can learn from and support each other, every year I see the connections made at camp grow stronger and as always, I loved camp.’ – Lynda
‘Camp was excellent. I seen some real connections made and enjoyed spending time with the young people.’ – Dan
Celebrating
Corporate Parents
To mark the 10-year anniversary of the Children and Young People (Scotland) 2014 Act, Who Cares? Scotland hosted our first ever Corporate Parenting Awards. We presented 14 awards to winners, carefully selected for their commitment and dedication to Corporate Parenting.
Everyone needs a strong and supportive scaffold of lifelong support around them. Corporate Parents form an important piece of the scaffold that surrounds Care Experienced people throughout their lives. Although the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act incorporated Corporate Parenting into law in 2014, the idea of Corporate Parenting itself is not new. It was first discussed at Westminster Parliament in the mid 1990s and so much has been achieved since then.
We sometimes take for granted how unique this concept is and the holistic support that Corporate Parenting, when done well, provides Care Experienced people. Scotland truly is a pioneer in this respect. Only in Scotland are Corporate Parenting duties grounded in law and only in Scotland are these duties extended to such a diverse group of organisations and individuals. It’s time for Scotland to help other nations understand the impact and importance of Corporate Parenting in its widest sense.
The intention behind the Corporate Parenting Awards was to recognise the dedication and commitment of Scotland’s Corporate Parents. We created a unique and exciting space for Corporate Parents to build connections and facilitate collaboration and to inspire Corporate Parents to learn from each other and replicate positive practice.
Over the last year we have been planning this event in recognition of the hard work and progress made by Scotland’s Corporate Parents. Nominations were submitted throughout April and May, and we received an impressive array of examples of best practice. We aimed to recognise and celebrate transformative and innovative practice from the past ten years and most importantly highlight how this has benefitted Care Experienced people.
Our shortlisting panel was comprised of a diverse group of Care Experienced people and representatives from Who Cares? Scotland who dedicated their free time to helping shortlist the nominations. The awards were hosted by Eireann McAuley, Who Cares? Scotland Board Trustee.
The award categories and winners were as follows:
Care Conscious Employer Award - Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration
Changing the Narrative award - St Peter’s Primary (Renfrewshire)
Creating Financial Equality Award - North Ayrshire Council
Creating Transformation Award - Police Scotland
Equality, Respect and Love Award - Sam Curran / Amanda Reynolds
Excellence in Innovation Award - East Dunbartonshire
Health & Social Care Partnership
Lifelong Rights Awards - Student Awards Agency
Scotland
· Outstanding Corporate Parent - Midlothian Council
Outstanding Educational Practice - Further EducationWest Lothian College
Outstanding Educational Practice - Higher EducationUniversity of Strathclyde
Outstanding Educational Practice- Schools - Duncanrig High School (South Lanarkshire)
Positive Partnerships Award - Kirklandneuk Primary School (Renfrewshire)/Active Schools Renfrewshire/ One Ren
Stable Foundations Award (Housing) - Midlothian Council
Special Recognition Award – Scottish Parliament, Education & Culture Committee 2014/2014
We would like to thank all those who nominated Corporate Parents for these awards, Corporate Parents across Scotland and the Care Experienced community for their dedicated time and effort in the creation of this event.
Here’s to the next decade of promising Corporate Parenting practice!
Charlie’s reflections
“As a member of the shortlisting panel it was a great opportunity to spend time learning about the amazing work being done by Corporate Parents and the changes that are being made in the Care Experienced community throughout professional practice. I think it’s amazing that we can come together and celebrate such amazing work that shows people are willing to go above and beyond to support Care Experienced people from all walks of life. Being on the panel was a great chance for me and other Who Cares? Scotland members to come together and talk about such practice not just amongst ourselves but also with some of the amazing staff who go out into these environments and can give us a more hands on experience about the work that they also do and how it impacts Corporate Parents. It was an absolute pleasure for me to be on the shortlisting panel and also to attend on the day to present some of the awards as well as meet some of the amazing people who were nominated for such amazing work. I hope that this is the beginning of an ongoing process to help celebrate the work that will continue to have a lifelong impact in the lives of Care Experienced people.”
Jeanette’s reflections
“It was amazing to be part of the shortlisting panel for the very first Corporate Parenting Awards which recognized the outstanding work of Corporate Parents across Scotland. Shortlisting was the hardest part of the whole process, narrowing down to one overall winner was tough but as a team we managed to have some friendly discussions and come to an overall agreement on the winners. I want to thank Lynsey, Dionne, Jen & Emma for letting me be a part of it, to Charlie, Stephanie and Pauline thanks for the great teamwork to narrow down the incredible nominees and a big thanks to all the individuals who nominated and came on the day and to all the amazing Corporate Parents who joined us too and thank you for all you do for Care Experienced people.”
Stephanie’s reflections
“I was absolutely honoured to be part of the judging panel for the very first Corporate Parenting Awards. I enjoyed every stage of the process, from the first shortlisting phase right through to the award ceremony. Shortlisting was not an easy task as there were so many amazing nominations; however, it was very heartwarming to read through them all and get some insight into the hard work and dedication from the Corporate Parenting organisations and individual employees. It was especially heartwarming to read the nominations submitted by Care Experienced people and some of them brought a tear to my eye.
The award ceremony was such an inspiring day for everyone. It was great to hear Corporate Parents complimenting and congratulating one another. There was so much passion and emotion felt in the room and a few more tears were shed; all happy, proud tears.”
Information Pack
Who are Children’s Hearings Scotland?
Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) are one of the organisations who work within the children’s hearings system in Scotland. We recruit, train and support around 2,500 Panel Members across Scotland to make sure our hearings make decisions that are the best for you.
Why do we need you?
We have worked with young people with experience of the hearing system to pick out the things that are most important. You can see this in the four icons below. These are the four principles, chosen by young people with lived experience of the hearings system, which CHS must follow - Respect, Inclusion, Empowerment and Accountability. You can read more about this in our Children’s Participation and Rights Strategy.
What is the Experts by Experience Group?
Experts by Experience is a CHS national participation group, for children and young people with lived experience of the hearings system. It is an opportunity to have your voice heard and make a difference. It is a great way to influence the work of CHS and improve outcomes for children and young people. You will meet new friends and develop your confidence. There will also be lots of training opportunities to learn new skills.
Who can apply?
Any young person aged 14-25, from anywhere in Scotland who has current or recent experience of the children’s hearings system can apply to join the group. Who better to shape the work of CHS and make lasting change than those who have experienced hearings first hand?
You don’t need to have any specific skills or knowledge to apply, your passion and experience is enough. The group is fully supported by staff members of the Participation Team at CHS.
What does it involve?
The group will meet four times a year (roughly every three months). These will be informal development meetings where you can help to shape our work by sharing your views and ideas, make decisions on what topics matter to you and learn new skills. There will also be lots of extra opportunities for you to be involved in the work of CHS as well as optional group social activities you can take part in.
We can meet in-person, online or a mix of both, depending on your choice. If you need a device or internet access, we can help with that. Sometimes there may be opportunities to go on residentials and overnight stays, depending on your ideas for the group. All expenses will be covered by CHS.
How much will members receive?
Members will receive either a half-day rate (£120) or a full-day rate (£180), depending on the opportunity. There will also be other opportunities you can get involved in throughout the year. Some of these opportunities may need extra time and you might have to read or prepare things in advance. For these types of opportunities, you can receive additional payment.
How do I apply?
To register your interest please visit bit.ly/experts-by-experience or scan this QR code:
The closing date for applications is Thursday 31st October at 5pm
After we hear from you, someone from the Participation Team will be in touch to talk to you about your ideas for the group, give you an opportunity to ask questions, and find out if the group is right for you at this time. After this we will send you an application form to complete and invite you to attend an informal interview.
If you have any questions or would like an informal chat, please contact the Participation Team:
Email: chsparticipation@chs.gov.scot Text/WhatsApp: 07785 913520
ENEWSFLASH
Who Cares? Scotland’s Members’ Newsletter
very quarter 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 to access the internet. That’s why we are including a round up of important headlines from the
Harvard 2024
We welcomed back our 2024 Harvard Summer School students! After seven weeks in Boston, they landed back in Scotland on the 11th of August. We’ll be sharing their experiences in the Winter issue of SpeakOut, so look out for that.
How to Enter this Year’s Christmas Card Competition
• Draw your Christmas design on an A5 piece of paper. Landscape or portrait.
• Send your finished designs to: Who Cares? Scotland 40 Wellington Street Glasgow G2 6HJ or email them to membership@whocaresscotland.org
• Put your name, age, and contact number on the back of your entry. The winner will receive a £50 voucher and a professionally printed bundle of their cards!
• Closing date: Friday 25th October!
last couple of months and sharing them again, here in SpeakOut, so you don’t miss out.
If you’re signed up but haven’t been receiving Newsflash, just email membership@whocaresscotland. org and we’ll update your details.
Gala for Love
On the 24th of August, Who Cares? Scotland hosted the Gala for Love 2024 at the Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow. It was a very special evening with wonderful food, amazing performers, inspirational speakers, messages from our members, a fundraising auction, dancing and more!
We can now share that we raised over £20,000 – a fantastic total which will enable our Care Experienced members to come together in connection and belonging at events such as our Love Rally and Care Family Christmas.
We simply would not have been able to achieve this without all the organisations and individuals who came together to support us. Thank you to everyone who made our Gala for Love event such a success last Friday evening.
Care Experienced Week 2024: Coming Up!
Time to Shine Festival will take place on Saturday 19th October between 12-4pm at C7 in Glasgow. This year you voted for the theme to be ‘TV Characters’. We can’t wait to see what you come dressed up as! Register your space today!
Our Annual General Meeting & Love Rally Pre-Party will take place at our National Office in Glasgow this year on Saturday 26th October, timings TBC. Book a space to come along and meet our Board, have a bacon roll and make a banner for the Love Rally.
Then at 1pm we’ll head to a new starting place for this year’s Love Rally - Carrick Street by the Broomielaw –before marching onto George Square to hear from some amazing Care Experienced speakers! The theme for this year’s Love Rally is ‘Belonging & Connection’ – if you think you could be one of the speakers for this year’s rally, email mmoffat@ whocaresscotland.org for more info. Otherwise spread the word, everyone is welcome and we’ll see you on the 26th of October! Visit our website for full information and links to register!
A Summer of Sport
In July Sport Scotland decided to highlight care experience in sport through social media, blogs and a podcast episode. It was great to see care experience being discussed openly with regards to sport and its accessibility to the care community.
Who Cares? Scotland Participation & Membership Coordinator, Callum Holt, and WC?S member and volunteer, Kira Henry joined Sean and Ailsa from the Young People’s Sport Podcast to reflect on some of the barriers are for young people in care, and what can be done to ensure that sport is a welcoming place.
Callum & Kira’s Top Tips
1 2 3
Kira - There is a place for everyone in sport. Sometimes it just takes a little bit of time to find the sport you really enjoy. There is lots of information online to find out about sport near you, but I always found it helpful to speak to people around me that liked sport, teachers, friends or social workers.
Callum - Sport is great for your physical AND mental health.
Kira – Look for free taster sessions to let you try different options.
Scan the QR code to listen to the podcast
To take advantage of this exclusive offer scan the QR code to find out how to access your discount code.
Who Cares? Scotland & PureGym
We’re delighted to tell you that Who Cares? Scotland have partnered with the UK’s biggest gym chain, PureGym to offer our members an exclusive 50% discount on monthly memberships plus no joining fee. At the heart of this collaboration lies a shared commitment to empowering Care Experienced people to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives. As, research from
Loughborough University in 2020 highlighted that of those asked only 40% of Care Experienced young people felt they had the same opportunities to take part in sport compared to their nonCare Experienced friends, with money being highlighted as one of the main barriers. PureGym is dedicated to helping people lead healthier lives and this new partnership is one of many ways they are looking to do that.
Natasha Noon, a Who Cares? Scotland member said:
I think this offer is really good as it helps remove the barrier for some Care Experienced people for getting to the gym. It makes things more equal for the Care Experienced people which is a good thing.
Weightlifting Wonder
As part of a deep dive into care experience and sport, we heard from Heather Robertson about her discovery of the world of Olympic Weightlifting. Heather grew up in foster care and now works as a social worker.
Growing up I was never the sporty one. I was always the one to be picked last and to come last in any sporting events. I didn’t have positive influences in my life that promoted sports or even exercise.
In 2022 after having my little boy I needed to find something for myself, something that I could enjoy away from being a mum. That’s when I found CrossFit. I joined CrossFit Paisley in April 2033. CrossFit consist of high intense training that can range from cardio, weight training and gymnastics. I also met my current coach Viki, from our weekly sessions it was clear that I wasn’t enjoying CrossFit, however, I liked the weight training aspect of the workouts. Viki suggested that I focus on what I loved which was Olympic lifting.
Olympic Weightlifting consists of two lifts. A snatch and a clean and jerk. Less than two years ago these two movements were non-existent to me.
Both of these movements require coordination, speed and balance. I started off barely able to move the weights over my head, wobbly, unbalanced and uncoordinated. I stuck at it for 12 weeks and on the 10th of February 2024 I competed in my first ever competitive weightlifting competition. I came first with snatch of 42kg and clean and jerk of 50kg.
I was completely nervous and was so worried I’d embarrass myself in a room full of people however the entire time I felt strong and powerful something I had never felt growing up.
Since my first competition in February I’ve continued to train four times per week. I’ve went
on to compete in a further two competitions my last one was in a few weeks ago! Weightlifting has provided me with the opportunity to feel strong and powerful. It’s a sport that has its ups and downs and some training sessions don’t always go to plan. However, it’s something I do for me and it’s something that I enjoy. Currently I’m 4th in Scotland for my weight category and I hope to compete again at the end of the year.
My coach Viki is my inspiration. She taught me to me more confident and to believe in myself! She’s currently European champion. She’s a fantastic coach and without her I would never have started!
If you are interested in finding out more about Olympic Weightlifting visit www.weightliftingscotland.com to find your nearest club.
Football is for
Continuing our Summer of Sport, we heard from Lisa Mason about her love of sport and how football gave her a consistent outlet where she felt safe and like she belonged.
Growing up on the Isle of Lewis, my love for football was an unbreakable bond that shaped my childhood and continues to define who I am today. Obviously, something that comes with passion also comes with its challenges, especially as a girl in a community where traditional views dominated, and the older generation often dismissed football as a sport for boys.
From a young age, I was aware of the stigma. Girls weren’t supposed to play football, or at least that was the unspoken rule. Whenever I laced up my boots and stepped onto the pitch, I could feel the eyes of disapproval on me. It was a heavy burden to carry, knowing that my dream of becoming a professional footballer was seen as unconventional, even rebellious. The judgement and occasional comments questioning my place on the field were constant reminders of the societal barriers I was up against.
These challenges were compounded by my personal circumstances. Growing up in care, life was often difficult and filled with uncertainty. The instability brought on immense stress, and I frequently felt lost in a world that seemed too big and too harsh. Amidst the chaos, football became my safety net. It was the one thing that made sense, a place where I could escape and find freedom.
Every time I played, I felt a surge of happiness and a sense of belonging that I rarely experienced elsewhere.
Football was more than just a game for me; it was my lifeline. On the pitch, I was not a girl defying societal expectations or a child in care. I was simply a footballer, free to express myself and pursue my passion. The field was my safe place, a place where the noise of the outside world faded away, leaving only the sound of the ball and the rhythm of the game. It was in these moments that I felt truly alive.
Despite the happiness football brought me, the journey was not without its struggles. The negative energy and judgement from those around me sometimes made it difficult to stay motivated. However, my love for the game was unwavering. I learned to channel the negativity into fuel for my determination, proving to myself and others that I belonged on that pitch just as much as
Everyone —— Care Cup 2024
One of the best experiences in my football journey has been the support from Who Cares? Scotland. They provided opportunities that I never thought possible, like the Care Cup, a tournament that allowed me to showcase my talent and meet other young people who shared my love for the sport.
Through these opportunities, I found a community that embraced and uplifted me. Playing football without the weight of negative energy is a feeling I cherish every day. The support network I discovered helped me realise that the football community had been missing out on the unique talents and perspectives of Care Experienced young people. We have so much to offer, and our love for the game is profound, forged in the crucible of our
Today, I play football with a renewed sense of purpose and joy. The judgments and stigma that once overshadowed my passion have diminished, replaced by confidence in my abilities and my right to pursue my dreams. Football is not just a sport for boys or girls; it is a sport for anyone with the heart and determination to play. I also take part in shinty and rugby.
My journey has been marked by challenges, but it has also been enriched by the unwavering support of those who believed in me. Football has given me a place of happiness and belonging, a reminder that no matter the obstacles, pursuing what you love is always worth it. As I continue to play and grow, I am committed to showing the world that Care Experienced young people are a vital part of the football community, bringing resilience, passion, and a unique perspective that enriches the beautiful game.
Speaking of football…our annual football tournament was back to host a whole day of 5-a-side games. We had two leagues playing simultaneously. Congratulations to winning teams:
And well done to everyone that took part, it was a fantastic day where Care Experienced people from all over Scotland gathered to compete in an inclusive environment. Football and sport can transcend language and cultural barriers, and it was great to see so many of our refugee members, like Ibrahima enjoying themselves and feeling included.
It’s my third time playing the tournament. I really enjoy playing in the tournament. I’ve made a lot of friends from other countries. I hope to play again next year.
Also, shout out to our wonderful cheerleaders Lynda & Heather!
Unity FC Renfrewshire Rocks
Ibrahima
BOOK REVIEW
By Susie Robertson
Iwas delighted to read the second instalment of Care Experienced author, Emma Norry’s Fablehouse series, having read and enjoyed the first book. What was even more special was getting to sit down with Emma to talk about the books, her care journey and hear some words of wisdom about pursuing a career in writing. Let’s start with the review… spoilers ahead!
In Heart of Fire we return to the children’s home, Fablehouse, where our protagonist, Heather and her band of
friends, “the roamers” are in trouble again. This time because the local village has turned further against them – they don’t like that they are different and there are undercurrents of racism but also the stereotypical assumptions that kids in care are troublesome. The Fablehouse children aren’t even allowed to attend school but try to petition for permission to join and receive the same education as their village peers.
After the first book each of the roamers has acquired a magical power. Lloyd can now move at super speed, Nat can alter people’s perceptions and make them see what he wants them to see, and Arlene can enchant people with her beautiful
singing. Heather’s fire powers have become particularly difficult for her to manage as her emotions are connected to her power.
Arlene is desperate for a family. This desperation makes her vulnerable to the wily Rose, who wants to adopt her and separate her from her friends. Rose seems to be very pleasant and friendly, but when things start to go badly wrong for the roamers, Heather suspects that Rose may not be all she seems.
Heart of Fire is an edge-of-your seat, action-packed adventure as the children fight to save their home, and their Arthurian knight protector, Pal, is distracted by a centuriesold quest that he
must complete. The children must discover the truth of who is a friend, and who is an enemy, before all is lost. Heather is a wonderful character, brave and loyal to her friends, she is determined to overcome her fears about her fire power so that she can use it for good and not for destruction.
I actually liked Heart of Fire more than the last book, and I think this is because I felt more familiar and connected to the characters. Book one was all about setting the scene, where book two develops the characters fully and focused on their emotional vulnerabilities. If like me you have become a big fan of the series I have bad news for you, there is not going to be a third!
I caught up with writer, Emma Norry over Zoom alongside some of our members to chat to her about her life and work. Emma explained that the idea for Fablehouse was brought to her by Jasmine Richards from Storymix, who envisioned four characters with magical powers based on Lucy Bland’s book, Britain’s Brown Babies. She is looking forward to working on a project where she has more flexibility and can write from her own imagination.
Emma talked a little bit about her
childhood and how books were always her comfort during difficult times. Emma spent a lot of her childhood at Suffolk House, which is a children’s home in Cardiff. Emma felt different from the other children because she “had a massive Afro, was really chatty, and a massive attention seeker.” This is why she feels she was never picked to be fostered. When she was about ten, she was sent to live with foster parents in the Suffolk countryside. She would pass the time going long bike rides and setting up a blanket in a field where she could immerse herself in a book.
Emma went on to study Film and Screenwriting, because she thought it would be fun and easy, but what probably made it fun and easy was her incredible imagination and talent for writing. She describes herself as a positive person with low expectations. She tried to keep grounded in reality
so she can be pleasantly surprised by her achievements. She says that as Care Experienced person her education was something she was proud of. It felt like something that could never be taken away from her and she said that Care Experienced people “need something they can keep.”
Heart of Fire was nominated for a Yoto Carnegie Award but she says her path to success hasn’t been linear. She says she tries to place less attachment on the outcome of projects and instead focus on the stories she wants to tell.
Her advice for any budding writers was to try out flash writing and to share your writing with other writers for feedback.
I highly recommend both Fablehouse books and look forward to Emmawhateverreading brings out next.
Refugee Week
Rappin’ & Rhyming
Refugee Week took place between the 17th and 23rd of June this year. The week long festival is a celebration of the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Established in 1998 in the UK, the annual global festival aligns with World Refugee Day, celebrated worldwide on June 20th. In Scotland the Refugee Festival is organised by The Scottish Refugee Council but hundreds of people and organisations across Scotland come together to make it happen – from refugee-led community groups and individual artists to activists and welcome groups and national cultural institutions.
This year we joined up with The Guardianship Service and Standing Tall to host a day of music and celebration in Glasgow.
The Guardianship Scotland is a specialist statutory service providing Independent Child Trafficking Guardians (ICTG) to all unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, victims of trafficking and children vulnerable to trafficking who arrive in Scotland. They deliver this in partnership with Aberlour and the Scottish Refugee Council on behalf of the Scottish Government. This means that children under the age of 18 who have come to the United Kingdom and are separated from their parents have a right to receive support from The Guardianship.
Guardians help children and young people settle into a new life in Scotland. They help young people cope with being apart from their families in a strange, new country.
They provide advocacy like we do and upholding their rights. They help navigate complex trafficking, asylum, welfare, criminal justice and age assessment processes and provide emotional support.
We are keen to be recognised and approachable by young people using the Guardianship Service so that when their official support ends at 18 they can come to us not only for guidance but for opportunities to make new friends, feel welcomed by the Who Cares? Scotland community and feel the same sense of belonging our members feel.
Watch the music video!
Standing Tall are another excellent charity who provide arts opportunities to unaccompanied young people and refugees.
They provide a fortnightly arts and cultural participation group for young people to attend, delivering a range of arts and cultural activities, from ceramics to dance, from puppet making to photography and weekend residentials.
Standing Tall Bars is a songwriting project led by Rapper and Songwriter Peter Masambuku, a.k.a. PAQUE, and supported by musician, Declan Welsh. Over 8-months, young people learned about writing hip hop and rap, exploring beats, creating lyrics,
I am rapping about Africa. It makes me happy. I enjoy singing with my friends. It makes me smile. Participant
I heard about a group where I can meet people and record music. I will keep trying with this. I like music. I like being part of this.
Participant
I wrote about my love of football. Participant
Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024
Each year in August Edinburgh becomes the stage for the biggest arts and culture festival in the world. The streets are filled with jugglers, magicians, dancers, fire-breathers and live music creating a buzz and vibrance that transforms the cobbled streets. While people living in Edinburgh become exasperated by the hustle and bustle, tourists and visitors descend on the city to enjoy street-food, performances and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
by Leah Flint
This year we were lucky enough to get free tickets for members to see four different shows that linked to the topic of care in one way or another. Member, Leah Flint has written reviews of three of them. We’ve shortened these slightly for the magazine but you can read in them all in full on our website. Leah is a masters student studying journalism at Glasgow Caledonian University and jumped at the chance to flex her writing skills and accessing some free culture!
Precious Cargo Written and Performed by Barton Williams Produced by sruth-mara in association with An Lanntair
When many people think of a family unit, they typically imagine the conventional structure: a mother, a father, and perhaps some grandparents and siblings. However, this is not the reality for everyone. For those who have been adopted or are in care, the concept of family can carry a complex duality—one of both agonising longing and deep appreciation. The agony stems from the desire to know one’s biological family, while the appreciation is for the family they have now. This duality is powerfully portrayed by Australian writer-performer Barton Williams (Huynh van Cuong) in his work. Williams takes us on a compelling journey through the conflict, childhood trauma, and racism that come with being a child evacuated from a war zone, specifically the Vietnam War. This gut-wrenching and soul-stirring story prompts us
to recognise the value of knowing our family roots. While having family members doesn’t always guarantee a healthy family dynamic, knowing where you come from and who your parents are is a privilege not everyone has.
For those who do not know what it’s like to have a biological family, there can be a deep sense of insecurity in not “fitting into” the social order expected from the typical family unit. This is especially true for ethnic minorities who have been separated from their countries of origin and placed in families where they don’t see their genetic makeup reflected.
Precious Cargo explores this feeling of alienation through Barton’s personal struggle with identity. Although Barton cherishes his adopted family, nothing compares to the longing for a connection with
someone you’ve never met but instinctively know you are bonded to.
This play is a remarkable, reflective piece, and I had the pleasure of seeing Barton Williams receive the Lustrum Award, which Summerhall bestows on its most unforgettable shows. As a witness to this deep, profound, and heartfelt story, I must say that this award was more than deserved. Whether the audience left clapping in joy or moved to tears, Precious Cargo leaves you contemplating the meaning of home. Is home where you come from? Is it with people who look like you? Or is home simply where you choose to make it?
Scaffolding
written by Lucy Bell
Produced by Documental Theatre, Bristol Old Vic and the Pleasance
Scaffolding is a compelling onewoman show centred on the vibrant and enigmatic Sheridan, a mother whose infectious energy initially masks the deep-seated trauma and challenges she faces. As the play unfolds, we meet our protagonist, a lovable rogue who becomes infatuated with the impending closure of her church. Yet, this obsession hints at a more profound issue, Adult Social Care is closely monitoring her due to concerns about her nonverbal daughter.
Isolated and with nowhere else to turn, Sheridan makes the bold decision to climb atop the scaffolding surrounding the church. Though she remains physically rooted on this precarious perch, the audience is swept along on an emotional journey
Theatre Trust
as she recounts her heart-wrenching story.
The play masterfully conveys its message without ever leaving the stage, using rapid-fire, relatable emotions to create an unforgettable experience. This dark comedy skilfully charms the audience exploring the hardships of motherhood and the weight of generational trauma, all while remaining deeply engaging and entertaining.
Even those unfamiliar with the intricacies of motherhood will find themselves captivated by Sheridan’s irresistible childlike humour, such as her whimsical comparisons of the vicar to Hugh Grant. The clever blend of childhood innocence with adult realities adds a nostalgic touch that
resonates with anyone who has grappled with trauma. By using humour as a coping mechanism and turning to religion as a refuge, the play highlights the loneliness that stems from feeling misunderstood. Yet amidst the chaos and trauma, there is a poignant vulnerability that speaks to the shared experience of generational pain.
Scaffolding not only underscores the importance of passion and love but also delves into the significance of self-reflection. While it may seem cliché, the play reminds us that nobody is perfect—just as the church is imperfect, so too are we.
No One is Coming Written and Performed by Sinéad O’Brien
Produced by Wandering Stories
This one-woman show cannot be compared to any other. Original, authentic and passionate no other characters are needed to transform the complexity of this story. The play, based on the actress, Sinéad O’Brien’s real-life events is covered in humour, Irish folklore stories and exploration of mental health.
We follow Sinead’s life in unchronological order, back to front, up and down. An accurate account of the actuality of those who experience the troubles of someone else’s mental health, resulting in their estrangement. Combining comedy and a taste of Ireland is a testimony to its originality and flare. A logical story that opens wounds for public scrutiny, similar to what we see on the Netflix show, Baby Reindeer.
Described as ‘A love letter to my mother that I’ll never send’ this storytelling journey of trauma is a rollercoaster of emotions that jumps from past, present and future. The
cruel twist of fate that is the result of a tragic childhood exemplifies what it is like to love someone but not like them. She is scared of her mother and often holds her accountable but in the same breath she understands her. Sinead captures the emphasis of coming from a fractured family through honesty. This honesty cuts deep and we the audience are given the knife, limited to only a slice of the story. The reflective aspect of symbolism through folklore is an interesting spin on escapism and realism.
It’s these reflections that spellbind the entire theatre through Sinéads engrossing writing, directing and acting, the magic that can only come from the rawest form of emotion. Both powerful and enchanting we gain a gripping sense of reality, whether it’s the exceptional acting, lack of props or the choice of lighting that brings the set to life. The sorcery of narration is more than enough to
paint the picture. Even an outline of a rectangle shown through a source of light to represent a sleeping bag powerfully draws the audience in. This perspective of her relationship with her mother debuts the importance of being vulnerable about mental health through funny anecdotes and mythology. By the end, you will feel as if you were talking to a friend or a loved one due to its relatability and home truths.
This is clear in the show’s successful run, having sold out at the Prague Fringe Festival. Sinéad was also invited to be part of the ‘Bitesize Festival’ in London’s Riverside Studios in February 2022. A mustwatch with limited viewings, this is an hour of your time you would not regret losing, as simply being an audience member is enough to gain more than you expect.
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