Speak Out December 2015 by Who Cares? Scotland

SpeakOut WHO CARES? SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Care Family

Christmas p14-15 to catch up on all the action from National Care #NCLWS15 See Leavers Week Scotland 2015 and the Time to Shine Festival

PLUS!

LAURIE’S FACTS, GAMESTATION & SO JUNIOR!

DECEMBER 2015

Meet the three brothers who designed this year’s Who Cares? Scotland Christmas cards!

t Ou k ea Sp of e su is st te la e th to e m Welco NEWS & EVENTS CONTENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

NEWSWELCOME & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

e...

’s insid t a h w t u o k c e Ch

Welcome to SpeakOut’s Bumper Christmas Issue!

This issue’s front cover shows brothers Andrew (9), Daniel (7) and Martin (6) with their designs for WC?S’s Christmas Cards. Aren’t they fantastic? Also worth noting this issue contains a jumbo Celebrating You section because you guys have done so many things worth celebrating this year that we had to get extra pages to fit you all in! Check out the SO Junior section where we’re looking for your help to create our very own SpeakOut comic strip using the characters of the WC?S logo. Unsure what you’re doing on Christmas Day, then check out www.carefamilychristmas.org to find out about this year’s Care Family Christmas Dinner. But whatever you end up doing this Christmas, from everyone involved in SpeakOut and the wider Who Cares? Scotland Family we wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! See you in 2016!

The Speak Out Team

Inside this issue 2-3

Welcome

Celebrating You 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 7

YFI Awarded Spirit of Youth Nicole’s Gift Euan’s Letter Safari School Spark Drama Project Megan’s Story... Masterchef Natasha Renfrewshire Champs

Lifestyle... 8 9 10 11

Say Hey to your Editorial team…

We do! We love hearing from you, so please share your poems, stories, pictures, jokes or tell us about something you’ve done. SpeakOut needs you! So get involved.

LAURIE

Theighan Talks How To AJ’s Reflection Getting to know Susan Armstrong

KIERAN

JULIE

News & Events...

7 15

12-13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Regional Roundup #NCLWS15 Time to Shine A ‘Zoo’per Day Out Chat for Change W Dun YP get involved Treezone Coasteering

21 Laurie’s Facts 22 What’s Hot What’s Not 23 In Fashion 24-25 Gamestation

SO Junior... 25

20 2

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

26 26 27

My holiday to Blackpool Artwork Corner Speak Out Comic Strip

Contact Page

@whocaresscot

Who Cares? Scotland Community

EUAN

kmacmillan@ whocaresscotland.org

KATIE

Entertainment... 9

WANT TO SEE YOUR NAME IN PRINT?

SHAUNE

RAY

t x e n n i o j Want to ? m a e t l a i r o i ssue’s edit

tie – h with Ka c u to in t 560 e you, just g d.org / 07816 069 e v a h to n We’d love aresscotla n@whoc la il m c a km

5 Oswald St Glasgow G1 4QR Tel: 0141 226 4441 whocaresscotland.org The views expressed by the young people in this magazine are their own and not necessarily those of Who Cares? Scotland.

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

t Ou k ea Sp of e su is st te la e th to e m Welco NEWS & EVENTS CONTENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

NEWSWELCOME & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

e...

’s insid t a h w t u o k c e Ch

Welcome to SpeakOut’s Bumper Christmas Issue!

The Speak Out Team

Inside this issue 2-3

Welcome

Celebrating You 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 7

YFI Awarded Spirit of Youth Nicole’s Gift Euan’s Letter Safari School Spark Drama Project Megan’s Story... Masterchef Natasha Renfrewshire Champs

Lifestyle... 8 9 10 11

Say Hey to your Editorial team…

We do! We love hearing from you, so please share your poems, stories, pictures, jokes or tell us about something you’ve done. SpeakOut needs you! So get involved.

LAURIE

Theighan Talks How To AJ’s Reflection Getting to know Susan Armstrong

KIERAN

JULIE

News & Events...

7 15

12-13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Regional Roundup #NCLWS15 Time to Shine A ‘Zoo’per Day Out Chat for Change W Dun YP get involved Treezone Coasteering

21 Laurie’s Facts 22 What’s Hot What’s Not 23 In Fashion 24-25 Gamestation

SO Junior... 25

20 2

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

26 26 27

My holiday to Blackpool Artwork Corner Speak Out Comic Strip

Contact Page

@whocaresscot

Who Cares? Scotland Community

EUAN

kmacmillan@ whocaresscotland.org

KATIE

Entertainment... 9

WANT TO SEE YOUR NAME IN PRINT?

SHAUNE

RAY

t x e n n i o j Want to ? m a e t l a i r o i ssue’s edit

tie – h with Ka c u to in t 560 e you, just g d.org / 07816 069 e v a h to n We’d love aresscotla n@whoc la il m c a km

5 Oswald St Glasgow G1 4QR Tel: 0141 226 4441 whocaresscotland.org The views expressed by the young people in this magazine are their own and not necessarily those of Who Cares? Scotland.

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

CelebratingYou! CELEBRATING YOU

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

Celebrating you is a space for you guys to tell us what you’ve been gett ing up to and to share anything you proud of. We love getting stuff from might be really you, so please send in your poems, stori es, pictures, jokes or tell us about som favourite hobby or a new pet, and we’ll ething you’ve done, your include it in the next issue of SpeakOu t. kmacmilla

n@whocaresscotland. org – 5 Oswald Street, Gla sgow, G1 4QR

YFI Awarded A Spirit of Youth

massive ‘WELL DONE’ to the YFI (Young Fun Individuals) group for receiving a Spirit of Youth award at a fantastic ceremony at Perth Concert Hall!

Megan, Chloe, Breagh, Niomi and Heather who were representing the group were happy to lift the trophy on the night! The girls were nervous to go on stage to accept the award, but were happy and extremely proud to be recognised for their hard work and commitment. The group have produced a DVD, sharing their experiences of care which has been shown to various audiences to raise awareness. The girls are fired up and ready to play their part in improving lives for care experienced young people.

s ' e l o Nic

Gift addition

In me to the ca ) 2 e ran a stall (2 sh le o ic d ast year N ary n a r e n at Beith Prim Day Din s a m st ri h C WC?S od it Christmas fair y with how go a w a n w lo b s t selling raffle wa ay have spen m o h w le p o e tickets for a was. Young p for food, r e h th e g to e hamper whic cam the day alone ed is ra so . al has lots of fun presents and e decided she would like to over £50.

ol This year, Nic ristmas Dinner this year’s Ch r fo se ai dr n mething help fu erself to do so h on up it ok ing magnets and to has been mak e ol ic N . ul rf ily and fellow wonde to friends, fam em en th g in ll Claire has be and se e. Her friend eg ll to co ed at ag ts as man studen em and she h th ll se er h g helpin g £150. lutely amazin raise an abso

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

azing gh This is an am ank you enou d we can’t th an t en m ve ie ach out this year’s Nicole! know more ab to ke li d u’ yo If just visit ristmas Dinner h C y il m Fa e Car as.org/ efamilychristm ar .c w w /w :/ http

Euan's Letter

CELEBRATING YOU

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

e always say that love hearing from our SpeakOut readers, and the letter below is a perfect example of why! Euan sent us this very interesting letter expressing his desire to become a police officer so we got some of our Friends from Police Scotland Barrhead Group 4 to send him this message -

Safari School

Hello, y Croan My name is Euan and I am 15 years old. My YPW Maand recently showed me the September issue of Speak Outng peoIple was very interested in the article on p14 about the youfew people who visited the Police College. I myself am one of very bition who respect the Police and the job they do. My main am with in life to is to become a Police officer. I am very friendlyng people the Police officers in my area and think that the 7 you I who got to go the Police College were very lucky I so wish e got to go there. I have asked my YPW to keep me up doifdatany with any other things come up to do with the Police and w how opportunities come up I will definitely be interested. I kno in hard the job can be but I think I can handlethit. My planybe go life is to stay in high school until the end of 6 year, maor the to college for a few months and do a computing course join the Policing studies course, then get myself ready to apply to Police force. I hope you found this interesting. Yours sincerely

Becky (18)

went on a Safari school during the summer for one week at Blair Drummond Safari park and I loved it. I got to see Elephants, Monkeys, Giraffes, Sea Lions, Lemars, Tigers and Lions. I loved the Monkeys, one even sat on my knee. It was hard and tiring work but great fun. I fed the animals and cleaned out their homes. The best part was playing with the animals. I learned how to tell if the animals were unwell and what to do and how to keep them safe. I really enjoyed learning what it means to work at a Safari.

Euan

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

CelebratingYou! CELEBRATING YOU

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

n@whocaresscotland. org – 5 Oswald Street, Gla sgow, G1 4QR

YFI Awarded A Spirit of Youth

massive ‘WELL DONE’ to the YFI (Young Fun Individuals) group for receiving a Spirit of Youth award at a fantastic ceremony at Perth Concert Hall!

s ' e l o Nic

Gift addition

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

Euan's Letter

CELEBRATING YOU

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

Safari School

Becky (18)

Euan

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

CELEBRATING YOU

SPARK DRAMA PROJECT T

his summer young people from Spark of Genius took part in a 3 day drama project. Young people worked together along with staff to create several short pieces looking at the different scenarios that care experienced young people can face. The aim of the drama was to help young people and staff to understand each other better. One young person stated: “On the third day I was pretending to be an angry child. I got to sweep the desk throwing things onto the floor when pretending to be angry. I enjoyed that part the best.” The young people and staff were then given the chance to swap roles so they could look at these scenarios from each other’s view point. One young person stated: “It was fun pretending to be staff and seeing things from a different side”.

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

MEGAN'S STORY... M

egan (18) shared her story for the first time to an audience of Corporate Parents at a recent training session in Perth. Megan’s story gave the Corporate Parents present an insight into the life of a care experienced young person and prompted many discussions how to improve services. Megan stated that she was extremely nervous, but was glad that she told her story to raise awareness of some of the issues care experienced young people may face. There were a few tearful eyes to be witnessed in the room when Megan finished her story……Well Done Megan for being so brave!!!

Masterchef Natasha (11)

CELEBRATING YOU

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

e r i h s w e r f Ren Champs I

t’s been a fantastic few months for the Renfrewshire Champions Board with lots of exciting things happening. In October 2015 we went on our 2nd annual residential to Wiston Lodge near Biggar. We had a fantastic few days jam-packed with workshops, outdoor activities and most importantly FUN! We conquered Tinto Hill, faced our fears with some high climbing challenges, had a drumming lesson around the campfire and all got a good soaking during the raft building activity. A good time was had by all and we’re already getting excited for next year!

In November we held our ‘Formal Board Meeting’ in which the young people and their Corporate Parents come together to discuss recent activity and talk about different issues. During this session we focused on wellbeing and what Corporate Parents could do to help young people to be safe, healthy and nurtured. The Champions Board were nominated for the ‘Partnership Award’ and Alice Ferguson was nominated for the ‘Young Achiever Award’ as part of Renfrewshire Children’s Services

Quality Awards. The glitzy Award Ceremony was held in Paisley Town Hall on a wet November evening and the whole group had the privilege of attending. It was great evening and to top it all off WE WON BOTH AWARDS! On winning the young achiever’s award Alice said ‘I was completely overwhelmed and really pleased to have won the award’. Congratulations to everyone involved! It is great to get some recognition for all the hard work that has been put in.

atasha (11) loves cooking for the staff and other young people in her unit, from Ceasar Salads to Cupcakes, she’s done it all. To thank her, the staff have sent in some pictures of Natasha in action and some quotes from her satisfied diners!

“ Great host and great food “ “ The best I’ve ever tasted

“

Yum !“

“

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

CELEBRATING YOU

SPARK DRAMA PROJECT T

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

MEGAN'S STORY... M

Masterchef Natasha (11)

CELEBRATING YOU

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

e r i h s w e r f Ren Champs I

“ Great host and great food “ “ The best I’ve ever tasted

“

Yum !“

“

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

THEIGHAN TALKS Thieghan and Sarah Jane

Recently we found out that there has been funding cuts that will affect help for those with Additional Support Needs. We know that this can be a big help to young people who live in care, especially at times when they are finding school difficult. We wanted to find out more about what this support can do for someone in care, so we spoke to Theighan McGirr, 17, who has just left school. Where do you stay just now? I stay in a Children’s Unit in Renfrew. I’ve lived there since I was 7 years old, so that’s me been there for 10 years! What is it like staying there? I’ve loved living here, it’s my home - I’ve lived here longer than I lived with my mum. I get on well with the staff too. Sometimes it can be difficult though. It can be noisy and unsettled. You never know who is coming to stay there next or how long they will be there for. It can really impact on everyday things like school.

the night. I didn’t have a large group of friends at school. I have Attachment Disorder and sometimes I find it difficult to make friendships. But I’ve now learned how to work around it!

Did you enjoy being at school? Yes I’ve always loved school. If I ever felt like I needed some time away from the unit, school gave me the chance to clear my head and focus on other things.

What helped at school? I was told in high school that I had ‘additional support needs’. Not because I had learning difficulties but just because I was in care. I had a tiny yellow sticker next to my name on the register so teachers knew that I might need extra support. It also meant that they understood that if I was grumpy then it might be because of something that happened in the unit the night before. My behaviour got loads better because of the extra support. I was given time to talk and an area to go to so I could finish my homework.

What kinds of things made school difficult? It wasn’t easy combining school with living in care. I remember I was kept up until 4am before an exam once. Police had brought another young person home and it meant there was a lot of noise throughout

Who helped you the most? I had support from several teachers but it was my guidance teacher, Mrs Blair, who really made the difference. I could talk to her about anything and she actually cared about me. If it was important to me, then it was important to her.

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

HOW TO... MAKE A CELEBRATION LANTERN

The finished frame

By Brian (14)

You will need: • PVA Glue • Greaseproof paper • Flexible Dowling rods

What didn’t help at school? Sometimes teachers would say things that would make me think they were judging Thieghan and me for being Mrs Blair in care. Like, if I was struggling, they might say “oh is that because you are in care”. It was just bad communication. What are your plans now that you have left school? I’ve just found out I got into University so I’m going to study BSc Applied Psychology. I want to be a teacher in the future and help young people in the same way that my teachers helped me. I also work as a carer for a girl called Sarah Jane who has Cerebral Palsy. I love doing that so I plan to continue for as long as I can! Do you have any advice for other young people in care and at school? Don’t give up on school. Go find your Mrs Blair! She’s worth the wait.

Make sure you use an LED candle to avoid a fire hazard!

• LED Candle • Coathanger hook • Strong tape

Step 1 - With the dowling rods, make an X shaped frame for your base then attach a rod to each corner and join at the top in a pyramid shape. Use the tape to make all the joins. Step 2 - Attach the LED candle to the base of the frame – inside the pyramid. Step 3 - Tape rods bent into different shapes between the rods making the pyramid.

Step 4 - Layer the greaseproof paper with glue and leave to dry. This will be your ‘skin’. You will need several layers. Step 5 - Tape your ‘skin’ on to the frame once it has dried out.

What are we celebrating then Brian!?

Step 6 - Attach a coat hanger hook to the top to carry your lantern. Step 7 - Hang your lantern somewhere and celebrate!

UPCYCLE

Step 1 - Find an old t-shirt.

By Sami-Ray (13)

Step 2 - From the bottom cut thin strips and stop when you are about half way upwards. Step 3 - Tie a loose knot using the one next to it and do that the whole way around. Step 4 - Pull a strip through from the back of the t-shirt and put it through the knot across from it and tie a tight knot.

Step 5 - Cut all remaining tails of t-shirt and discard off. Step 6 - Wear and be fabulous!

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

THEIGHAN TALKS Thieghan and Sarah Jane

the night. I didn’t have a large group of friends at school. I have Attachment Disorder and sometimes I find it difficult to make friendships. But I’ve now learned how to work around it!

Did you enjoy being at school? Yes I’ve always loved school. If I ever felt like I needed some time away from the unit, school gave me the chance to clear my head and focus on other things.

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

HOW TO... MAKE A CELEBRATION LANTERN

The finished frame

By Brian (14)

You will need: • PVA Glue • Greaseproof paper • Flexible Dowling rods

Make sure you use an LED candle to avoid a fire hazard!

• LED Candle • Coathanger hook • Strong tape

Step 4 - Layer the greaseproof paper with glue and leave to dry. This will be your ‘skin’. You will need several layers. Step 5 - Tape your ‘skin’ on to the frame once it has dried out.

What are we celebrating then Brian!?

Step 6 - Attach a coat hanger hook to the top to carry your lantern. Step 7 - Hang your lantern somewhere and celebrate!

UPCYCLE

Step 1 - Find an old t-shirt.

By Sami-Ray (13)

Step 5 - Cut all remaining tails of t-shirt and discard off. Step 6 - Wear and be fabulous!

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

AJ’s Reflection Depression! My lifelong friend, the constant voices inside my head. AJ’s (22) frank reflection on what it is like to live with depression.

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

Meet your Advocates

usan Armstrong is the Senior Practitioner for Edinburgh and she has worked for WC?S for 8 years. Susan’s fun fact is that she’s a member of a curling team.

If you’re from Edinburgh and you would like an advocate, you can get in touch with Susan on 07712 872 078. If you’re from somewhere else in Scotland and would like to speak to someone, just have a look at the back of this magazine where you can find the numbers for all our YPWs.

here’s a demon eating at my very soul. It feels like an invisible heaviness weighing me down, stealing my joy and leaving a destructive emptiness in its path. My thoughts are completely overrun by my emotions, I feel as if I’m falling through a never ending black hole. I block out anything positive in my life, focussing only on the negative. I don’t even know who I am anymore, behind the masks I wear I am just a void, I no longer exist, depression is winning. I’m no longer me but just a statistic. I even struggle seeing my own reflection at times because in my head, all I see is the worthlessness. This is what it feels like when you suffer from depression. I used to have breakdowns frequently where I would just start crying out of the blue. I felt so tired and weak. Sometimes in an attempt to deal with how I was feeling I would take my anger and frustration out on people who were close to my heart. I would lash out and hurt them, because I wanted them to feel my pain. In the past I struggled with my sexuality and it took me a while to accept that I was gay. I got bullied at school for being “different” and I began to self-harm. Even to this day, I sometimes still feel insecure and vulnerable but the struggles are becoming more manageable. Many of my friendships and relationships have failed because other people don’t understand. Just imagine closing your eyes and hearing constant voices, arguing and screaming. Some nights I cry myself to sleep to drown them out. I have also tried cutting myself off from friends because I’m

LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

Why is independent advocacy so important? A lot of young people have told me that before beginning advocacy work that they knew either nothing or very little about their rights. With the support of advocacy, this has changed. Young people I've met have told me they've received lots

of information on their rights from Who Cares? Scotland staff which has enabled them to make fully informed choices about their own care. So for me, advocacy is important because it enables young people to make decisions based on real choices.

What do you find most rewarding about being an independent advocate? I really enjoy building relationships with young people. The young people I’ve worked with told me that I am someone to be trusted, who listens and respects their confidentially. That means a great deal to me. Through being an independent advocate, I’ve found that young people really recognise the importance of positive relationships as being central to supporting them speak out. It means a lot to me to be part of building those meaningful relationships.

What is a most common advocacy issues you support young people on?

worried I’ll ruin everyone’s mood, either that or painting my face with a smile to satisfy everyone else. That is what I find difficult, hiding signs of my real feelings because I know people will start questioning me if I don’t. People tell me I’m strong but I’m not sure I believe them. But I now understand it’s ok to be different. I know that I’m not alone and that my feelings and emotions are valid. Every

day shouldn’t be a struggle. If I’m feeling unexplainable sadness, I know it’s ok to talk to someone. I don’t have to live in the darkness forever. Toxic coping mechanisms can cause bigger problems in themselves. It’s not always about wanting answers, it’s about knowing someone is there, so I know that I’m not alone. I’m not seeking attention, I’m seeking normality, whatever that may be.

One of the most common issues I support young people on is attending Children’s Hearings. I regularly meet with young people beforehand to talk about what help or support they would like. For example, I recently helped a young person understand what a Hearing is for and the reasons why a Hearing was called. I helped this young person formulate and share his views with others at a Hearing. Afterwards, he told me it was the first time he had felt he had been able to take a full part in his Hearing.

#ADVOCACYMATTERS

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

AJ’s Reflection Depression! My lifelong friend, the constant voices inside my head. AJ’s (22) frank reflection on what it is like to live with depression.

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

Meet your Advocates

usan Armstrong is the Senior Practitioner for Edinburgh and she has worked for WC?S for 8 years. Susan’s fun fact is that she’s a member of a curling team.

LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

What is a most common advocacy issues you support young people on?

#ADVOCACYMATTERS

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

p -U d n u d-Up Roun nal o Regio Regional R NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

SOUTH – JULIE

Laurie

Ray

Regional Roundup brought to you by your 4 favourite Development Officers - Laurie, Ray, Julie & Euan. Let’s see what the Who Cares? Scotland Family has been up to over the summer months.

CENTRAL – LAURIE

Julie

Euan

n October, We were lucky enough to be invited to Kibble Allsorts in a showcase of talented young people from Kibble and beyond! We saw talented musicians (including our own Robbie Lyons and Alicia Santana), poets, dancers and performers… Well done to everybody involved!

e also had the chance to get glammed up at hang out with celebrities like Lorraine Kelly and Sean Batty at the STV Appeal Live Show – did you spot us on TV?

e got NCLWS15 festivities off to a bang when Candice and Nicole got wrapped up and braved the Glasgow weather to talk to the public about our Pledge to [Listen] – great work girls!

alkirk Council held their second annual Care Leavers’ Festival which was great and allowed young people to hang out, connect with each other, and ask some important questions of their corporate parents!

an, Connor, Candice, Laurie & Euan were asked to perform our comedy sketch “Do You Want A Complaints Form, Son?” to 120 professionals at the With Scotland conference at the University of Stirling – it went down a storm!! We made people laugh, but we also made people think.

If you live in South Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire, Glasgow, Falkirk, Stirling or Clackmannanshire & want to get involved in stuff like this, phone or text Laurie on 07769 325 162

EAST – RAY

ngus Transformers celebrated Care Leavers week by hosting a Halloween Party, and also going to the Dragon Quest show- it was an awesome week and everyone had a great time! We have had to say good bye to Steve after nearly 14 years with us. But we have interviewed and a new worker will be with us soon- Shhh

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

im not telling you who it is! It’s a surprise! Edinburgh held their young person festival on the 5th November- no fireworks but lots of energy. All who attended had a good time. The Mid Lothian Champions Board launched during Care Leaver week, the group has now had its first few initial meetings and will plough ahead well

into 2016. Regardless of where you’re from remember to sign up as a Member to ensure we keep you up date with opportunities to get involved! To find out how to get involved with groups or activities in the east of Scotland, contact Ray on 07769 327 816.

here were plenty events held in our region during NCLWS in October. West Dunbartonshire TCAC hosted an evening based on the theme ‘Looking to the Future’. Young people had fun exploring aspirations, dreams and goals followed by an enormous spread of food and a ‘fantastic’ time at GoKarting. Children and young people who had taken part in Children’s’ Hearing Scotland consultations over the past year had a lovely ‘Tea with Boyd. This was a fantastic opportunity to get feedback from Boyd McAdam, head of CHS and see the change your voices have influenced.

oung people from the Renfrewshire Champions Board hosted a workshop with Who Cares? Scotland at the Youth Participation Event held in Paisley Town Hall. We consulted with children from all over the area to gather ideas of what changes would make Renfrewshire a phenomenal place for young people to grow up.

e made a short film in North Ayrshire at Beith Primary School about being In Care and this was shown on the Community Channel. It was very exciting and helps ensure care experienced young people are supported in communities.

e’re hoping to get a wee participation group up and running in South Ayrshire early next year – if you are aged between 15 and 20 and might be interested give Denise McMillan a call. For all other groups in the South either contact your local YPW or myself, Julie MacTaggart on 0141 226 4441.

NORTH – EUAN

he folks from our Highland group took the streets in October to promote the launch of National Care Leavers Week Scotland! It was a rough and windy day but Callum and Rebecca had a great time! Check out Callum’s sick fringe!!

rom chatting to the general public to influencing at the highest level, some of our young people from Highland made a day trip to Columba 1400 on the Isle of Skye to meet none other than the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon! Shaune, Rebecca and Callum did us proud, discussing their experiences of foster care and their concerns about leaving care, education and job opportunities. They also played a great game of “gutter ball”!

ur awesome wee group in Moray have been having a great time these last few months. In septmeber the whole team went out bowling in Elgin, in October they held their very own “Time to Shine” festival, in November they went to the Elgin climbing wall and they’ll be hosting a massive Christmas Party at the Elgin Youth Café in December!

ne of our awesome young people from the Western Isles group, Lisa (12), designed this beautiful Christmas Card! We’re all hoping it will be selected as the official Christmas Card of Bernard Chishohm (Head of Children’s Services and Resources). Good luck, Lisa! We love it! To find out how to get involved with groups or activities in the North, contact Euan: 07793447250

Would like us to start a new group in your area? Please speak to your Development Officer or your local YPW. Plus make sure you like our Facebook page to keep up to date with how you can get involved with WC?S.

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

p -U d n u d-Up Roun nal o Regio Regional R NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

SOUTH – JULIE

Laurie

Ray

Regional Roundup brought to you by your 4 favourite Development Officers - Laurie, Ray, Julie & Euan. Let’s see what the Who Cares? Scotland Family has been up to over the summer months.

CENTRAL – LAURIE

Julie

Euan

e also had the chance to get glammed up at hang out with celebrities like Lorraine Kelly and Sean Batty at the STV Appeal Live Show – did you spot us on TV?

e got NCLWS15 festivities off to a bang when Candice and Nicole got wrapped up and braved the Glasgow weather to talk to the public about our Pledge to [Listen] – great work girls!

If you live in South Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire, Glasgow, Falkirk, Stirling or Clackmannanshire & want to get involved in stuff like this, phone or text Laurie on 07769 325 162

EAST – RAY

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

NORTH – EUAN

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

#NCLWS15

This year National Care Leaver’s Week Scotland took place between 22nd – 31st October. The week is co-ordinated by Who Cares? Scotland and celebrates the nations care experienced young people and care leavers. WC?S Family Member, AJ Stewart (22) attended a number of events during the week and here he tells us why NCLWS makes him proud to be care experienced. Growing up in care has sometimes felt as though everyone is part of a group and I’m the invisible one, or everyone is in the same boat while I swim on the outside trying to find a way in. I have known what it feels like to be isolated but since being involved with Who Cares? Scotland, I’ve realised that I am in fact part of a group, the WC?S Family which is made up of care experienced individuals, like myself, who have owned their care identity. I have witnessed care experienced people be encouraged not to talk about their care I.D. because it might be difficult for them or that it might attract negative attention from others. This frustrates me because where you’ve come from is part of who you are and of course it’s a choice who you talk to about what, but nobody should be ashamed to own a part of their identify for fear of other people’s judgement. And anyone who tells you

not to talk about it for your own sake is only perpetuating that stigma, be it inadvertently. It’s still oppression. I found NCLWS15 a perfect time for me to showcase how proud I am of my care experience. To me, my care identity means victory, pride and success. NCLWS15 was an opportunity to meet my ever growing family because that’s what we are, right? A group of individuals, with our own individual experiences, but linked through a shared part of our identity. NCLWS15 for me was engaging in stuff I’m passionate about with the people I feel most comfortable and safe around. I attended a number of events covering different topics including the Young Scot Open Doors, Glasgow City: Relationships Matter and the amazing Time to Shine Festival. I learnt how local authorities have differing approaches to things and this has inspired me to want to make change in my own LA, Edinburgh. And surprisingly I learnt new things about myself and

the care system. Going to an event held at Glasgow Kelvin College and learning about the Transitions program they offer there was really beneficial for me and I ended up returning to the college and speaking to young people who attended the course. Finding out how the course has benefitted them and acted as a stepping stone to mainstream college was inspiring to hear and it’s something that I’ve decided to take seriously. I have now put forward a proposal to my own college to try to offer a similar program to vulnerable young people. I’m already looking forward to NCLWS16 with the hope that it’ll be bigger and better. I would like to see more events being held out with the central belt to make sure care experienced young people all over Scotland are getting the same opportunity to benefit from NCLWS like I did.

NCLWS15 included: Some of the other events during

ents Football match WC?S Members v. Corporate Par

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

TIME TO

SHINE O

n the 30th October 2015, Paula and James from Who Cares? Scotland hired a minibus and drove five of us from Moray to Glasgow for the National ‘Time to Shine’ festival. As we started the long journey ahead of us, most, if not all, were a little bit unsure of what to expect. On the way down the Moray crew stopped at the Papa Rock café in Aviemore, where the smokie burger was munching!! We then went on to continue the 3 hour journey to Glasgow where we met the Inverness crew at the Travelodge. Most of the young people wanted to go to their beds however there was a few of us that went out. The next day we got dressed up in our Halloween outfits and got ready to go to the Festival. On arriving at the venue we saw many young people and Who Cares? Scotland staff dressed up in all sorts of costumes, from Minions to bears, devils to cats there was all sorts. Duncan who is the Chief Executive had to have

the best costume by far… A SCOTTISH SUPERMAN. As soon as we went in the smell off bacon hit us… mmmm YUUUUUUM. At the start everyone just stayed in their own little groups till everyone had a munch. Next we went into a big sort of performance hall where we were told about Who Cares? Scotland by two WC?S Ambassadors (care experienced young adults) and how ‘us’ young people could sign up as Members to join the other 595 members of the Who Cares? Scotland family. Euan who was dressed as a ghost buster decided he wanted everyone to help him with his ghost hunt! Everyone took part and it was a great laugh until the ghost almost caught up with us but we WEREN’T SCARED as we had Henry the Hoover with us! From snakes and lizards to friendly furry dogs, sumo wrestling to arts and crafts, there was so much going on. We managed to catch up

An evening with Young Sco t

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

with Cindy and Lynne from Who Cares? Scotland. Also the photo booth was a laugh as you could get a funny Halloween themed photo. But the best part was when DJ George Bowie from GBX made an appearance, he really got the crowd going, old and young, the place was bouncing! Before long it was time to leave and head back up the road and make our 187 mile journey home, with a Maccy Dees thrown in at Perth. It was really excellent for us young people from Moray to be part of a national event. The experience of the whole weekend was great because we got to go away for the night with friends, meet new people and re-connect with other care experienced young people from all over Scotland. GBX DJ George Bowie with WC?S Ambassador Shilla’

ho Cares? Scotland has teamed up with West Lothian Council to recognise the contributions of those brought up in care. West Lothian Council marked Care Leavers Week with a special event to unite care leavers and their corporate partners. Pictured here are some of the Young People who took part. Activities were held to acknowledge and celebrate the talent and success of children who have been looked after by the council in foster care, residential care, kinship care or at home.

James (13), Jodie (14), Jade (16), Lois (16) and Bev (18)

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

#NCLWS15

NCLWS15 included: Some of the other events during

ents Football match WC?S Members v. Corporate Par

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

TIME TO

SHINE O

An evening with Young Sco t

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

James (13), Jodie (14), Jade (16), Lois (16) and Bev (18)

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

A ‘Zoo’per Day Out

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

Chat for Change I

Aaron (14), Ryan (13) & Kyle (12)

et, cold and very grey on our way to Edinburgh Zoo, we were a bit worried that most of the animals would be hiding from the Scottish weather!

When we arrived, met Katie from Who cares and got our bands and badges, we walked through the gift shop full of stuffed penguins and pandas. It looked more like a toy shop than a zoo! We started off at the cafe listening to the opening ceremony- which was all about fostering champions to encourage people to foster. It was an interesting topic but we were desperate to see the animals. Our first visit was to the lemurs, as we walked through the lemurs enclosure they looked like they were cuddling up to one another- sharing body heat and love. A nice reminder of what families do. Did you know that Chimpanzees are 98% human?? What?!! The chimps were so cool, especially the baby chimp called ‘Zulu’ who looked like us 16

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

about five years ago in the soft play! Well, maybe two years ago :)) The penguin enclosure was amazing, like being on the set of Happy Feet. With Emporer Penguins eating tons of fish served by the zoo helpers- kind of like MacDonalds Drive Through for Penguins. We had an interesting display of love from the baboons... We felt like we were interrupting whilst spectating! I mean, get a room guys! Just as we thought the day was over, we stumbled upon the pandas, who’ve been living in Scotland for almost 5 years! They go back to China in another five years so we were really glad to see them before they emigrated. Overall, we thought that it was nearly a five star visit, but for the weather and we were kind of limited

in time- we will definitely go back to see more animals. We also thought about the animals themselves and how they’re in care- just like us. We hope that they are treated with love and kindness too so that they can grow up and treat their kids with love and kindness. We also hope that kids in care who are unhappy and unloved become an endangered species and that some day there won’t be any of them. Thanks to Who Cares and Katie for a great day!

n the last issue of SpeakOut, we heard about a bold team of care experienced young people taking on new roles as Highland council’s very own Development Assistant team. Since starting their new jobs, the team have been hopping about the whole country speaking out about their care experience at training events and conferences, meeting corporate parents, government officials and encouraging more young people to do the same. Still only 3 months in the door, the team decided to go one step further and pulled together to organise, deliver and host their own 2 day conference event called “Chat for Change!”. The event itself included film screenings, professional speakers, a range of exciting workshops and a play about life in residential care. SO caught up with some of the team behind this event to learn more:

y for their Jemma, Calum, Molly and Rebecca read nts form, son?” performance of “Do you want a complai

Why did you want to run this conference?

“Because there’s nothing like this usually held up here in Highland. We invited loads of people from different services and organisations so that they could all learn more from each other, chat about the issues and then go make a change!” – Jemma (host) “A lot of people were listening to the speakers and getting new ideas. People definitely want things to change… the sandwiches were great too” - Maryellen

What was it like hosting something like this?

“I was so nervous all week but it was brilliant up there! There was such a positive atmosphere. It was really tiring running around the place all day but we got some amazing feedback. So many people took the pledge2listen”. –Jemma

Now that “Chat for Change!” is finished, what do you think will change?

Rebecca and Calum join Ashley Cameron and Thomas Timlin on the stage at “Care: My Story” as part of “Chat for Change!”

“I think people want to end the stigma around young people in care. The most important thing for me, is that they go out and build stronger relationships with young people” - Calum “It was like a big community in there and I think a lot of minds were changed. They want to take risks now!” –Rebecca

What are your plans for the future?

“So many things! This week we’re speaking to foster carers about how they

can improve their recruitment of new carers.” – Rebecca “We’re going to be working hard on starting the Highland Champions Board. We did a lot of work on that at a training event with WC?S in July.” –Calum

A massive thanks and congratulations to Jemma, Rebecca, Molly, Calum, Emma, Maryellen, Shaune, Andrew, Chanelle and Charlie. We can’t wait to see more from this phenomenal team! W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

A ‘Zoo’per Day Out

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

Chat for Change I

Aaron (14), Ryan (13) & Kyle (12)

et, cold and very grey on our way to Edinburgh Zoo, we were a bit worried that most of the animals would be hiding from the Scottish weather!

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

y for their Jemma, Calum, Molly and Rebecca read nts form, son?” performance of “Do you want a complai

Why did you want to run this conference?

What was it like hosting something like this?

Now that “Chat for Change!” is finished, what do you think will change?

Rebecca and Calum join Ashley Cameron and Thomas Timlin on the stage at “Care: My Story” as part of “Chat for Change!”

What are your plans for the future?

“So many things! This week we’re speaking to foster carers about how they

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

West Dunbartonshire Young People Get Involved…

Treezone

ho cares? Scotland aims to make sure the young person’s voice is at the heart of everything we do. This means there are loads of exciting opportunities for young people to get involved and have their views and experiences listened to and valued. Back in the summer SpeakOut brought together a group of young people from West Dunbartonshire to talk about participation. Sean, Stuart, Chelsea and Nicole all live in the area and have all been involved with Who Cares? Scotland for a number of years now; we invited them to a BBQ on the banks of Loch Lomond to find out more about what participation means to them.

What’s your favourite piece of work you’ve been involved in with WCS? Chelsea said she enjoyed the Young Scot Awards the most. Chelsea was part of a group of young people that went to the Scottish Parliament to talk to the Education and Culture Committee about their experiences of being in care. This was part of a wider campaign which resulted in the new Children and Young People’s Act. Young people sharing their experiences played a huge part this momentous change in legislation and they were recognised for their achievements with a Young Scot Award. Sean has attended both of WC?S Summer Camps and particularly

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

enjoyed this year’s camp . It has spurred him on to become more involved in the work of WC?S. Stuart’s favourite activities have been the Young Scot Awards and the Time to Shine Festival . Stuart and Nicole recently took part in a consultation with Police Scotland about stop searches. Both said this was a highlight for them as they got to dress up in full police uniform!

What’s the best thing about being involved with WC?S?

We all enjoyed the tasty food from the BBQ and managed not to burn too much of it. Unfortunately the sun didn’t quite come out but at least it didn’t rain! What a great day out together!

n September, we went on a treetop adventure with some young people from Kibble! Campbell, Jamie-Leigh and Caitlin sailed through the obstacle course at TreeZone on the shores of Loch Lomond – they were much braver than Kibble advocacy worker Pamela who opted to stay safely on the ground and take the photos! But did everyone enjoy it..?? Campbell: “Challenging but I’ve

overcome some fears today, and we’ve got the best group to do something like this with!” Caitlin: “It was fun – being up that high on a harness that didn’t feel that supportive was scary, but good!” If you go to Kibble and want to find out how to be part of this group to have fun and also speak out about issues that affect you, get in touch with Pamela or Ellie, your WC?S workers!

Stuart – ‘it’s like one big family.’ Chelsea – ‘they always make you always feel welcome.’ ‘I like having the opportunity to help others.’ Nicole – ‘You always feel really comfortable with Who Cares.’

What message would you give to other young people thinking of getting involved? Nicole – ‘It’s a great experience’ Chelsea – ‘Just give it a go, you won’t regret it’ Stuart – ‘It’s a blast of fun, come and see!’ Sean – ‘Come along, SpeakOut and be heard!’

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

West Dunbartonshire Young People Get Involved…

Treezone

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

What’s the best thing about being involved with WC?S?

We all enjoyed the tasty food from the BBQ and managed not to burn too much of it. Unfortunately the sun didn’t quite come out but at least it didn’t rain! What a great day out together!

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

Coasteering Laurie’s Facts R NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

ecently young people from Mountview in North Ayrshire were asked what trip they would like to go on. One of the young people, Sammy, suggested Coasteering as he had tried it last year. The rest of the group looked at photos and watched videos of Coasteering and everyone agreed it looked brilliant! Abbeycroft and Canmore Units also had staff and young people who were interested which was great. We booked with Adventure Centre for Education who operate from Girvan and one chilly day in October, Demi, Emma, Steven, Jodie, Vicki, Omar and Stuart set off, ready for an adventure! Our instructor for the day was Quinten who had years of experience in outdoor activities. He was assisted by Lewis and Caitlyn and they kitted us out with wetsuits, chest protectors and helmets before heading to the sea cliffs. The activity began with a cold walk into the water just off of Lendalfoot Caravan Park. The wetsuit’s soon did their job and we got used to the water temperature. We began jumping in and it was at this point that Jodie was heard to shout some unfortunate words!! Quickly 2 foot jumps grew into 5, then 10, and right up to 20 feet. There were good laughs throughout, such as when Jodie and Vicki jumped together from about five feet and after surfacing

Jodie let out an almighty burp , and when Jodie bumped her head off of a cliff side and thought she might have got “percussion”. And Steven lost his bottle on the biggest jump at the end of the day. What a wuss! During the whole activity Jodie and wee Emma who is only 9, never stopped smiling. Demi is a nonswimmer and was really brave to take part – she did not have such a great time though after swallowing half the Firth of Clyde on her first jump ! All in all it was a great day out and everyone talked on the way home about organising it again for next year. D’ye fancy it?

Starry, starry nights… N

ow that we’re into winter, you’ll notice that the days are shorter and we find ourselves in darkness a lot of the time! Some people can feel quite down when there’s a lack of sunlight in winter, but I try to take advantage of the early nights by doing some star spotting! If we’re lucky enough to get a clear winter night with no clouds (I know, this is rare in Scotland!), there are some amazing constellations for you to try and spot – and there’s no need for a telescope or binoculars!

of stars A constellation is a group ture. Many that form an imaginary pic night sky r of the constellations in ou le thousands were thought up by peop d to tell of years ago, and were use them stories and legends. We use ht sky, nig r nowadays to navigate ou ich. wh are and to know which stars ns, and tio lla There are 88 official conste omers ron ast they are very important to . ce) (scientists who study spa

If you can find Orion, look down to his left. You might notice the brightest star in our night sky, called Sirius. This star is part of the constellation Canis Major, which means “Big Dog”. Sometimes when you look at constellations, it’s hard to imagine how people saw such pictures in the sky, but the stars were very important in passing on information and teaching in the days before books, television and the internet!

Orion the hunter is probably the most famous constellation in the night sky. He’s quite easy to spot if you can find his “belt” made up of 3 stars in a straight, diagonal line. Once you spot his belt you can see the bright stars that make up his shoulders, his knees and his shield.

Next time you’re out on a dark night, look up and see what pictures and patterns you can see. 20

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Coasteering Laurie’s Facts R NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

Starry, starry nights… N

Next time you’re out on a dark night, look up and see what pictures and patterns you can see. 20

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ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

What’s HOT &What’s NOT RESTAURANT REVIEW:

o lets talk about why we L.O.V.E the one and only Miss Laverne Cox. She is a ground-breaking trailblazer with a killer sense of style, lips we can’t even pay to have!! And a weave I might consider killing for. She absolutely ownnnnnns!! Every piece of clothing she has ever worn and if we were doing a piece called who wore it better she would win EVERY! SINGLE! TIME! Laverne is a fashion Icon her choices and decisions influence an entire community and she respects, understands and lives up to that. When she wears an of the shoulder gown, or a two piece bathing suit she isn’t just dominating the red carpet or chilling on a beach she is making a statement that says you know what deal with it. We love Laverne because she is a Transgender woman

By Scott (9), Nerisse (8), Sean (14), Calvin (13) and Caleb (12)

FILM : W E I V E R

5 OUT OF 5 STARS

Inside Out by Scott (9)

went to see the film ‘Inside Out’ at the Harbour in Edinburgh. It’s a story about a girl called Riley and her five feelings; Anger, Sadness, Joy, Fear and Disgust. The film begins when Riley is 11 years old. Her family have to move to another town and Riley’s feelings try and help her get through the change. It is very hard for her. You watch Riley getting older and see

high with ice cream, mini chocolate brownies, cream and chocolate sauce, these were the highlight of the meal! As a self-confessed chocoholic, Sean couldn’t have been happier. Scott said ‘the pudding was the best!’ Whilst we waited for the bill to come, Calvin realised he was the only one not signed up as a WC?S Family Member, so we got him signed up just before it was time to go. If you want to join the WC?S Family just visit this website - http://www. whocaresscotland.org/ become-a-member Scott, Nerisse, Sean, Calvin and Caleb all gave Frankie & Benny’s 5 stars and said they would definitely eat here again. And their top recommendation, in case you couldn’t guess, was the chocolate sundae!

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

how young people change as they grow from babies to toddlers, from children to teenagers. It’s like real people’s lives but a cartoon. I went with two of my friends from Harmeny School. We really enjoyed the film and The Harbour is an excellent cinema. I would recommend this film. It tells you all about feelings. Its educational and it’s funny. I give this film 5 stars.

ENTERTAINMENT

Who Cares? Scotland’s resident fashionista, Kieran McWhirter, tells us how it is…

Frankie & Benny’s Livingston n October, the residents of Eason Cottage, Harmeny School, took a trip to Frankie & Benny’s in Livingston, here’s their verdict – To kick things off the boys all ordered chocolate milkshakes, which arrived in big tall glasses and were a massive hit! Nerisse went for a classic Irn Bru and seemed to enjoy crunching her ice cubes even though they gave her a brain freeze! For their next course, the boys ordered a selection of pizzas and Nerisse picked a chicken wrap with chips. Nerisse seemed very pleased with her wrap, so pleased I could hardly get her to stop eating to talk to me. I must admit after the size of their milkshakes I was worried that the boy’s might not be able to finish their mains, but how wrong I was, every plate was licked clean and requests for the desert menu were made! To round off our ‘brilliant meal’, as Caleb described it, everyone ordered chocolate sundaes. And oh my, they put the milkshakes to shame! Piled

In Fashion Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

5 OUT OF 5 STARS

living, working, being heard, being seen and above all being recognised in a time where that is so vitally important. Laverne Cox has a Primetime Emmy Award nomination and a wax work in Madam Tussauds, she stars in one of the most cutting edge, stereotype smashing, LGBT affirming shows that has ever been shown on anything EVER!! That’s why we love her .

e m a h S f o e l Red Circ

This issue the Red Circle shame is not for crimes agains t fashion, it is for a crime against humanity!

During the WC?S Staff Away Days, horrified staff members were made to watch their Chief Exec Duncan Dunlop play a game of Fluffy Bunny! For those of you who don’t know, this involves stuffing marshmallows into your mouth 1 at a time whilst trying to say ‘fluffy bunny’, the game ends when you can no longer say ‘fluffy bunny’ or you choke on your mouthful of marshmallows. After 11 marshmallows you can see how Duncan’s attempt ended – there are some things that you just can’t un-see!

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

What’s HOT &What’s NOT RESTAURANT REVIEW:

By Scott (9), Nerisse (8), Sean (14), Calvin (13) and Caleb (12)

FILM : W E I V E R

5 OUT OF 5 STARS

Inside Out by Scott (9)

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

ENTERTAINMENT

Who Cares? Scotland’s resident fashionista, Kieran McWhirter, tells us how it is…

In Fashion Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

5 OUT OF 5 STARS

e m a h S f o e l Red Circ

This issue the Red Circle shame is not for crimes agains t fashion, it is for a crime against humanity!

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

IN IT TO WIN IT…

H GAME STATION H GAME STATION H GAME STATION H GAME STATION H GAME STATION H GAME STATION H

Are you in it to win it? In order to be in with a shot of winning a £25 voucher of your choice, correctly complete this page, tear out and either give it to a WC?S member of staff or send it back to the National Office. Don’t fancy the competition, young can play the Just for Fun section and then check your answers at the bottom of the page. Good luck! (clue – there is a Christmas theme!)

Thanks to Euan & Shaune for this issue’s Quiz Pages!

Who am I? GUESS THE SONG Born - August 26, 1980 in New York City

Starred – in one of

the most famous Christmas movies of all time with his brother.

Quote – holy cow!

It’s the most beautiful

time of the year

Lights fill the streets sp reading so much cheer

I should be playing in th

e winter snow

Spot the difference!

Can you find the 7 differences?

Who said it?

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas...perhaps... means a little bit more!”

Caption competition !

2. 3.

ss Can you gue

VSN 1. RTRNRHA RDSCL C 2. HCSCHCS WYAMC W 3. WWYAMC

5 YOUR NAME:

FREE WC?S CHRISTMAS BAUBLE!

HHHHHHHHHH

LAST ISSUES WINNERS ARE:

AGE: ADDRESS:

PHONE:

Name that film – Clint Huthison Who am i? – Xander Cook Guess the song – Izzy Lawson Name that logo – John Esson

HHHHHHHHHH

RETURN YOUR ENTRIES TO: WHO CARES? SCOTLAND, 1st Floor, 5 Oswald Street, Glasgow G1 4QR. W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

No Christmas tree would be complete without your very own Who Cares? Scotland bauble! Just cut it out and hang it up! Feel free to send us photos of your stylish new decorations!

YPW:

the Christmas

ach word?

t letters of e

nly the firs Carol with o

We’re looking for the cleverest and wittiest captions for this Christmassy photo! Submit your answers via twitter (@whocaresscot), give them to a member of staff or email to Euan (egraham@whocaresscotland.org) and we’ll feature the best ones in the next issue!

ANSWERS:

! l o r a C as m ist r h C e h t s s e u G

Spot the difference! Missing nail in widow frame Mini Santa hat Top right yellow bauble Missing present bow Detail on soldier’s hat Missing outdoor lightbulb Missing bush outside

Christmas Riddles: (answer: a clock)

Christmas Carol: Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Here Comes Santa Claus We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Name that...Christmas movie!

ARTIST:

Christmas Riddles

I don’t have arms but use my hands I always run but can’t walk I have a face but not a head I sometimes sing but cannot talk … what am I?

NAME:

JUST FOR FUN…

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

IN IT TO WIN IT…

H GAME STATION H GAME STATION H GAME STATION H GAME STATION H GAME STATION H GAME STATION H

Thanks to Euan & Shaune for this issue’s Quiz Pages!

Who am I? GUESS THE SONG Born - August 26, 1980 in New York City

Starred – in one of

the most famous Christmas movies of all time with his brother.

Quote – holy cow!

It’s the most beautiful

time of the year

Lights fill the streets sp reading so much cheer

I should be playing in th

e winter snow

Spot the difference!

Can you find the 7 differences?

Who said it?

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas...perhaps... means a little bit more!”

Caption competition !

2. 3.

ss Can you gue

VSN 1. RTRNRHA RDSCL C 2. HCSCHCS WYAMC W 3. WWYAMC

5 YOUR NAME:

FREE WC?S CHRISTMAS BAUBLE!

HHHHHHHHHH

LAST ISSUES WINNERS ARE:

AGE: ADDRESS:

PHONE:

Name that film – Clint Huthison Who am i? – Xander Cook Guess the song – Izzy Lawson Name that logo – John Esson

HHHHHHHHHH

RETURN YOUR ENTRIES TO: WHO CARES? SCOTLAND, 1st Floor, 5 Oswald Street, Glasgow G1 4QR. W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

No Christmas tree would be complete without your very own Who Cares? Scotland bauble! Just cut it out and hang it up! Feel free to send us photos of your stylish new decorations!

YPW:

the Christmas

ach word?

t letters of e

nly the firs Carol with o

ANSWERS:

! l o r a C as m ist r h C e h t s s e u G

Spot the difference! Missing nail in widow frame Mini Santa hat Top right yellow bauble Missing present bow Detail on soldier’s hat Missing outdoor lightbulb Missing bush outside

Christmas Riddles: (answer: a clock)

Christmas Carol: Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Here Comes Santa Claus We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Name that...Christmas movie!

ARTIST:

Christmas Riddles

I don’t have arms but use my hands I always run but can’t walk I have a face but not a head I sometimes sing but cannot talk … what am I?

NAME:

JUST FOR FUN…

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

SO JUNIOR

r e fo ra RS B HE @ UC or VO act f

! in w

he ad

n the 13th October I went on a train to Blackpool. I spent three nights there and it was a lot of fun. I went there with my mum, my sister and one of my sister’s friends.

Blackpool

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The SpeakOut !

On the first night when we arrived at our hotel, it was already amazing, we had an amazing view of “The big One/Pepsi Max”. In my bedroom I had a PS3 and a big television. On my first day I watched TV and played the PS3. Then we went for a walk around Blackpool and saw all the sights. We went out at night and looked at all the lights- they looked amazing. For dinner that night I had a pizza hut. The next day I was really excited because I was going to the Pleasure Beach. When I entered the Pleasure Beach it looked amazing, there was lots of rides and things to do. I went on the Pepsi Max and a lot of other fun rides. We went a walk for lunch to a local chicken shop. When I left the Pleasure Beach I liked watching the view of the Pepsi Max, the view was amazing. My sister went on the rides again because she had so much fun on them. We then had fish and chips for dinner, it was lovely. The next day we didn’t know what to do- we went on the tram and went to Blackpool tower and Madame Tussauds. I saw some familiar faces like Simon Cowell. For dinner, we ordered a pizza from the hotel, it was yummy. Before we left the next morning we had breakfast in the hotel and went to get the train back home. I loved Blackpool, it has a lot of things to do and I can’t wait to go back.

SO JUNIOR

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

My holiday to

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

By David, 11

Comic Strip! Y ou may be familiar with the characters of the Who Cares? Scotland logo, but now we need your help to bring them to life. SpeakOut is looking to introduce a comic strip, so we need you to tell us what we should name our characters

and what the comic strip should be called. The person who comes up with the best name for the comic strip, as decided by our care experienced Ambassadors, will win vouchers to use at Snowfactor @ Braehead for either a skiing or snowboarding lesson.

You can enter by sending in this page to the National Office – 5 Oswald Street, Glasgow, G1 4QR or visit our Facebook page to tell us what you think. We can’t wait to see what you come up with. The first comic strip will appear in the first SpeakOut issue of 2016.

Name the comic strip – Name the characters – YOUR NAME:

AGE:

ADDRESS:

PHONE:

YPW: RETURN YOUR ENTRIES TO: WHO CARES? SCOTLAND, 1st Floor, 5 Oswald Street, Glasgow G1 4QR.

4. 5.

Check out these amazing Minions pictures, coloured in by Mackenzie (9). Great job Mackenzie! W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

SO JUNIOR

r e fo ra RS B HE @ UC or VO act f

! in w

he ad

n the 13th October I went on a train to Blackpool. I spent three nights there and it was a lot of fun. I went there with my mum, my sister and one of my sister’s friends.

Blackpool

3 1 4

The SpeakOut !

SO JUNIOR

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

My holiday to

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

By David, 11

Name the comic strip – Name the characters – YOUR NAME:

AGE:

ADDRESS:

PHONE:

YPW: RETURN YOUR ENTRIES TO: WHO CARES? SCOTLAND, 1st Floor, 5 Oswald Street, Glasgow G1 4QR.

4. 5.

Check out these amazing Minions pictures, coloured in by Mackenzie (9). Great job Mackenzie! W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | DECEMBER 2015 Pamela Hynes YPW Crossreach, Kibble 07739 078 244

Ellie Lawrence YPW Kibble 07748494341 on ards Rich line acy and r o r a g c C Advo pation M 2 34 ici Part 45 436 075

on ers And sgow a n Fio W Gla 0 472 YP 87 56 077

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l pbel Cam Kim Glasgow 3 YPW 2 870 34 0771

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aw h L dee Lea Dun 8663 W 3 YP 767 9 07

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ry Drylie Rosema l & Bute yl rg A W P Y 94679 07738 1

Euan Graham Development Officer 07793 447 250

ella arz les n M ern Is 1 o s i Al West 092 29 YPW7764 0

Yvonne McIntosh YPW East Dunbartonshire. Spark of Genius 07540 823286

Paula Highlan Campbell d& 07712 Moray YPW 870 33 5

pson Beth Sim itioner. ct ra P r io Sen shire. nbarton West Du nfrewshire East Re 560467 07787

Craig McCreadie Advocacy & Participation Mgr 07825 236795

May C YPW Mid roan lo Starley thian. Harmen Hall. y Schoo l 07801 3 39986

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ton cNaugh Cindy M ractitioner P r io n e S ions . Champ Dundee oard B 70222 07810 5 Ray MacLean Development Officer 07769 327 816 Lisa Muirhead nt Participation Assista 07793378531

YPW Lean ne 077South Yeo 381 Ayr 956 shire 92

Walker Donald ewshire nfr e R W P Y 65958 07712 8 cMillan Denise M Ayrshire th u o S YPW 01076 07932 1

Charity YPW Ea Telfer st 07985 0 Ayrshire 89947

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NATIONAL OFFICE: 1st Floor, 5 Oswald Street, Glasgow G1 4QR. Tel: 0141 226 4441 Fax: 0141 226 4445 e.mail: enquiries@whocaresscotland.org KILMARNOCK OFFICE: 28-30 Grange Street, Kilmarnock KA1 2DD Tel: 01563 573015 Fax: 01563 573122 DUNDEE OFFICE: 11 Castle Street, Dundee DD1 3AA Tel: 01382 202888 Fax: 01382 202889 CENTRAL TEAM

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