Fiona Checks In

It’s been a tough year and it’s hard to believe that Christmas is almost here. Although it will feel different, I think that one of the best presents we would all benefit from giving and receiving is kindness – being kind to one other and also to ourselves.

Although for many, 2020 feels like a year best forgotten, there have been some important and memorable events.

On 5th February, after three years of careful listening and detailed research, the Care Review – which only happened because you demanded it – published reports outlining its conclusions. The Care Review would never have reached its destination if it hadn’t been for you telling me what was needed, at every stage, and for sharing your experiences to tell Scotland what had to change.

So many gave so much to the Care Review and selflessly shared their stories so that life would be better for those who come after. As a result of your stories, Scotland has learned what it needs to do better.

That day in February was full of hope! Your voice was heard by politicians, organisations, sectors and the media, who all vowed to #KeepThePromise so future generations of children would have the childhood they deserve.

In the summer, a team was put together to make sure that promise is kept and an organisation called The Promise is being created. I have been asked to chair this and so am making the same promise to you that I did almost four years ago when I was asked to chair the Care Review: you will continue to be at the heart of driving the change you have demanded.

You might remember in September, the Scottish Government announced that Scotland would be the first country in the UK to embed the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in our law. And in November, one of our laws was changed to make it a crime to assault a child.

So, I hope that you agree that there were some things to celebrate in 2020.

Next January, for the first time The Promise Oversight Board will meet to tackle. And its first task will be to consider Scotland’s Plan to #KeepThePromise. Right now, that Plan is being devised by all of the moving parts of the ‘care system’. Later in the year, Local Oversight Boards will be created all across Scotland and they will all work together to make sure that The Promise is kept in every single corner of the country. At least half of all members of all the Oversight Boards will be care experienced.

Meantime, there is work underway to set up a Promise Design School to train the care community to be Promise Design Champions. This will make sure that the care community’s skills and experiences are at the heart of all future service design and decision-making. A virtual workshop took place in November to hear from the care community about how this should work.

This means that next year, care experienced people will be at the centre of making change, will check whether the plan is right and whether it is progressing quickly enough and tell Scotland whether the promise made to you is being kept.

Change is here, more is coming – and it is all thanks to you.

Thank you. Hope you have a happy holiday. Fiona

Would you like to know more about The Promise?

• Email: hello@thepromise.scot • Visit: thepromise.scot • Twitter @PromiseScot • Facebook @ThePromiseScotland • Instagram @thepromisescotland

NEWS & EVENTS Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020 Volunteering at

Who Cares? Scotland

Heather Donaldson, Volunteering Development Officer Meet our new volunteers!

These are some of the amazing people who have come onboard to support Who Cares? Scotland this year. Despite Covid-19 and lockdown, they have been able to support our members in a range of activities!

Zoë - Renfrewshire

My name is Zoë. I’m a primary school teacher and I’ve got two daughters aged 7 and 10. I love singing in choirs and anything musical. I also love getting outdoors to cycle and swim in the open air. Can’t wait to meet you all! Judith - Renfrewshire I’m really looking forward to getting to know the young people and other volunteers at WC?S, and to having fun in the groups and try out new things during the activities. I love food, going to the gym and reading, and would love to learn how to do some arts and crafts! I’m retired, and I love open water swimming. I celebrated my 40th wedding anniversary this year and look forward to my first grandchild sometime in mid-January next year, just before my 70th birthday! I’m married to a French lady, Christine, who is a schoolteacher, so pre-Covid, we would spend the school holidays in France.

Jim - Moray

I am a Care Experienced adult, WC?S Family Member and Children’s Panel Member. I know how it feels and truly believe that we should always be proud. If I can make even a tiny little difference but more importantly bring a smile

to a young person’s day, then that will do for me.

Jeanette - Fundraising

Hello! I am 23 and I am one of the Fundraising volunteers. I’m also a third year public sociology student at Queen Margaret University in

Robert W - Renfrewshire

Edinburgh. I love cycling!

Lucy - Moray

I’m a proud mum and gran, retired now but worked as a youth worker, road safety officer and approved driving instructor during my working life. I also serve on the Children’s Panel in Moray. In all jobs, I have had the privilege of working with many wonderful young people.