Speak Out Autumn 2018

SpeakOut WHO CARES? SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

The Magic of Summer Camp 2018 Check out the pictures from this year’s Summer Camp and read what campers had to say about their time in the field.

P24-25

PLUS!

QUIZ PAGES, SO JUNIOR AND KEEPING UP WITH KEV

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

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

... e id s in s t’ a h w t u o k c e h C

Dear readers, I would like to introduce myself to you all, as an alumni member and one of the new assistant editors at SpeakOut! My name is Rebecca and I come from Dundee. I’m 24 years old and I have just started my third year of university studying Geography.

What I would like to bring to SpeakOut is my passion for education - whether that be high school, apprenticeships or university. When it comes to education, I know that being care experienced can make us feel that we are one step behind others, but I want to encourage you and help you find your path into education, whatever that looks like.

I have written an article on p11, so please give it a read and let me know your thoughts, if you have any questions just email membership@whocaresscotland.org. It will be through my articles that I will tell my story of the paths that I have taken to get to where I am now. Like most of us, I’ve had my fair share of challenges, but my journey has taught me so much. My main hope with my contributions to WC?S, is to help show you that every care experienced person can find a positive journey in education or work.

Also in this issue of SpeakOut; photos from our fantastic Summer Camp, Who Cares? Scotland’s own Harry Potter story; an update from your MSYPs and of course celebrating some of your stories and achievements on pages 4-6! Plus look out for your invitation to the AGM and information on Care Experience Week 2018. There are so many ways to get involved. We can’t wait to celebrate with you Take Care,

Rebecca & The SpeakOut Team x

2-3

Welcome Pages

4-6 7 8 9

Celebrating You South Lanarkshire Celebrating Success A Trip Down Memory Lane Meet the (Corporate) Parents

10

Harvard 2018

11

Is There Support in Education for Care Experienced People?

14 15

Fiona Checks In 1000 Voices

16-17 Regional Roundup 18

Coming Up Care Experienced Week 2018

19

An Invitation…

20

MSYP Update

21

From Care to Where?

26-27 Harry Potter and the WC?S Book Club

SO Junior

2

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

(ASS

(ED

We do!

JEMM

ISTA

NT E

A

DITO

R)

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.

12-13 Keeping Up With Kev

28-29 Quiz Pages - Kimberley

30

IE KATITOR)

NEWS & EVENTS

ENTERTAINMENT

22

WANT TO SEE YOUR NAME IN PRINT?

LIFESTYLE

24-25 Summer Camp 2018

12

Meet the Editorial Team

Inside this issue

22-23 Journeys in the North

6

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

30-31 SO Junior 32

Contact Page

REBEC

(ASS

ISTAN

CA

T EDI

TOR)

HELEN

(ASSISTANT ED ITOR)

If you would like to join the edi torial team, please email membership@whocaresscotland .org for an application form.

Our readers Every quarter SpeakOut is sent out to every Who Cares? Scotland Family Member.

That membership is made up of…

5% 0-9 years old 21% 10-14 years old 44% 15-19 years old 24% 20-29 years old 4% 30-39 years old 3% 40+ years old

% % 4% 3 5

24%

21%

2017 members Male - 960 Non-binary - 6

44%

Who Cares? Scotland Community

membership@ whocaresscotland.org

If you’d like your own copy of SpeakOut posted to you, then make sure you sign up as a Family Member by visiting www.whocaresscotland.org The views expressed by the young people in this magazine are their own and not necessarily those of Who Cares? Scotland.

Female - 1051

Our youngest member is 2 and our oldest member is 73.

@whocaresscot

73 2

If you would like to opt out of receiving SpeakOut please email membership@whocaresscotland.org WWHHOO CCAAWhen RREEyou SS??have SSfinished CCO OTTwith LL A N D this magazine please recycle it.

3

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

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

... e id s in s t’ a h w t u o k c e h C

Dear readers, I would like to introduce myself to you all, as an alumni member and one of the new assistant editors at SpeakOut! My name is Rebecca and I come from Dundee. I’m 24 years old and I have just started my third year of university studying Geography.

What I would like to bring to SpeakOut is my passion for education - whether that be high school, apprenticeships or university. When it comes to education, I know that being care experienced can make us feel that we are one step behind others, but I want to encourage you and help you find your path into education, whatever that looks like.

I have written an article on p11, so please give it a read and let me know your thoughts, if you have any questions just email membership@whocaresscotland.org. It will be through my articles that I will tell my story of the paths that I have taken to get to where I am now. Like most of us, I’ve had my fair share of challenges, but my journey has taught me so much. My main hope with my contributions to WC?S, is to help show you that every care experienced person can find a positive journey in education or work.

Also in this issue of SpeakOut; photos from our fantastic Summer Camp, Who Cares? Scotland’s own Harry Potter story; an update from your MSYPs and of course celebrating some of your stories and achievements on pages 4-6! Plus look out for your invitation to the AGM and information on Care Experience Week 2018. There are so many ways to get involved. We can’t wait to celebrate with you Take Care,

Rebecca & The SpeakOut Team x

2-3

Welcome Pages

4-6 7 8 9

Celebrating You South Lanarkshire Celebrating Success A Trip Down Memory Lane Meet the (Corporate) Parents

10

Harvard 2018

11

Is There Support in Education for Care Experienced People?

14 15

Fiona Checks In 1000 Voices

16-17 Regional Roundup 18

Coming Up Care Experienced Week 2018

19

An Invitation…

20

MSYP Update

21

From Care to Where?

26-27 Harry Potter and the WC?S Book Club

SO Junior

2

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

(ASS

(ED

We do!

JEMM

ISTA

NT E

A

DITO

R)

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.

12-13 Keeping Up With Kev

28-29 Quiz Pages - Kimberley

30

IE KATITOR)

NEWS & EVENTS

ENTERTAINMENT

22

WANT TO SEE YOUR NAME IN PRINT?

LIFESTYLE

24-25 Summer Camp 2018

12

Meet the Editorial Team

Inside this issue

22-23 Journeys in the North

6

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

30-31 SO Junior 32

Contact Page

REBEC

(ASS

ISTAN

CA

T EDI

TOR)

HELEN

(ASSISTANT ED ITOR)

If you would like to join the edi torial team, please email membership@whocaresscotland .org for an application form.

Our readers Every quarter SpeakOut is sent out to every Who Cares? Scotland Family Member.

That membership is made up of…

5% 0-9 years old 21% 10-14 years old 44% 15-19 years old 24% 20-29 years old 4% 30-39 years old 3% 40+ years old

% % 4% 3 5

24%

21%

2017 members Male - 960 Non-binary - 6

44%

Who Cares? Scotland Community

membership@ whocaresscotland.org

If you’d like your own copy of SpeakOut posted to you, then make sure you sign up as a Family Member by visiting www.whocaresscotland.org The views expressed by the young people in this magazine are their own and not necessarily those of Who Cares? Scotland.

Female - 1051

Our youngest member is 2 and our oldest member is 73.

@whocaresscot

73 2

If you would like to opt out of receiving SpeakOut please email membership@whocaresscotland.org WWHHOO CCAAWhen RREEyou SS??have SSfinished CCO OTTwith LL A N D this magazine please recycle it.

3

CelebratingYou! NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

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. memberhip@whocares

scotla

nd.org – 5 Oswald Street, Gla sgow, G1 4QR

Craigellachie House Holiday to the

Lake District

NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

u o y k n Tha from

Going Wild

– Care Collective Hero I have gained the power to support other young people I’m standing. I’m able to stand up in front of a crowd, I don’t think ‘but oh I’m not confident’, I think ‘this is for other people’.

I am just myself. I don’t let other people judge me.

I have a good sense of humour!

I can use humour for every situation.

I can make people laugh and smile and be curious and calm.

Sometimes I don’t think I am anything … but, I am chilled. I make people feel comfortable around the fire.

I am genuine.

I am awesome.

I have courage. I can deal with pain. Being together with people helps.

I’m always smiling, even when I’m in agony.

I can swim in cold seas.

I’m enthusiastic to help. I bring joy. I put up tents and sharpen 13 marshmallow sticks.

I want to do something, I want to achieve something with my life.

I have energy.

I get into trouble for not sitting down!

I feel through the soles of my feet the paths other creatures have taken.

I learn new things.

I am able to listen to other people and other people’s stories and hear their value.

I am myself. I’m just me.

I create new paths.

I’m kind.

And funny.

And caring.

And honest.

Listening from the heart, speaking from the heart.

Loyal.

I don’t give up easily. I finish the job. I have a column of steel.

I give out kindness and see it being passed on.

I once had 23 marshmallows in my mouth and nearly died.

I’m happy that I’m here, now, striding out.

I’m a hero …

their edback on fe r u o y e receiv elighted to orporate parent’ QA were d c nd and d u is a pro d to respo e A g Q a n ‘S a t e m fl lea e who to everyon Gowan Thank you .

Antony Mc e draw r z e ri n p in ir w e y th r luck enter tions to ou ny!

Congratula ppy shopping, Anto a h n… in Aberdee

S

I

t was a wet and windy day at Craigellachie House when Riley, Malcolm and care staff Andrew and Paul sat down together to talk about our Holiday. “I just want to have fun and chill” said Malcolm. “I’d want to do a theme park as well” stated Riley. We looked at lots of parks and decided upon Lakelands Park in the Lake District. That Saturday, Andrew and Paul arrived early morning to find Malcolm and Riley up, packed and ready to go! Both Riley and Malcolm were super excited to get on the road. Car packed, we set out, Lake District here we come! After a long, “boring!” “are we there yet?” journey we entered the Lake District where the scenery changed from motorway to beautiful countryside, stretching hills, lush fields with new-born lambs and the feeling of spring in the air.

We all started to get excited as the sat nav told us we would soon be arriving at our destination. We found our caravan without much trouble, unpacked and freshened up before heading out for dinner.

Riley and Malcolm had a spring in their step as we walked to the restaurant for our meal. Well fed, we walked to the activity office to book the Segway’s, paddle boarding, target practice, archery and aquajets for the days ahead.

But first our trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach was planned for the morning, Oh yeah! Up the next morning and out early, we arrived in Blackpool and entered the theme park.

“Right Andrew, we’re doing all the rollercoasters” stated Riley, and we did.

Come on! Pepsi Max rollercoaster twice as well!

After our return to Lakelands Park we were all knackered. We rested that night and were refreshed the next day for outdoor activities. Malcolm said “the activities were 4

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

good, like Segway’s, the shooting range and paddleboards, they were great.”

Riley loved the Segway’s and paddle boarding, visiting the vault challenge where we robbed a bank (fake bank!) “it was intense” he commented.

The night before we left we spent some time reflecting on the holiday…

“Paul is a good cook” stated Malcolm.

Malcolm enjoyed “getting some pocket money each day and going to play” Malcolm didn’t like “Andrew’s feet stinking the place out” Not true!

Riley enjoyed “chilling on holiday and feeling happy”, he also found the holiday “a good experience, getting to go away with Andrew, Paul and Malcolm together.”

Paul and I really enjoyed our holiday with the boys and will remember all the jokes and laughs we had. Great memories, great company. Well done Riley and Malcolm, you are both great!

FILM O

SCHOOL

Kane, 15

ver the summer holidays we were given the great opportunity to go to film school. All of us enjoyed the experience. We all started off by making our first film, Alice in Careland which was us showing all the groups on offer to care experienced children in Inverclyde. Our second was showing awareness of stigma which was done through short stories including; rumours, lies, exclusion.

My part in making the film was script writing for both films. The first film was written by Carys and I, the second I did by myself. My favourite part of all of it, was watching the script I wrote come to life in the film.

The thing I found difficult was probably having to act in a scene, because me being me, I was being camera shy. Danielle who was the director for the first film, also played the white rabbit and was “White Rabbit for President”.

Overall, I enjoyed the experience and would definitely do it again.

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

5

CelebratingYou! NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

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. memberhip@whocares

scotla

nd.org – 5 Oswald Street, Gla sgow, G1 4QR

Craigellachie House Holiday to the

Lake District

NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

u o y k n Tha from

Going Wild

– Care Collective Hero I have gained the power to support other young people I’m standing. I’m able to stand up in front of a crowd, I don’t think ‘but oh I’m not confident’, I think ‘this is for other people’.

I am just myself. I don’t let other people judge me.

I have a good sense of humour!

I can use humour for every situation.

I can make people laugh and smile and be curious and calm.

Sometimes I don’t think I am anything … but, I am chilled. I make people feel comfortable around the fire.

I am genuine.

I am awesome.

I have courage. I can deal with pain. Being together with people helps.

I’m always smiling, even when I’m in agony.

I can swim in cold seas.

I’m enthusiastic to help. I bring joy. I put up tents and sharpen 13 marshmallow sticks.

I want to do something, I want to achieve something with my life.

I have energy.

I get into trouble for not sitting down!

I feel through the soles of my feet the paths other creatures have taken.

I learn new things.

I am able to listen to other people and other people’s stories and hear their value.

I am myself. I’m just me.

I create new paths.

I’m kind.

And funny.

And caring.

And honest.

Listening from the heart, speaking from the heart.

Loyal.

I don’t give up easily. I finish the job. I have a column of steel.

I give out kindness and see it being passed on.

I once had 23 marshmallows in my mouth and nearly died.

I’m happy that I’m here, now, striding out.

I’m a hero …

their edback on fe r u o y e receiv elighted to orporate parent’ QA were d c nd and d u is a pro d to respo e A g Q a n ‘S a t e m fl lea e who to everyon Gowan Thank you .

Antony Mc e draw r z e ri n p in ir w e y th r luck enter tions to ou ny!

Congratula ppy shopping, Anto a h n… in Aberdee

S

I

t was a wet and windy day at Craigellachie House when Riley, Malcolm and care staff Andrew and Paul sat down together to talk about our Holiday. “I just want to have fun and chill” said Malcolm. “I’d want to do a theme park as well” stated Riley. We looked at lots of parks and decided upon Lakelands Park in the Lake District. That Saturday, Andrew and Paul arrived early morning to find Malcolm and Riley up, packed and ready to go! Both Riley and Malcolm were super excited to get on the road. Car packed, we set out, Lake District here we come! After a long, “boring!” “are we there yet?” journey we entered the Lake District where the scenery changed from motorway to beautiful countryside, stretching hills, lush fields with new-born lambs and the feeling of spring in the air.

We all started to get excited as the sat nav told us we would soon be arriving at our destination. We found our caravan without much trouble, unpacked and freshened up before heading out for dinner.

Riley and Malcolm had a spring in their step as we walked to the restaurant for our meal. Well fed, we walked to the activity office to book the Segway’s, paddle boarding, target practice, archery and aquajets for the days ahead.

But first our trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach was planned for the morning, Oh yeah! Up the next morning and out early, we arrived in Blackpool and entered the theme park.

“Right Andrew, we’re doing all the rollercoasters” stated Riley, and we did.

Come on! Pepsi Max rollercoaster twice as well!

After our return to Lakelands Park we were all knackered. We rested that night and were refreshed the next day for outdoor activities. Malcolm said “the activities were 4

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

good, like Segway’s, the shooting range and paddleboards, they were great.”

Riley loved the Segway’s and paddle boarding, visiting the vault challenge where we robbed a bank (fake bank!) “it was intense” he commented.

The night before we left we spent some time reflecting on the holiday…

“Paul is a good cook” stated Malcolm.

Malcolm enjoyed “getting some pocket money each day and going to play” Malcolm didn’t like “Andrew’s feet stinking the place out” Not true!

Riley enjoyed “chilling on holiday and feeling happy”, he also found the holiday “a good experience, getting to go away with Andrew, Paul and Malcolm together.”

Paul and I really enjoyed our holiday with the boys and will remember all the jokes and laughs we had. Great memories, great company. Well done Riley and Malcolm, you are both great!

FILM O

SCHOOL

Kane, 15

ver the summer holidays we were given the great opportunity to go to film school. All of us enjoyed the experience. We all started off by making our first film, Alice in Careland which was us showing all the groups on offer to care experienced children in Inverclyde. Our second was showing awareness of stigma which was done through short stories including; rumours, lies, exclusion.

My part in making the film was script writing for both films. The first film was written by Carys and I, the second I did by myself. My favourite part of all of it, was watching the script I wrote come to life in the film.

The thing I found difficult was probably having to act in a scene, because me being me, I was being camera shy. Danielle who was the director for the first film, also played the white rabbit and was “White Rabbit for President”.

Overall, I enjoyed the experience and would definitely do it again.

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

5

NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN SUMMER 2018

CelebratingYou! CelebratingYou!

Don ’t Leave Me Leave me alone I don’t want to get to know you I don’t want to get used to you I don’t want to rely on you I don’t want to trust you So you don’t hurt me So you don’t leave me What more can I be scared of?

I lost the one thing I ever had Now I’m by myself Don’t hurt me Don’t leave me Don’t let me get used to you I’m hiding my sadness I have to keep myself closed It’s the only way of stopping my heart from being broken

By Kate

Resilient h fishing boat full of fis I am resilient like a e crew who work I am resilient like th aboard her, rk her, Who know how to wo ep her, clean and Who know how to ke shipshape. fish.

Who know where to for weeks at a time, Who must leave home

My New Role

I

n early March, I saw an amazing opportunity with the Care Inspectorate as a Young Inspection Volunteer. At first, I was a bit unsure about applying for this position but after speaking to one of the Volunteers I decided to apply. After applying, I got invited for an interview with the Involvement Adviser, Gemma.

As my interview date got nearer, I got more and more nervous as I wasn’t very sure of what I would be asked but when the day actually arrived, I was surprised to find myself feeling pretty confident. My interview went really well, and I was told on the Friday that I had got the position. I was then invited to a five day training course, four of these training days were in Glasgow

Jeanette,

21

and one was in Dundee at the Care Inspectorate Headquarters.

After my training was complete, myself and the other successful applicants were invited to two more development days in Glasgow.

Being a Young Inspection Volunteer means that I can help influence crucial changes within services for children and young people. I can make sure that the children and young people are being listened to and make sure that local authorities make the changes they say they are going to make.

Congratulations on becoming a Young Inspection Volunteer Jeanette!

We’re sure you’ll make a real difference.

Like me they sail in ferocious seas.

Steady yourself for the sail ahead.

As the huge waves crash, Take a deep breath, steer straight ahead, steady as we go.

Like me the boats are strong.

There is a rock in the middle of the harbour, Marking shallow water, that the boats must turn really hard to avoid.

Care is like shallow water, you are lucky to get through it.

Sometimes you want to give up.

And drift. u?

Where will it take yo h, smashed on the Stranded on a beac water? rocks or out to open out for me.

My lighthouses look boat.

I am strong like the h rough times, We have been throug s and made it to the fiercest of storm the harbour.

By Jason

NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN SUMMER 2018

South Lanarkshire Celebrating Success

F

ive South Lanarkshire young people; Callum, Jamie, Claire, Stewart and Dagmara, were recently celebrated at South Lanarkshire Council Headquarters for completing the West Highland Way. The group completed the 154.5 km (96 mile) challenge in stages over a number of months which meant dealing with all weathers (and a few midges). APW Ewen Kerr was lucky enough to be invited along to the event celebrating the achievement of the group where the young people spoke about the high points and low points of the challenge.

Callum described how he liked to lead the pack from the front of the group, speaking about how being out in the open allowed him to be reflective. He was also proud of having conquered the infamous Devil’s Staircase near Kinlochleven.

The group stopped off for a residential stay during one of the stages where Claire and Dagmara enjoyed a marshmallow challenge; but did not enjoy being greeted by a ghost! Stewart shared stories of the adults who helped him along the way; which in turn was responded to by adults who noted that often it was the young people who were spurring them along with their motivation. Jamie rounded off the group’s presentation with a massive thank you to the staff who walked

with the group as well as those who worked behind the scenes to organise each stage of the challenge.

Jamie also spoke about how at first, he had to be persuaded to go as he was apprehensive but was glad he overcame this.

All of the group were rightly proud of their achievements and urged the other South Lanarkshire young people present at the event, to get involved next time. The staff group supporting the walkers rightly praised their attitude towards such a demanding challenge and described their own role as the best job in the world. The event saw the group share photos and memories of their journeys with family and friends and it was clear to see the team spirit that got them through the cold

and wet stages. All 5 young people were presented with individual commemorative trophies, certificates and vouchers to mark their massive efforts. Senior management from the local authority were also in attendance at the event and voiced their pride in the dedication they saw from all involved. The young people themselves rounded off the event with their own presentation of gifts for the staff involved.

The West Highland Way is a long-distance footpath in Scotland, running from Milngavie in the north of Glasgow to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. It is managed by the West Highland Way Management Group (WHWMG) consisting of West Dunbartonshire Council, Stirling Council, Argyll and Bute Council, Highland Council and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority. About 80,000 people use the path every year, of whom over 15,000 walk the entire route.

6

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

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

7

NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN SUMMER 2018

CelebratingYou! CelebratingYou!

Don ’t Leave Me Leave me alone I don’t want to get to know you I don’t want to get used to you I don’t want to rely on you I don’t want to trust you So you don’t hurt me So you don’t leave me What more can I be scared of?

I lost the one thing I ever had Now I’m by myself Don’t hurt me Don’t leave me Don’t let me get used to you I’m hiding my sadness I have to keep myself closed It’s the only way of stopping my heart from being broken

By Kate

Resilient h fishing boat full of fis I am resilient like a e crew who work I am resilient like th aboard her, rk her, Who know how to wo ep her, clean and Who know how to ke shipshape. fish.

Who know where to for weeks at a time, Who must leave home

My New Role

I

n early March, I saw an amazing opportunity with the Care Inspectorate as a Young Inspection Volunteer. At first, I was a bit unsure about applying for this position but after speaking to one of the Volunteers I decided to apply. After applying, I got invited for an interview with the Involvement Adviser, Gemma.

As my interview date got nearer, I got more and more nervous as I wasn’t very sure of what I would be asked but when the day actually arrived, I was surprised to find myself feeling pretty confident. My interview went really well, and I was told on the Friday that I had got the position. I was then invited to a five day training course, four of these training days were in Glasgow

Jeanette,

21

and one was in Dundee at the Care Inspectorate Headquarters.

After my training was complete, myself and the other successful applicants were invited to two more development days in Glasgow.

Being a Young Inspection Volunteer means that I can help influence crucial changes within services for children and young people. I can make sure that the children and young people are being listened to and make sure that local authorities make the changes they say they are going to make.

Congratulations on becoming a Young Inspection Volunteer Jeanette!

We’re sure you’ll make a real difference.

Like me they sail in ferocious seas.

Steady yourself for the sail ahead.

As the huge waves crash, Take a deep breath, steer straight ahead, steady as we go.

Like me the boats are strong.

There is a rock in the middle of the harbour, Marking shallow water, that the boats must turn really hard to avoid.

Care is like shallow water, you are lucky to get through it.

Sometimes you want to give up.

And drift. u?

Where will it take yo h, smashed on the Stranded on a beac water? rocks or out to open out for me.

My lighthouses look boat.

I am strong like the h rough times, We have been throug s and made it to the fiercest of storm the harbour.

By Jason

NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN SUMMER 2018

South Lanarkshire Celebrating Success

F

ive South Lanarkshire young people; Callum, Jamie, Claire, Stewart and Dagmara, were recently celebrated at South Lanarkshire Council Headquarters for completing the West Highland Way. The group completed the 154.5 km (96 mile) challenge in stages over a number of months which meant dealing with all weathers (and a few midges). APW Ewen Kerr was lucky enough to be invited along to the event celebrating the achievement of the group where the young people spoke about the high points and low points of the challenge.

Callum described how he liked to lead the pack from the front of the group, speaking about how being out in the open allowed him to be reflective. He was also proud of having conquered the infamous Devil’s Staircase near Kinlochleven.

The group stopped off for a residential stay during one of the stages where Claire and Dagmara enjoyed a marshmallow challenge; but did not enjoy being greeted by a ghost! Stewart shared stories of the adults who helped him along the way; which in turn was responded to by adults who noted that often it was the young people who were spurring them along with their motivation. Jamie rounded off the group’s presentation with a massive thank you to the staff who walked

with the group as well as those who worked behind the scenes to organise each stage of the challenge.

Jamie also spoke about how at first, he had to be persuaded to go as he was apprehensive but was glad he overcame this.

All of the group were rightly proud of their achievements and urged the other South Lanarkshire young people present at the event, to get involved next time. The staff group supporting the walkers rightly praised their attitude towards such a demanding challenge and described their own role as the best job in the world. The event saw the group share photos and memories of their journeys with family and friends and it was clear to see the team spirit that got them through the cold

and wet stages. All 5 young people were presented with individual commemorative trophies, certificates and vouchers to mark their massive efforts. Senior management from the local authority were also in attendance at the event and voiced their pride in the dedication they saw from all involved. The young people themselves rounded off the event with their own presentation of gifts for the staff involved.

The West Highland Way is a long-distance footpath in Scotland, running from Milngavie in the north of Glasgow to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. It is managed by the West Highland Way Management Group (WHWMG) consisting of West Dunbartonshire Council, Stirling Council, Argyll and Bute Council, Highland Council and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority. About 80,000 people use the path every year, of whom over 15,000 walk the entire route.

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

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

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NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN SUMMER 2018

N W O D E P N I A R L T A MORY E M

(Corporate)

k the -pac o its e r I t As o ok in p bo ls good t ey a r g c n i s t e s e r u f u jo rn it igh, b se yet box, r the to get h e d b e m to u pack reme been on e to oxes o broken pbook of b e ar v e a Ih d prep move t th ings to cra r s i I s g e s a n w a o , y ss in ith th t am here care and ce, acro otten m y life e s I sa seams w , I came m g la r f v o o v a f e le e y own p om d e ha ay at th us to los rky me. I’ g each d s, that I s. fr m into ty miles alled ok es cio do rin s o e u s b r d t l i o c p p p c t o p a h rca o cr too in a e I have f my t-yea ion with ooking s I came t of my eig el h n g i t o e os o el es ow nat o fe the has or m rting to f fasci se antiqu tion of h the pag hocked t find e o far s never s o m f y o h c e s e r o m h g e th rou atte coll was rs ha ’s co ted t journ no re licking th lf’s life I d expec ased ife. It hat, no m ectic my my siste were my l a t e F d y h th nc xt old s ic. I h stere od e know cary and I have wi urdle the this ne year- r nostalg childho was pla n i s h d t y w t n a r d o h by e y h ho rathe ors of m ach page erson an the b rough ev I know t to be rig n , n e r E be or s. nd Th ng ll p tha ged. rength, a ey’re goi el more the h ese page or a sma rs of the le n a h c e fe s it’s st st terro ing f in th fe, th a litt with eat writ , not the lings of bon reate of my li makes m ometime e. g at ter lan t. S find bon rs, dly n amb chap e. And th at’s nex memory in od prised to but the r sses and my siste st h d i n w s sur ber ince with my nnie dow face I was I remem isney pr I spent s. The fu me dy to ake a trip a e r D e i d r t e ith tim hoo oth to t the child sessed w bout the ith my br n about e good w b a d e o girl, s. Stories d fights w I’d writt e set an t m t n e w e s e utings a -page ran ock perfu I cam alf r o e k k e p r r o a m h o t a p h b my c crap ters, g the the s little sis paper, bein ter stole s. h g y k is ou my s d for wee rther thr me by m ght green k. r i u e r o f u f b boo d e arg es of mad scrap ned flicke As I rawings ck to pag s of the ar d ey le ge tu s s h a s t p s o s r d e ch ac th an ea to m w mu ted h ithin pain to fit w written es of ho were d g d folde s they ha ll. Messa oud they as I r e r e p p e Lett te and s nd how but smil t had a i a r p l to w ved me ldn’t he ments th piness o o l u p y o a m ery fh the d I c ll those the v nts o e an of m bered a st. Mome epresent p when r m e lo reme ow got emed to ard to ke h e h e s t o m ts so tha ough em. love and that we f care syst bond tered the n we e

A

n e l e H

8

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

Meetthe Parents

n

o t s n Joh

NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN SUMMER 2018

I

n 2015, 24 organisations became Corporate Parents to Scotland’s Care Experienced people, up to the age of 26. One of these was Disclosure Scotland. Lorna Gibb is the Chief Executive of Disclosure Scotland and we caught up with her to find out more about her job, with questions from Who Cares?

Scotland members.

Can you tell us a bit about Disclosure Scotland?

When a person commits a crime, we need to make sure that they are safe and ready to work. In some cases, this means we have to stop them from working with vulnerable groups.

We know that there are real problems with young people in care being criminalised and picking up charges much more than people who are aren’t in care. We don’t want care experienced people to face barriers because of this, which stops them from getting their dream job!

What is Disclosure Scotland currently doing to protect care experienced people who have convictions?

Like every Corporate Parent we have an action plan which sets out what we are going to do. A lot of it is about listening to care experienced young people so that any changes we make to our policies will be informed by what works for them.

We know that some young people choose not to apply for a job or training place because it would mean getting a Disclosure check. We are going to draft guidance to care experienced young people and the networks that support them about our consideration process and disclosable offences. So people will understand what’s involved and hopefully feel more confident about how they will be treated.

We are part of the “Scotland Works for You” work which has produced tools to support employers through what it means to disclose criminal convictions. These tools will help employers to use the disclosure information that they receive to create safe and fair recruitment practices.

As part of the PVG Review we are looking at how and when we might disclose information about young people’s convictions and explore exciting options that would really improve the situation for care experienced people. That will lead to a Bill in the Scottish Parliament next year.

What does a perfect care system look like to you and how can Disclosure Scotland support this?

One that recognises that each young person is an individual with their own needs and history. One that provides love and a safe space where the young person can grow and figure out what they want to do with their lives. And one that sees the barriers facing young people and works to remove them. That’s where DS comes in, we want to work with young people to get employers and colleges to understand that a conviction does not have to mean that that someone’s life options are restricted.

If you were a Disney character, who would you be and why?

I asked my friends about this. Someone said Cruella De Vil so she’s off my Christmas card list. A couple of people said Belle from Beauty and the Beast because I love reading, am not to be messed with but don’t judge by outward appearances. Others said Merida from Brave because I am a feisty redhead. So a theme around strong opinionated women – that can’t be a bad thing.

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

9

NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN SUMMER 2018

N W O D E P N I A R L T A MORY E M

(Corporate)

k the -pac o its e r I t As o ok in p bo ls good t ey a r g c n i s t e s e r u f u jo rn it igh, b se yet box, r the to get h e d b e m to u pack reme been on e to oxes o broken pbook of b e ar v e a Ih d prep move t th ings to cra r s i I s g e s a n w a o , y ss in ith th t am here care and ce, acro otten m y life e s I sa seams w , I came m g la r f v o o v a f e le e y own p om d e ha ay at th us to los rky me. I’ g each d s, that I s. fr m into ty miles alled ok es cio do rin s o e u s b r d t l i o c p p p c t o p a h rca o cr too in a e I have f my t-yea ion with ooking s I came t of my eig el h n g i t o e os o el es ow nat o fe the has or m rting to f fasci se antiqu tion of h the pag hocked t find e o far s never s o m f y o h c e s e r o m h g e th rou atte coll was rs ha ’s co ted t journ no re licking th lf’s life I d expec ased ife. It hat, no m ectic my my siste were my l a t e F d y h th nc xt old s ic. I h stere od e know cary and I have wi urdle the this ne year- r nostalg childho was pla n i s h d t y w t n a r d o h by e y h ho rathe ors of m ach page erson an the b rough ev I know t to be rig n , n e r E be or s. nd Th ng ll p tha ged. rength, a ey’re goi el more the h ese page or a sma rs of the le n a h c e fe s it’s st st terro ing f in th fe, th a litt with eat writ , not the lings of bon reate of my li makes m ometime e. g at ter lan t. S find bon rs, dly n amb chap e. And th at’s nex memory in od prised to but the r sses and my siste st h d i n w s sur ber ince with my nnie dow face I was I remem isney pr I spent s. The fu me dy to ake a trip a e r D e i d r t e ith tim hoo oth to t the child sessed w bout the ith my br n about e good w b a d e o girl, s. Stories d fights w I’d writt e set an t m t n e w e s e utings a -page ran ock perfu I cam alf r o e k k e p r r o a m h o t a p h b my c crap ters, g the the s little sis paper, bein ter stole s. h g y k is ou my s d for wee rther thr me by m ght green k. r i u e r o f u f b boo d e arg es of mad scrap ned flicke As I rawings ck to pag s of the ar d ey le ge tu s s h a s t p s o s r d e ch ac th an ea to m w mu ted h ithin pain to fit w written es of ho were d g d folde s they ha ll. Messa oud they as I r e r e p p e Lett te and s nd how but smil t had a i a r p l to w ved me ldn’t he ments th piness o o l u p y o a m ery fh the d I c ll those the v nts o e an of m bered a st. Mome epresent p when r m e lo reme ow got emed to ard to ke h e h e s t o m ts so tha ough em. love and that we f care syst bond tered the n we e

A

n e l e H

8

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

Meetthe Parents

n

o t s n Joh

NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN SUMMER 2018

I

n 2015, 24 organisations became Corporate Parents to Scotland’s Care Experienced people, up to the age of 26. One of these was Disclosure Scotland. Lorna Gibb is the Chief Executive of Disclosure Scotland and we caught up with her to find out more about her job, with questions from Who Cares?

Scotland members.

Can you tell us a bit about Disclosure Scotland?

When a person commits a crime, we need to make sure that they are safe and ready to work. In some cases, this means we have to stop them from working with vulnerable groups.

We know that there are real problems with young people in care being criminalised and picking up charges much more than people who are aren’t in care. We don’t want care experienced people to face barriers because of this, which stops them from getting their dream job!

What is Disclosure Scotland currently doing to protect care experienced people who have convictions?

Like every Corporate Parent we have an action plan which sets out what we are going to do. A lot of it is about listening to care experienced young people so that any changes we make to our policies will be informed by what works for them.

We know that some young people choose not to apply for a job or training place because it would mean getting a Disclosure check. We are going to draft guidance to care experienced young people and the networks that support them about our consideration process and disclosable offences. So people will understand what’s involved and hopefully feel more confident about how they will be treated.

We are part of the “Scotland Works for You” work which has produced tools to support employers through what it means to disclose criminal convictions. These tools will help employers to use the disclosure information that they receive to create safe and fair recruitment practices.

As part of the PVG Review we are looking at how and when we might disclose information about young people’s convictions and explore exciting options that would really improve the situation for care experienced people. That will lead to a Bill in the Scottish Parliament next year.

What does a perfect care system look like to you and how can Disclosure Scotland support this?

One that recognises that each young person is an individual with their own needs and history. One that provides love and a safe space where the young person can grow and figure out what they want to do with their lives. And one that sees the barriers facing young people and works to remove them. That’s where DS comes in, we want to work with young people to get employers and colleges to understand that a conviction does not have to mean that that someone’s life options are restricted.

If you were a Disney character, who would you be and why?

I asked my friends about this. Someone said Cruella De Vil so she’s off my Christmas card list. A couple of people said Belle from Beauty and the Beast because I love reading, am not to be messed with but don’t judge by outward appearances. Others said Merida from Brave because I am a feisty redhead. So a theme around strong opinionated women – that can’t be a bad thing.

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

9

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

Harvard 2018 F

ounded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest University in the United States and one of eight highly esteemed Universities known as the Ivy League. It has taught such celebrated individuals as Barack Obama, John F Kennedy, Al Gore, Tommy Lee Jones and Bill Gates, who famously dropped out in order to start Microsoft! And now we can add our very own care experienced students Sandi and Kirstie to those who have studied in those hallowed halls.

T

he Harvard Summer School Programme offers students the chance to live independently and study on campus for seven weeks, meeting other students from all over the world. Both girls had to go through an application and interview process with Who Cares? Scotland and then show they could meet the requirements of the Harvard selectors. The course work is not for the faint of heart and there is a lot of work to complete while you’re there.

Kirstie applied because she thought it would be too good an opportunity not to try! She originally applied to do Technomusicology and Law, Gender and Equality Studies, but ended up having to swap her Law class for Introduction to Psychology. Kirstie said that despite changing courses a few times in the first week, the staff at Harvard were very accommodating and helpful. Kirstie feels she learned to be a lot more sociable, confident and able to put herself out of her comfort zone. “The more outgoing you are, the more rewarding you will find your experience.”

Sandi tells us she was absolutely buzzing the morning they left for Boston, although that may have been down to all the caffeine! She even got chatting to another summer school student in the airport before they got on the plane. Sandi also studied Technomusicology as well as a class called Organised Crime: Mafias in Film, Theory and Reality. She swears this class was made for her as she has always had an affinity for “gangs, murderers and all that creepy stuff.”

Sandi said she skipped a lot of the readings the first 2 weeks and really struggled, but then she turned it around and even got a high five from one of her professors for being such a genius.

socialise and have fun. The highlight for both girls had to be watching the 4th of July fireworks over the Charles river.

“It was the best display of fireworks I have ever seen! The atmosphere was amazing and everyone was in such high spirits.” Sandi also found many opportunities to shop!

Kirstie would say to other young people who are thinking about this experience, “It was absolutely incredible and looks amazing on your CV! Don’t hesitate and apply as soon as you can.”

Sandi feels that her time at Harvard shows how far she’s come and would tell others, “you have the power to change everything.”

Every year Reaching Higher gives two care experienced young people the opportunity to take part in this exciting experience. Applications for Summer 2019 open in late October so keep your eyes open!

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

IS THERE SUPPORT IN FURTHER EDUCATION FOR CARE EXPERIENCED PEOPLE?

T

Alongside the independent living and coursework there are opportunities to

10

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

here is a noticeable and concerning trend when analysing the data from the ‘Education Outcomes for Scotland’s Looked After Children 2016/17’ survey, which charts the paths taken in the months after high school for care experienced school leavers. The figures show that after three months, 70% ‘looked after leavers’ went onto further education while only an additional 10% continued onto higher education at university level. Worryingly however, within six months these figures dropped to 53% and 9% respectively, highlighting a significant reduction in educational attainment rates over a relatively short period of time. With the release of these figures we are forced to ask why there is such a drastic drop in care experienced students attending and remaining in further or higher education?

Although these numbers may seem shocking at first glance, from my own experience as a care experienced student I am less surprised. Having previously attended courses at both college and university, I quickly discovered the challenging and uncomfortable reality of trying to get an education, alone and isolated, without the assistance of a supportive family environment. This harsh reality saw me ultimately drop-out of both courses which is why these newly released statistics to me are both expected and troubling.

Embarking on any educational journey, will be as difficult as it is rewarding. Although the difficulty can be overcome through hard-work and the will to succeed, it is equally essential to have a stable and supportive system in place to help manage the challenges of college and university life. The key to this supportive network is both financial and social, with both factors playing an important role in allowing for a successful and positive educational experience.

The reason that care leavers drop out of further or higher education so soon after starting is because they don’t feel supported. This does not have to be the case.

When I returned to college and then university as an adult three years later, I quickly realised that there was a vast network of financial and personal support in place, through both the Scottish government and

the universities and colleges themselves.

Between bursaries, scholarships, living grants and widening access programmes, there is an abundance of guidance and support from trained professionals whose job it is to make sure you achieve your best.

You just need to know where to look. In my opinion, it is vital that care experienced school leavers are made aware of the support available to them.

But whose responsibility should it be to make sure that care experienced young people know what support is available to them? This is where the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 and its naming of Corporate Parents comes in. Corporate Parenting organisations have been charged to promote the wellbeing of looked after children, whether it be emotionally or educationally, at all times. These Corporate Parents include schools, colleges and universities.

Between them all they must ensure that care experienced students are aware of the support networks that have been put in place especially for them.

Since 2014, more public bodies have embraced their Corporate Parenting responsibilities which sends a promising message to care experienced people. The message being that they should not have to feel at a disadvantage in society, nor will they be a step behind their non-care experienced peers, for it is the role of the Corporate Parents to bolster them up and afford them the opportunities they are entitled to. With this in mind, I look to the future hoping to see a drastic change in the statistics of care experienced people moving onto higher education and staying there.

Rebecca Munro

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

11

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

Harvard 2018 F

ounded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest University in the United States and one of eight highly esteemed Universities known as the Ivy League. It has taught such celebrated individuals as Barack Obama, John F Kennedy, Al Gore, Tommy Lee Jones and Bill Gates, who famously dropped out in order to start Microsoft! And now we can add our very own care experienced students Sandi and Kirstie to those who have studied in those hallowed halls.

T

he Harvard Summer School Programme offers students the chance to live independently and study on campus for seven weeks, meeting other students from all over the world. Both girls had to go through an application and interview process with Who Cares? Scotland and then show they could meet the requirements of the Harvard selectors. The course work is not for the faint of heart and there is a lot of work to complete while you’re there.

Kirstie applied because she thought it would be too good an opportunity not to try! She originally applied to do Technomusicology and Law, Gender and Equality Studies, but ended up having to swap her Law class for Introduction to Psychology. Kirstie said that despite changing courses a few times in the first week, the staff at Harvard were very accommodating and helpful. Kirstie feels she learned to be a lot more sociable, confident and able to put herself out of her comfort zone. “The more outgoing you are, the more rewarding you will find your experience.”

Sandi tells us she was absolutely buzzing the morning they left for Boston, although that may have been down to all the caffeine! She even got chatting to another summer school student in the airport before they got on the plane. Sandi also studied Technomusicology as well as a class called Organised Crime: Mafias in Film, Theory and Reality. She swears this class was made for her as she has always had an affinity for “gangs, murderers and all that creepy stuff.”

Sandi said she skipped a lot of the readings the first 2 weeks and really struggled, but then she turned it around and even got a high five from one of her professors for being such a genius.

socialise and have fun. The highlight for both girls had to be watching the 4th of July fireworks over the Charles river.

“It was the best display of fireworks I have ever seen! The atmosphere was amazing and everyone was in such high spirits.” Sandi also found many opportunities to shop!

Kirstie would say to other young people who are thinking about this experience, “It was absolutely incredible and looks amazing on your CV! Don’t hesitate and apply as soon as you can.”

Sandi feels that her time at Harvard shows how far she’s come and would tell others, “you have the power to change everything.”

Every year Reaching Higher gives two care experienced young people the opportunity to take part in this exciting experience. Applications for Summer 2019 open in late October so keep your eyes open!

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

IS THERE SUPPORT IN FURTHER EDUCATION FOR CARE EXPERIENCED PEOPLE?

T

Alongside the independent living and coursework there are opportunities to

10

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

here is a noticeable and concerning trend when analysing the data from the ‘Education Outcomes for Scotland’s Looked After Children 2016/17’ survey, which charts the paths taken in the months after high school for care experienced school leavers. The figures show that after three months, 70% ‘looked after leavers’ went onto further education while only an additional 10% continued onto higher education at university level. Worryingly however, within six months these figures dropped to 53% and 9% respectively, highlighting a significant reduction in educational attainment rates over a relatively short period of time. With the release of these figures we are forced to ask why there is such a drastic drop in care experienced students attending and remaining in further or higher education?

Although these numbers may seem shocking at first glance, from my own experience as a care experienced student I am less surprised. Having previously attended courses at both college and university, I quickly discovered the challenging and uncomfortable reality of trying to get an education, alone and isolated, without the assistance of a supportive family environment. This harsh reality saw me ultimately drop-out of both courses which is why these newly released statistics to me are both expected and troubling.

Embarking on any educational journey, will be as difficult as it is rewarding. Although the difficulty can be overcome through hard-work and the will to succeed, it is equally essential to have a stable and supportive system in place to help manage the challenges of college and university life. The key to this supportive network is both financial and social, with both factors playing an important role in allowing for a successful and positive educational experience.

The reason that care leavers drop out of further or higher education so soon after starting is because they don’t feel supported. This does not have to be the case.

When I returned to college and then university as an adult three years later, I quickly realised that there was a vast network of financial and personal support in place, through both the Scottish government and

the universities and colleges themselves.

Between bursaries, scholarships, living grants and widening access programmes, there is an abundance of guidance and support from trained professionals whose job it is to make sure you achieve your best.

You just need to know where to look. In my opinion, it is vital that care experienced school leavers are made aware of the support available to them.

But whose responsibility should it be to make sure that care experienced young people know what support is available to them? This is where the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 and its naming of Corporate Parents comes in. Corporate Parenting organisations have been charged to promote the wellbeing of looked after children, whether it be emotionally or educationally, at all times. These Corporate Parents include schools, colleges and universities.

Between them all they must ensure that care experienced students are aware of the support networks that have been put in place especially for them.

Since 2014, more public bodies have embraced their Corporate Parenting responsibilities which sends a promising message to care experienced people. The message being that they should not have to feel at a disadvantage in society, nor will they be a step behind their non-care experienced peers, for it is the role of the Corporate Parents to bolster them up and afford them the opportunities they are entitled to. With this in mind, I look to the future hoping to see a drastic change in the statistics of care experienced people moving onto higher education and staying there.

Rebecca Munro

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

11

NEWS & EVENTS

Keepin L g

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

Hi Members,

up with

Kev

ife at Who Cares? Scotland has been very busy since we last spoke. Since the last edition, we have been working to hear members, keep you connected and make sure you have every opportunity to keep driving change at a community and national level.

I’m really glad we’re busy though, because that means we’re working hard for you. We exist to make sure that your voice is listened to, respected and valued within Who Cares?

Scotland and our Care Experienced movement.

“Kevin, what’s been keeping you so busy?”

I hear you ask. It’s probably easiest to begin where I started.

Annual Survey At the beginning of the summer we launched our first Annual Survey for members. We wanted to make sure that we heard your views, wishes and aspirations for Who Cares? Scotland. The response has been tremendous. I would like to say a massive thank you to all of our members for your support. It takes time and energy to get involved and many of you have put that time and energy in.

Alongside this, I have also been listening.

Listening to members, young people, workers and groups all across the country. In fact, if I haven’t got around to

you yet, let me know!

In all of that listening I’ve been hearing what you want and what you need as a member of Who Cares? Scotland. It’s not a secret though, we will share our findings with you very soon.

Not only have we been listening to what we can do to help you. We’ve also been working and developing the membership team. We want the right people, in the right place, at the right time to help our Care Experienced members all across Scotland. You will begin to see things change and I’m excited to hear what you all think of that.

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

The Care Council

Recently we had our last Care Council Gathering in the traditional way as we know it, bringing and. together our representatives from across Scotl Over the weekend we discussed important subjects for Care Experienced people. Some of these Include, the age of criminal responsibility, how members can be heard at a parliamentary level and the need for the Care Council to come it to a successful close and be reimagined so that be is more inclusive and representative. We will of letting people know how they can become part the new care collective very soon.

The Alumni

Our alumni mem bership is grow ing quickly as are th e opportunities for our alumni mem bers. Some of th ose alumni membe rs will be taking part in an exchange visit with membe rs from the Island of Jersey. We will be sharing our knowledge and experience of w hat it’s like to el evate voice, showcasi ng our campaig ning, advocacy and m embership work.

It is hoped that Jersey can start to replicate our m odel building a strong care family acro ss the waters.

Book Club

r book club and in August This year we launched our first eve as part of the Scottish our members took part in a session the First Minister, Nicola Book Festival. We were hosted by in Bute House. Members Sturgeon at her official residence er books. Each member were invited to read the Harry Pott ortant to them and how then selected a quote that was imp that related to their life in care. we were glad that the It was exciting for our members and her life too. You will all be First Minister shared stories about warts house she belongs glad to know she told us which Hog to and it was…Slytherin! ss Scotland soon, so We plan to roll Book Club out all acro watch this space.

Summer Camp It hasn’t only been listening and surveys the last time I will have seen many of our members was at the Summer Camp.

In July we ran our 5th Summer Camp.

This was exciting for me as it was the first camp where I was Camp Chief.

This really meant something to me and I enjoyed leading old and new faces through the first half of the week at the older camp.

We had friends from all across the UK and Ireland come to camp. We were also really pleased to welcome the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and the Chair of the Independent Care Review, Fiona Duncan. Both had the opportunity to enjoy the camp experience as well as hearing strong messages from members about how care has to be different. Camp as ever was a fantastic yet tiring experience, from where you return a little bit changed every year.

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

So, what’s next?

Steering Groups Nothing we do works, unless it is for our members. A number of members have volunteered their time to sit on a number of steering groups to help shape our work at the design stage.

This has taken us in to a new stage of how we operate.

Over the next few mo nths we have some fantastic ev ents.

These are all created for members to connect with each other and drive our wo rk. You can visit our website to find out how to get involved, but I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at one of our many events (or all of them !) over Care Experienced Week 20 18! For more information on the different events that will make up this special week, turn to pages 18-19.

That’s all from me for now.

If you can’t wait to he ar more about what we’re doing . You can always email me at kb rowne@ whocaresscotland.org

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

13

NEWS & EVENTS

Keepin L g

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

Hi Members,

up with

Kev

ife at Who Cares? Scotland has been very busy since we last spoke. Since the last edition, we have been working to hear members, keep you connected and make sure you have every opportunity to keep driving change at a community and national level.

I’m really glad we’re busy though, because that means we’re working hard for you. We exist to make sure that your voice is listened to, respected and valued within Who Cares?

Scotland and our Care Experienced movement.

“Kevin, what’s been keeping you so busy?”

I hear you ask. It’s probably easiest to begin where I started.

Annual Survey At the beginning of the summer we launched our first Annual Survey for members. We wanted to make sure that we heard your views, wishes and aspirations for Who Cares? Scotland. The response has been tremendous. I would like to say a massive thank you to all of our members for your support. It takes time and energy to get involved and many of you have put that time and energy in.

Alongside this, I have also been listening.

Listening to members, young people, workers and groups all across the country. In fact, if I haven’t got around to

you yet, let me know!

In all of that listening I’ve been hearing what you want and what you need as a member of Who Cares? Scotland. It’s not a secret though, we will share our findings with you very soon.

Not only have we been listening to what we can do to help you. We’ve also been working and developing the membership team. We want the right people, in the right place, at the right time to help our Care Experienced members all across Scotland. You will begin to see things change and I’m excited to hear what you all think of that.

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

The Care Council

Recently we had our last Care Council Gathering in the traditional way as we know it, bringing and. together our representatives from across Scotl Over the weekend we discussed important subjects for Care Experienced people. Some of these Include, the age of criminal responsibility, how members can be heard at a parliamentary level and the need for the Care Council to come it to a successful close and be reimagined so that be is more inclusive and representative. We will of letting people know how they can become part the new care collective very soon.

The Alumni

Our alumni mem bership is grow ing quickly as are th e opportunities for our alumni mem bers. Some of th ose alumni membe rs will be taking part in an exchange visit with membe rs from the Island of Jersey. We will be sharing our knowledge and experience of w hat it’s like to el evate voice, showcasi ng our campaig ning, advocacy and m embership work.

It is hoped that Jersey can start to replicate our m odel building a strong care family acro ss the waters.

Book Club

r book club and in August This year we launched our first eve as part of the Scottish our members took part in a session the First Minister, Nicola Book Festival. We were hosted by in Bute House. Members Sturgeon at her official residence er books. Each member were invited to read the Harry Pott ortant to them and how then selected a quote that was imp that related to their life in care. we were glad that the It was exciting for our members and her life too. You will all be First Minister shared stories about warts house she belongs glad to know she told us which Hog to and it was…Slytherin! ss Scotland soon, so We plan to roll Book Club out all acro watch this space.

Summer Camp It hasn’t only been listening and surveys the last time I will have seen many of our members was at the Summer Camp.

In July we ran our 5th Summer Camp.

This was exciting for me as it was the first camp where I was Camp Chief.

This really meant something to me and I enjoyed leading old and new faces through the first half of the week at the older camp.

We had friends from all across the UK and Ireland come to camp. We were also really pleased to welcome the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and the Chair of the Independent Care Review, Fiona Duncan. Both had the opportunity to enjoy the camp experience as well as hearing strong messages from members about how care has to be different. Camp as ever was a fantastic yet tiring experience, from where you return a little bit changed every year.

12

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

So, what’s next?

Steering Groups Nothing we do works, unless it is for our members. A number of members have volunteered their time to sit on a number of steering groups to help shape our work at the design stage.

This has taken us in to a new stage of how we operate.

Over the next few mo nths we have some fantastic ev ents.

These are all created for members to connect with each other and drive our wo rk. You can visit our website to find out how to get involved, but I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at one of our many events (or all of them !) over Care Experienced Week 20 18! For more information on the different events that will make up this special week, turn to pages 18-19.

That’s all from me for now.

If you can’t wait to he ar more about what we’re doing . You can always email me at kb rowne@ whocaresscotland.org

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

13

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

Fiona Checks In H

ello, I hope you all had a great summer and enjoyed the amazing sunshine.

I’d like to start by giving a huge THANK YOU to Who Cares? Scotland for inviting me back to Summer Camp in July. I was so happy to go to Struan with Thomas Timlin and Rosie Moore from the Care Review. We were there on ‘change-over day’ so really enjoyed getting to spend time with the older campers just as they were getting ready to go home and then the younger campers just as they were arriving.

It was really important to hear from campers about what is important to their daily lives and what change they want the Care Review to achieve. And just like last year, we felt so welcome and it was lovely to be part of such a special time.

As you might know, the Care Review’s Journey stage began in June and it will last right through until next autumn. This is the third stage of the Care Review’s four stages.

Over recent weeks there has been a lot of work done so I’m pleased to share news about what’s happened and what’s ahead.

The Journey stage features ten work groups that are all focusing on areas directly related to care experience and therefore the ‘care system’. Each of these groups is cochaired by two people who

14

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

bring a unique blend of care experience, knowledge and professional experience. You can find out more about who the co-chairs are on the Care Review website - and you might even see some familiar faces...

I’m excited to be working with such a brilliant and inspiring group of people. Together the co-chairs, with me, are called the Journey Group and we have met twice over the summer. The note of the meetings will be posted on the website as soon after the meeting as possible so you can read all about what they have been talking about.

More importantly you can get involved in shaping the conversations! Over the coming year, the Care Review will be travelling all across Scotland offering lots of ways to get involved and share their voice.

Plans include events and workshops, visits to groups and one-to-one meetings.

If you have ideas about how you would like to take part, please send these to: info@carereview. scot and you can tweet the @TheCareReview or @ fionacarereview.

The Care Review is really interested in improving how news is shared in interesting and creative ways - so is recruiting to a group of talented individuals called ‘Creatives in Residence’ that can help the Review communicate in different formats such as writing, poetry, rap, film and photography.

Just over eighteen months ago I became the Chair of the Care Review, and in just about eighteen months from now the review will have concluded. In all of this time, I never been inspired and impressed by the incredible passion and commitment that children and young people all across Scotland have shown in making change happen. I continue to be grateful to everyone and filled with hope and optimism.

But the task ahead is challenging, which is why the Care Review really needs the support and input of as many people as possible and so your involvement is crucial to its success. Please do continue to stay informed, be involved and support the work so that the Care Review will achieve the lasting change that is so needed.

So until the next time,

Fiona

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

THE 1000 VOICES TEAM BEGIN THE JOURNEY!

W

hat a summer! The launch of the Independent Care Review’s Journey Stage has been hugely exciting and marks a big step for every care experienced person in Scotland.

This stage of the Review is designed around everything we heard from your voices during the Discovery Stage. We’ve been making sure we get back out to talk to those who shared their views and make sure they can see how their voice has shaped the Review! We’ve also been very excited to meet new people along the way.

There is tons of information up on the Care Review website, but we know that chatting face-to-face whenever we possibly can works really well. We’ve been travelling all over Scotland to meet back up with groups and chat through the Journey work groups and more of your hopes for the Review. If you spoke to us in the Discovery Stage, but haven’t heard from us since, get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.

We’ve been blown away by the creativity and passion shown by care experienced people all over Scotland.

We have seen some fantastic projects showing their views of care experience in different ways. We will be doing loads more travelling around the country during Journey and we want to share your amazing creative work with the Journey work groups for it to influence the Review.

Here are just a few examples of projects we’ve heard about so far: FYI Perth – these Fun Young Individuals created and produced their very own movie called Milestones and even had their own exhibition in Perth Museum!

Front Lounge – this Dundee based group have made a short film all about mental health and will be touring it around the country from October.

Proud2Care Inverclyde – created a leaflet giving advice on what makes the best social worker.

East Lothian Champs – will be working on their own mental health film alongside Queen Margaret University.

Journeys in the North –an incredible 2-day interactive exhibition created by various groups in the North of Scotland – music, film, artwork, writing and more!

Contributing your voice towards the Review doesn’t always mean you have to take part in workshops, there are lots and lots of ways to be involved. On top of brilliant group contributions, we’ve also received raps, poems, songs, art and much more. We love seeing your creativity and enthusiasm and it is really inspiring us to get even more creative in the Journey Stage! There will be loads of fun things to do across Journey so keep your eye on the next issue of SpeakOut for more info! So even though we’ve been all

over Scotland recently, the Journey continues! There are still lots of groups who we haven’t met yet, so if you are part of a group who want to hear more about the Review, or if you have an event coming up which you’d like the 1000 Voices team and the Review to attend, please get in touch with us at 1000voices@ whocaresscotland.org.

Similarly, if you are an individual with care experience, and you want to get involved, please get in touch with us or sign up for updates on www.carereview.scot

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

15

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

Fiona Checks In H

ello, I hope you all had a great summer and enjoyed the amazing sunshine.

I’d like to start by giving a huge THANK YOU to Who Cares? Scotland for inviting me back to Summer Camp in July. I was so happy to go to Struan with Thomas Timlin and Rosie Moore from the Care Review. We were there on ‘change-over day’ so really enjoyed getting to spend time with the older campers just as they were getting ready to go home and then the younger campers just as they were arriving.

It was really important to hear from campers about what is important to their daily lives and what change they want the Care Review to achieve. And just like last year, we felt so welcome and it was lovely to be part of such a special time.

As you might know, the Care Review’s Journey stage began in June and it will last right through until next autumn. This is the third stage of the Care Review’s four stages.

Over recent weeks there has been a lot of work done so I’m pleased to share news about what’s happened and what’s ahead.

The Journey stage features ten work groups that are all focusing on areas directly related to care experience and therefore the ‘care system’. Each of these groups is cochaired by two people who

14

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

bring a unique blend of care experience, knowledge and professional experience. You can find out more about who the co-chairs are on the Care Review website - and you might even see some familiar faces...

I’m excited to be working with such a brilliant and inspiring group of people. Together the co-chairs, with me, are called the Journey Group and we have met twice over the summer. The note of the meetings will be posted on the website as soon after the meeting as possible so you can read all about what they have been talking about.

More importantly you can get involved in shaping the conversations! Over the coming year, the Care Review will be travelling all across Scotland offering lots of ways to get involved and share their voice.

Plans include events and workshops, visits to groups and one-to-one meetings.

If you have ideas about how you would like to take part, please send these to: info@carereview. scot and you can tweet the @TheCareReview or @ fionacarereview.

The Care Review is really interested in improving how news is shared in interesting and creative ways - so is recruiting to a group of talented individuals called ‘Creatives in Residence’ that can help the Review communicate in different formats such as writing, poetry, rap, film and photography.

Just over eighteen months ago I became the Chair of the Care Review, and in just about eighteen months from now the review will have concluded. In all of this time, I never been inspired and impressed by the incredible passion and commitment that children and young people all across Scotland have shown in making change happen. I continue to be grateful to everyone and filled with hope and optimism.

But the task ahead is challenging, which is why the Care Review really needs the support and input of as many people as possible and so your involvement is crucial to its success. Please do continue to stay informed, be involved and support the work so that the Care Review will achieve the lasting change that is so needed.

So until the next time,

Fiona

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

THE 1000 VOICES TEAM BEGIN THE JOURNEY!

W

hat a summer! The launch of the Independent Care Review’s Journey Stage has been hugely exciting and marks a big step for every care experienced person in Scotland.

This stage of the Review is designed around everything we heard from your voices during the Discovery Stage. We’ve been making sure we get back out to talk to those who shared their views and make sure they can see how their voice has shaped the Review! We’ve also been very excited to meet new people along the way.

There is tons of information up on the Care Review website, but we know that chatting face-to-face whenever we possibly can works really well. We’ve been travelling all over Scotland to meet back up with groups and chat through the Journey work groups and more of your hopes for the Review. If you spoke to us in the Discovery Stage, but haven’t heard from us since, get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.

We’ve been blown away by the creativity and passion shown by care experienced people all over Scotland.

We have seen some fantastic projects showing their views of care experience in different ways. We will be doing loads more travelling around the country during Journey and we want to share your amazing creative work with the Journey work groups for it to influence the Review.

Here are just a few examples of projects we’ve heard about so far: FYI Perth – these Fun Young Individuals created and produced their very own movie called Milestones and even had their own exhibition in Perth Museum!

Front Lounge – this Dundee based group have made a short film all about mental health and will be touring it around the country from October.

Proud2Care Inverclyde – created a leaflet giving advice on what makes the best social worker.

East Lothian Champs – will be working on their own mental health film alongside Queen Margaret University.

Journeys in the North –an incredible 2-day interactive exhibition created by various groups in the North of Scotland – music, film, artwork, writing and more!

Contributing your voice towards the Review doesn’t always mean you have to take part in workshops, there are lots and lots of ways to be involved. On top of brilliant group contributions, we’ve also received raps, poems, songs, art and much more. We love seeing your creativity and enthusiasm and it is really inspiring us to get even more creative in the Journey Stage! There will be loads of fun things to do across Journey so keep your eye on the next issue of SpeakOut for more info! So even though we’ve been all

over Scotland recently, the Journey continues! There are still lots of groups who we haven’t met yet, so if you are part of a group who want to hear more about the Review, or if you have an event coming up which you’d like the 1000 Voices team and the Review to attend, please get in touch with us at 1000voices@ whocaresscotland.org.

Similarly, if you are an individual with care experience, and you want to get involved, please get in touch with us or sign up for updates on www.carereview.scot

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

15

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

Kibble Group: Fun, food & friends.

For more info contact Pamela or Jemma Kane.

n • Oba sburgh n • Hele n o o • Dun ontact e info c her r o m r o F at ry or He Rosema

Argyl

s e Group l & But

Board: • Champions Young people changing care. ntact For more info co Karen.

•

SL Foster Group: For young people in foster care, kinship care and looked after at home.

• SL Care Leavers: For young people transitioning from care.

For more info contac t Ewen K or Lynne M.

South Lanarkshire Groups

Champions Board/ YPPG: Youn g people changing ca re.

For more in fo call Cind y or Leah.

• Tayside Care2Create : Arts & crafts.

For more in fo contact Leah or Bro oke.

Dundee Gro ups

•

•

food & friends.

• YPiCC: Fun, or ntact Lesley-Ann For more info co Ellie B.

ps Edinburgh Grou

•

d: Young people Champions Boar changing care. ll Jordan.

For more info, ca

ups Midlothian Gro

d: Young people Champions Boar changing care.

– ntact Charlotte For more info co 07793378531. p: Fun, food & • FAMILY grou friends. ntact Alicia or For more info co Sophie.

ups East Lothian Gro

Champions Board: Young people changing care.

For more info call Ra y.

•

2BHeard: Fun, food & friends.

For more info call Scot.

C • LAC Fa ctor • Aberde enshire Ch ampions Board For more in fo contact Lynne W.

Aberdeens hire Group s • YPO

Aberdeen C ity Groups

•

ACE (12+): Fun, food & friends.

• ACE Sp orts (12+): Get sporty.

• Aberde en Champio ns Board: You ng people changing c are.

For more in fo contact Laura Bailey

Fife Groups •

Falkirk Groups

ung • FYI (Fun Yo n, s) Individual : Fu s. nd food & frie ntact For more info co . ke oo Leah or Br

Perth Groups

ers nsform a r T • ntact nfo co i e r o For m eah.

L Mel or

An

oups gus Gr

South Ayrshire (8+): Fun, food & friends .

South Ayrshire Cham pions Board: Young people changing care.

For more info contac t Denise or Sheryl.

• North Ayrshire: Fortnightly group fo r 5–11 year olds.

• Care 4 Ayrshire : Fortnightly group for 12+ For more info contac t Jemma Kerr.

• East Ayrshire: 2 separate groups for ages 6-11 and 12-16 on Tuesday’s 5-7.

For more info contac t Rachel.

• •

Ayrshire Groups

Proud2Care: Fu n, food and friends.

• Mini Cham ps: Primary school age yo ung people changing care .

• Adult Cham ps: High school age yo ung people changing care .

For more info contact Nicole or Shannon.

•

s Glasgow Group

rclyde Groups

people changing care.

• Champions Board: Young Fun, food & friends.

• The Breakthrough Group: d.

For more info contact Donal care. ng people transitioning from • Care Leavers Group: You s & crafts for under 10s.

• The Diamonds group: Art s. d & friends for 11-16 year old • Johnstone Drop: Fun, foo all ages.

• Care to Play: Football for Inve For more info contact Julie.

• Coming soon …

For more info co ntact Beth S

East Dunbartonshire

•

oup: Fun, Moray Social Gr food & friends ership Group • Moray Lead ntact Lesley P. For more info co Fix: Art, film, • Moray Little etc ntact Paula.

For more info co

Moray Groups

es: A ck’s Voic la C r o • O group. weekly orag. ontact M c o f in e For mor

ann Clackm Groups

anshire

Groups

group adership e L : S P M group ounger • CHA Y : S P M le CHA • Litt p S ial Grou CHAMP • Soc ademy c A ll a gw onna • Din ontact D c o f in e For mor

d Highlan

• YP Forum contact Sian.

For more info

Shetland

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

West-Renfrewshire Groups

•

The Young Islanders: Tackling island life.

• Transitions Group For more info contact Alison.

Western Isles Groups

ups. We ur local gro o d n e tt like a you would entitled to If ! re u a o u y o r y e a , e d s? Scotlan going on n S staff on th ? s re C t’ a a W C h r o w h fo e W e rs er of g numbe elow to s As a memb telephone h by emailin c e ve a look b u a th to H d r. in n e fi t ff e l o u’l , then g have lots to on about a group, yo ing for you th y n a ti a d n rm fi u can’t more info azine. If yo g a m is th d.org f back o aresscotlan c o h w @ ip membersh

S P U O R G S ?

C W NEWS & EVENTS Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

NEWS & EVENTS

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D 17

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

Kibble Group: Fun, food & friends.

For more info contact Pamela or Jemma Kane.

n • Oba sburgh n • Hele n o o • Dun ontact e info c her r o m r o F at ry or He Rosema

Argyl

s e Group l & But

Board: • Champions Young people changing care. ntact For more info co Karen.

•

SL Foster Group: For young people in foster care, kinship care and looked after at home.

• SL Care Leavers: For young people transitioning from care.

For more info contac t Ewen K or Lynne M.

South Lanarkshire Groups

Champions Board/ YPPG: Youn g people changing ca re.

For more in fo call Cind y or Leah.

• Tayside Care2Create : Arts & crafts.

For more in fo contact Leah or Bro oke.

Dundee Gro ups

•

•

food & friends.

• YPiCC: Fun, or ntact Lesley-Ann For more info co Ellie B.

ps Edinburgh Grou

•

d: Young people Champions Boar changing care. ll Jordan.

For more info, ca

ups Midlothian Gro

d: Young people Champions Boar changing care.

– ntact Charlotte For more info co 07793378531. p: Fun, food & • FAMILY grou friends. ntact Alicia or For more info co Sophie.

ups East Lothian Gro

Champions Board: Young people changing care.

For more info call Ra y.

•

2BHeard: Fun, food & friends.

For more info call Scot.

C • LAC Fa ctor • Aberde enshire Ch ampions Board For more in fo contact Lynne W.

Aberdeens hire Group s • YPO

Aberdeen C ity Groups

•

ACE (12+): Fun, food & friends.

• ACE Sp orts (12+): Get sporty.

• Aberde en Champio ns Board: You ng people changing c are.

For more in fo contact Laura Bailey

Fife Groups •

Falkirk Groups

ung • FYI (Fun Yo n, s) Individual : Fu s. nd food & frie ntact For more info co . ke oo Leah or Br

Perth Groups

ers nsform a r T • ntact nfo co i e r o For m eah.

L Mel or

An

oups gus Gr

South Ayrshire (8+): Fun, food & friends .

South Ayrshire Cham pions Board: Young people changing care.

For more info contac t Denise or Sheryl.

• North Ayrshire: Fortnightly group fo r 5–11 year olds.

• Care 4 Ayrshire : Fortnightly group for 12+ For more info contac t Jemma Kerr.

• East Ayrshire: 2 separate groups for ages 6-11 and 12-16 on Tuesday’s 5-7.

For more info contac t Rachel.

• •

Ayrshire Groups

Proud2Care: Fu n, food and friends.

• Mini Cham ps: Primary school age yo ung people changing care .

• Adult Cham ps: High school age yo ung people changing care .

For more info contact Nicole or Shannon.

•

s Glasgow Group

rclyde Groups

people changing care.

• Champions Board: Young Fun, food & friends.

• The Breakthrough Group: d.

For more info contact Donal care. ng people transitioning from • Care Leavers Group: You s & crafts for under 10s.

• The Diamonds group: Art s. d & friends for 11-16 year old • Johnstone Drop: Fun, foo all ages.

• Care to Play: Football for Inve For more info contact Julie.

• Coming soon …

For more info co ntact Beth S

East Dunbartonshire

•

oup: Fun, Moray Social Gr food & friends ership Group • Moray Lead ntact Lesley P. For more info co Fix: Art, film, • Moray Little etc ntact Paula.

For more info co

Moray Groups

es: A ck’s Voic la C r o • O group. weekly orag. ontact M c o f in e For mor

ann Clackm Groups

anshire

Groups

group adership e L : S P M group ounger • CHA Y : S P M le CHA • Litt p S ial Grou CHAMP • Soc ademy c A ll a gw onna • Din ontact D c o f in e For mor

d Highlan

• YP Forum contact Sian.

For more info

Shetland

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

West-Renfrewshire Groups

•

The Young Islanders: Tackling island life.

• Transitions Group For more info contact Alison.

Western Isles Groups

ups. We ur local gro o d n e tt like a you would entitled to If ! re u a o u y o r y e a , e d s? Scotlan going on n S staff on th ? s re C t’ a a W C h r o w h fo e W e rs er of g numbe elow to s As a memb telephone h by emailin c e ve a look b u a th to H d r. in n e fi t ff e l o u’l , then g have lots to on about a group, yo ing for you th y n a ti a d n rm fi u can’t more info azine. If yo g a m is th d.org f back o aresscotlan c o h w @ ip membersh

S P U O R G S ?

C W NEWS & EVENTS Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

NEWS & EVENTS

W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D 17

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

Coming Up - Care Experienced Week 2018

A Invitation to the Who Cares?

Scotland AGM

W

ho Cares? Scotland is delighted to announce the first ever Care Experienced Week from Monday 22nd October to Sunday 28th October.

If you are already familiar with National Care Leaver’s Week, which also takes place at the end of October, you may be wondering why Who Cares? Scotland have chosen to mark the occasion by a different name. The reason is simple. We know that our members don’t leave their Care Experience behind them, just because they leave formal care. Rather, their Care Experience represents a fundamental part of who they are – and we want to celebrate that.

Dear Members,

12.00-14.00, Glasgow Join us as we march in Glasgow, to demonstrate our commitment to a lifetime of equality, respect and love for all Care Experienced people. We will follow a route through the centre of Glasgow and gather at an iconic location where there will be inspirational words, songs and speeches. All Care Experienced people and allies of the movement are welcome – please join us and show your love for Care Experienced people.

We are currently working with the relevant authorities to confirm our route and details will be announced closer to the time. For now, please register your interest to attend for the rally here.

Sunday, October 28 Time to Shine Festival

Who Cares? Scotland AGM

12.00-13.00, The Greenwood Conference Centre, Irvine To find out more about this see page 19.

12.00-16.00 – SWG3, 100 Eastvale Pl, Glasgow, G3 8QG Time to Shine is our annual party for Care Experienced people and their supporters and this year will be bigger and better than ever!

Our members have decided to prolong the summer so we’ll be throwing you a final music festival. There will be live bands, a DJ, music workshops, festival make up, arts and crafts, inflatables, tasty treats and so much more. Come along and celebrate with the Care Family.

Fancy dress is encouraged – will you dress as your favourite pop star, or will you be rocking your best festival going attire with wellies and glitter?

Visit whocaresscotland.org to register.

18

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

e are Megan and Alicia and we are young care experienced Board members of Who Cares? Scotland. And we would like to invite you to this year’s AGM.

(Annual General Meeting) Saturday 27th October, 12:00-13:00 The Greenwood Conference Centre, Irvine

Saturday, October 27 Global Care Family Gathering

10.00-16.00, The Greenwood Conference Centre, Greenwood Gate, Dreghorn, Irvine, KA11 4GZ The first of its kind, this conference will be curated and delivered entirely by Care Experienced people and will set out a global ambition for change beyond borders. A series of inspirational speakers from across the globe will share insights on their experiences of care, and Care Experienced people from across the world will be supported to connect over their shared identities.

This Gathering is made possible thanks to the generous support given from North Ayrshire Council’s CEO, Elma Murray.

We are expecting this event to be fully subscribed, so registration will be essential, even for Who Cares? Scotland members. To register please visit whocaresscotland.org

W

Who Cares?

Scotland’s AGM

This Care Experienced Week, we will therefore host a range of events – each one designed to explore, reflect on and celebrate all thing Care Experienced.

Dates for your diary: Friday, October 26 Lifetime of Love Rally!

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

The AGM will be a lunchtime session at the Global Care Family Gathering and is only open to Who Cares? Scotland members. If you are not attending the Family Gathering but would like to attend the AGM, please email events@whocaresscotland.org.

B

ut before you RSVP, here are some useful things to know which might help you decide whether you want to attend and what will be required of you if you do: Firstly, let’s explain what the WC?S Board is. The Board is made up of around fifteen people, who bring a range of skills and experience, and at least five of us must be care experienced. We support the senior management team to decide on the goals and aims for the organisation and then ensure that they are achieving those goals. We also oversee the financial management of the organisation and make sure that it acts within the law. Everything we do in our role as Board members must be in the best interests of the charity, and therefore you, it’s members. It is our duty to do the best we can to listen to and to represent the members of Who Care? Scotland. As a member, you can speak to us and raise any issues you might have. We will listen to you and

do everything in our power to make Who Cares? Scotland better.

This brings us on to the AGM itself, which is a yearly event where WC?S members and the Board meet, the AGM is so important because this is where you will: • Hear from the Chair of the Board on what the care family has achieved since last year.

• Approve the financial accounts for the year. This is a brief but necessary activity!

• Hear from all potential new board members and then vote to elect them.

• Discuss and vote on motions raised

by Who Cares? Scotland members.

A motion is a demand you raise when you feel Who Cares? Scotland staff and the Board have not been listening to you. For example, if you told Board members or staff that you want Who Cares? Scotland to celebrate Pride and we ignored this, you could write a

statement saying that you want WC?S to celebrate Pride. This would be a motion. At the AGM, the motion will be explained, and all members present will be given the chance to vote on whether they agree or disagree.

Now you know what a motion is.

Is there anything you’d like to raise?

Even if you don’t want to go to the AGM you can still put forward a motion. Motions must be submitted in writing to board@whocaresscotland. org by Monday 8th October. These will then be added to the agenda and circulated to members and the board prior to the AGM. This year the AGM will be in the same place as the Global Care Family Gathering so you can be a part of the Global Care Experienced movement.

We are all very excited to see you, especially us!

Lots of love,

gan x e M d n a a i Alic W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

19

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

Coming Up - Care Experienced Week 2018

A Invitation to the Who Cares?

Scotland AGM

W

ho Cares? Scotland is delighted to announce the first ever Care Experienced Week from Monday 22nd October to Sunday 28th October.

If you are already familiar with National Care Leaver’s Week, which also takes place at the end of October, you may be wondering why Who Cares? Scotland have chosen to mark the occasion by a different name. The reason is simple. We know that our members don’t leave their Care Experience behind them, just because they leave formal care. Rather, their Care Experience represents a fundamental part of who they are – and we want to celebrate that.

Dear Members,

12.00-14.00, Glasgow Join us as we march in Glasgow, to demonstrate our commitment to a lifetime of equality, respect and love for all Care Experienced people. We will follow a route through the centre of Glasgow and gather at an iconic location where there will be inspirational words, songs and speeches. All Care Experienced people and allies of the movement are welcome – please join us and show your love for Care Experienced people.

We are currently working with the relevant authorities to confirm our route and details will be announced closer to the time. For now, please register your interest to attend for the rally here.

Sunday, October 28 Time to Shine Festival

Who Cares? Scotland AGM

12.00-13.00, The Greenwood Conference Centre, Irvine To find out more about this see page 19.

12.00-16.00 – SWG3, 100 Eastvale Pl, Glasgow, G3 8QG Time to Shine is our annual party for Care Experienced people and their supporters and this year will be bigger and better than ever!

Our members have decided to prolong the summer so we’ll be throwing you a final music festival. There will be live bands, a DJ, music workshops, festival make up, arts and crafts, inflatables, tasty treats and so much more. Come along and celebrate with the Care Family.

Fancy dress is encouraged – will you dress as your favourite pop star, or will you be rocking your best festival going attire with wellies and glitter?

Visit whocaresscotland.org to register.

18

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

e are Megan and Alicia and we are young care experienced Board members of Who Cares? Scotland. And we would like to invite you to this year’s AGM.

(Annual General Meeting) Saturday 27th October, 12:00-13:00 The Greenwood Conference Centre, Irvine

Saturday, October 27 Global Care Family Gathering

10.00-16.00, The Greenwood Conference Centre, Greenwood Gate, Dreghorn, Irvine, KA11 4GZ The first of its kind, this conference will be curated and delivered entirely by Care Experienced people and will set out a global ambition for change beyond borders. A series of inspirational speakers from across the globe will share insights on their experiences of care, and Care Experienced people from across the world will be supported to connect over their shared identities.

This Gathering is made possible thanks to the generous support given from North Ayrshire Council’s CEO, Elma Murray.

We are expecting this event to be fully subscribed, so registration will be essential, even for Who Cares? Scotland members. To register please visit whocaresscotland.org

W

Who Cares?

Scotland’s AGM

This Care Experienced Week, we will therefore host a range of events – each one designed to explore, reflect on and celebrate all thing Care Experienced.

Dates for your diary: Friday, October 26 Lifetime of Love Rally!

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

The AGM will be a lunchtime session at the Global Care Family Gathering and is only open to Who Cares? Scotland members. If you are not attending the Family Gathering but would like to attend the AGM, please email events@whocaresscotland.org.

B

ut before you RSVP, here are some useful things to know which might help you decide whether you want to attend and what will be required of you if you do: Firstly, let’s explain what the WC?S Board is. The Board is made up of around fifteen people, who bring a range of skills and experience, and at least five of us must be care experienced. We support the senior management team to decide on the goals and aims for the organisation and then ensure that they are achieving those goals. We also oversee the financial management of the organisation and make sure that it acts within the law. Everything we do in our role as Board members must be in the best interests of the charity, and therefore you, it’s members. It is our duty to do the best we can to listen to and to represent the members of Who Care? Scotland. As a member, you can speak to us and raise any issues you might have. We will listen to you and

do everything in our power to make Who Cares? Scotland better.

This brings us on to the AGM itself, which is a yearly event where WC?S members and the Board meet, the AGM is so important because this is where you will: • Hear from the Chair of the Board on what the care family has achieved since last year.

• Approve the financial accounts for the year. This is a brief but necessary activity!

• Hear from all potential new board members and then vote to elect them.

• Discuss and vote on motions raised

by Who Cares? Scotland members.

A motion is a demand you raise when you feel Who Cares? Scotland staff and the Board have not been listening to you. For example, if you told Board members or staff that you want Who Cares? Scotland to celebrate Pride and we ignored this, you could write a

statement saying that you want WC?S to celebrate Pride. This would be a motion. At the AGM, the motion will be explained, and all members present will be given the chance to vote on whether they agree or disagree.

Now you know what a motion is.

Is there anything you’d like to raise?

Even if you don’t want to go to the AGM you can still put forward a motion. Motions must be submitted in writing to board@whocaresscotland. org by Monday 8th October. These will then be added to the agenda and circulated to members and the board prior to the AGM. This year the AGM will be in the same place as the Global Care Family Gathering so you can be a part of the Global Care Experienced movement.

We are all very excited to see you, especially us!

Lots of love,

gan x e M d n a a i Alic W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

19

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

SCOTTISH YOUTH PARLIAMENT UPDATE

From Care to Where?

Leaving Care and Homelessness Alumni representatives took part in the most recent Care Council gathering at the end of August. The Care Council is a national representative body for Care Experienced people, with councillors elected to represent different regions and groups throughout the country.

Helen Johnston and Ryan McShane Did you know that Who Cares? Scotland members aged 12-25 are represented by two Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs)? This means that the views of our membership are heard in the biggest elected representative voice of young people in Scotland - that’s a really big deal! Meet your MSYPs Helen and Ryan and hear all about what they’ve been up to and how you can get involved!

T

he Scottish youth parliament was established in 1999 to give Scotland’s young people a voice in the decisions being made about their lives. It is the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s youth and every member must have been voted for by the group of young people they represent. Each term lasts for two years then there must be another election process. Your MSYP for Who Cares? Scotland are Ryan McShane and Helen Johnston who both stood for election at the beginning of 2016.

Since being elected we have been busy representing your voice in the parliament in various ways. We have consulted with you on important topics, attended the National Care Council and gone to residentials with the youth parliament to ensure that the voices of care experienced young people are being heard in every decision being made. We’ve travelled around the country and stood up for the rights of care experienced young people by opening conversations with those who might not have any experience of the care system. Here are a few examples of our work…

Stand up for siblings:

Earlier this year Helen went along to the Stand up for Siblings conference where she spoke publicly, alongside Thomas Timlin and Fiona Duncan about the importance of sibling relationships, the effects on young 20

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

people when they are separated from their brothers and sisters and asked all corporate parents to stand up, do better and fight for the sibling relationships of the young people they work with. Join in the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #StandUpForSiblings

Should love be a right?:

Ryan attended an event in Edinburgh back in April were he was asked to speak about an issue that was affecting our members around the subject of Young People’s Rights. Ryan consulted with WC?S members on this subject, and found that members feel that Love is not guaranteed within the care system in Scotland. At the event, Ryan gave a speech in front of Scottish Government officials and Ministers about how Love should become a right for children in the future.

Making a Com-Motion:

If an MSYP feels a topic or idea should be discussed in the youth parliament, they must put forward a “motion” – which is a proposal that says, “I think we need to talk about this thing”.

Then, all members of the SYP vote on whether they agree that this topic is worth debating. This year, Helen and Ryan passed a motion about the challenges faced by care experienced people accessing mental health services – and they passed this with

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

99% approval! This means that 99% of the youth parliament agrees that care experienced issues need to be talked about – starting with mental health.

We’ll keep you updated in SpeakOut with what we are doing, and remember that we represent YOU, so we would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, suggestions or want to talk about anything feel free to get in touch. You can contact us on twitter, by email or on Facebook.

Helen Johnston @Helen_MSYP, Helen.Johnston.MSYP@sypmail.org. uk Ryan Mcshane @ Ryanmcshanemsyp, Ryan.Mcshane.

MSYP@sypmail.org.uk MSYPs are elected for a two-year term. This means that elections for the Scottish Youth Parliament will be opening soon! If you’re interested in standing for election to be the Who Cares? Scotland membership representative, please email membership@whocaresscotland.org

For the first time, the Alumni members, as adults with care experience, led a workshop with the younger care councillors, focused on experiences of leaving care and homelessness.

Alumni members shared personal experiences of homelessness and the impact it had on their lives – from relationships and health risks to poverty, isolation and potential involvement with the police. James Frame spoke about how “some homeless people can end up thinking they are worthless to society. Their mind tells them that constantly. As well as people judging them”. In contrast, Rebecca Munro had a much better experience, recalling that she “was in homeless accommodation which made me feel very comfortable at all times and where staff helped me with applications for jobs and for university”.

Policy and legislation were also discussed, with contributions on the rights to Continuing Care and Aftercare under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 and the national picture captured by the important Falling Through the Cracks report written by Alumni member Ashley Cameron together with Kezia Dugdale MSP. There was then a powerful and productive discussion around what Care Councillors have experienced or anticipate experiencing on leaving care and what, together with Alumni members, they might want to campaign for in order to improve life chances for care leavers. Care Councillors shared a wide range of experiences, including loneliness, debt and poor living conditions. One member explained that “aftercare

started during my 6th year exams – I was told that my only options were homelessness or to move back with my family”. Another Care Councillor “was told that homelessness was the only option after my supported carer placement broke down”, while a third member recalled “sleeping on my friend’s sofa for 6 months – it really put strain on our relationship”.

The whole group was agreed on the need for real change to improve experiences of leaving care, with it being emphasised that there should be an expectation of stability, lifelong support and protection in order to ensure that care leavers were “thriving rather than just surviving”.

In general, the meaningful discussion between people of different ages, united by their care experience, was welcomed by all, with several members asking for more time for Alumni at the next gathering.

Alumni members are really keen to build a strong dialogue with younger members – to learn from one another,

share experiences and advice and provide hope and inspiration beyond care.

Rebecca, who is a new Alumni member attending the Care Council for the first time, enthused “The homelessness workshop was eye opening to say the least. To hear members speak up about their past experiences of homelessness really emphasised how much this subject is needing the attention of our government. Although some stories were saddening, it definitely felt like the workshop was a leap in the right direction of making sure younger care leavers never have to experience homelessness themselves”.

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

21

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

SCOTTISH YOUTH PARLIAMENT UPDATE

From Care to Where?

Leaving Care and Homelessness Alumni representatives took part in the most recent Care Council gathering at the end of August. The Care Council is a national representative body for Care Experienced people, with councillors elected to represent different regions and groups throughout the country.

Helen Johnston and Ryan McShane Did you know that Who Cares? Scotland members aged 12-25 are represented by two Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs)? This means that the views of our membership are heard in the biggest elected representative voice of young people in Scotland - that’s a really big deal! Meet your MSYPs Helen and Ryan and hear all about what they’ve been up to and how you can get involved!

T

he Scottish youth parliament was established in 1999 to give Scotland’s young people a voice in the decisions being made about their lives. It is the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s youth and every member must have been voted for by the group of young people they represent. Each term lasts for two years then there must be another election process. Your MSYP for Who Cares? Scotland are Ryan McShane and Helen Johnston who both stood for election at the beginning of 2016.

Since being elected we have been busy representing your voice in the parliament in various ways. We have consulted with you on important topics, attended the National Care Council and gone to residentials with the youth parliament to ensure that the voices of care experienced young people are being heard in every decision being made. We’ve travelled around the country and stood up for the rights of care experienced young people by opening conversations with those who might not have any experience of the care system. Here are a few examples of our work…

Stand up for siblings:

Earlier this year Helen went along to the Stand up for Siblings conference where she spoke publicly, alongside Thomas Timlin and Fiona Duncan about the importance of sibling relationships, the effects on young 20

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

people when they are separated from their brothers and sisters and asked all corporate parents to stand up, do better and fight for the sibling relationships of the young people they work with. Join in the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #StandUpForSiblings

Should love be a right?:

Ryan attended an event in Edinburgh back in April were he was asked to speak about an issue that was affecting our members around the subject of Young People’s Rights. Ryan consulted with WC?S members on this subject, and found that members feel that Love is not guaranteed within the care system in Scotland. At the event, Ryan gave a speech in front of Scottish Government officials and Ministers about how Love should become a right for children in the future.

Making a Com-Motion:

If an MSYP feels a topic or idea should be discussed in the youth parliament, they must put forward a “motion” – which is a proposal that says, “I think we need to talk about this thing”.

Then, all members of the SYP vote on whether they agree that this topic is worth debating. This year, Helen and Ryan passed a motion about the challenges faced by care experienced people accessing mental health services – and they passed this with

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

99% approval! This means that 99% of the youth parliament agrees that care experienced issues need to be talked about – starting with mental health.

We’ll keep you updated in SpeakOut with what we are doing, and remember that we represent YOU, so we would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, suggestions or want to talk about anything feel free to get in touch. You can contact us on twitter, by email or on Facebook.

Helen Johnston @Helen_MSYP, Helen.Johnston.MSYP@sypmail.org. uk Ryan Mcshane @ Ryanmcshanemsyp, Ryan.Mcshane.

MSYP@sypmail.org.uk MSYPs are elected for a two-year term. This means that elections for the Scottish Youth Parliament will be opening soon! If you’re interested in standing for election to be the Who Cares? Scotland membership representative, please email membership@whocaresscotland.org

For the first time, the Alumni members, as adults with care experience, led a workshop with the younger care councillors, focused on experiences of leaving care and homelessness.

Alumni members shared personal experiences of homelessness and the impact it had on their lives – from relationships and health risks to poverty, isolation and potential involvement with the police. James Frame spoke about how “some homeless people can end up thinking they are worthless to society. Their mind tells them that constantly. As well as people judging them”. In contrast, Rebecca Munro had a much better experience, recalling that she “was in homeless accommodation which made me feel very comfortable at all times and where staff helped me with applications for jobs and for university”.

Policy and legislation were also discussed, with contributions on the rights to Continuing Care and Aftercare under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 and the national picture captured by the important Falling Through the Cracks report written by Alumni member Ashley Cameron together with Kezia Dugdale MSP. There was then a powerful and productive discussion around what Care Councillors have experienced or anticipate experiencing on leaving care and what, together with Alumni members, they might want to campaign for in order to improve life chances for care leavers. Care Councillors shared a wide range of experiences, including loneliness, debt and poor living conditions. One member explained that “aftercare

started during my 6th year exams – I was told that my only options were homelessness or to move back with my family”. Another Care Councillor “was told that homelessness was the only option after my supported carer placement broke down”, while a third member recalled “sleeping on my friend’s sofa for 6 months – it really put strain on our relationship”.

The whole group was agreed on the need for real change to improve experiences of leaving care, with it being emphasised that there should be an expectation of stability, lifelong support and protection in order to ensure that care leavers were “thriving rather than just surviving”.

In general, the meaningful discussion between people of different ages, united by their care experience, was welcomed by all, with several members asking for more time for Alumni at the next gathering.

Alumni members are really keen to build a strong dialogue with younger members – to learn from one another,

share experiences and advice and provide hope and inspiration beyond care.

Rebecca, who is a new Alumni member attending the Care Council for the first time, enthused “The homelessness workshop was eye opening to say the least. To hear members speak up about their past experiences of homelessness really emphasised how much this subject is needing the attention of our government. Although some stories were saddening, it definitely felt like the workshop was a leap in the right direction of making sure younger care leavers never have to experience homelessness themselves”.

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

21

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

JOURNEYS in the

NORTH

I

magine sitting around a camp fire in a wild wood in the middle of nowhere and beginning to shape a story. Or looking out over the big sea from the most northerly tip of Scotland, way up to Shetland, and wondering how you would create a character that reflected what is most important to you and your journey.

Or making amazing music high above Loch Ness, in the coolest studio ever, with a view you could never buy, a whole bunch of friends pitching in with stunning lyrics, a bit of rap, a blast of the guitar, whatever comes.

And imagine, some months later, a great hall in the very heart of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. With its doors flung open to the public, banners on the street. And Children’s Minister Marie Todd formally opening the first ever major exhibition of works of art and creativity by care experienced young people and their friends in Scotland.

That’s what Journeys in the North was all about – a first for Who Cares? Scotland, for Members and for Scotland. Over 60 care experienced young people and their friends from across the North were involved, Shetland to Stornoway, Elgin to Inverness. The theme was simple, 22

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

open and powerful – journeys.

Journeys in life, in care, in dreams, to the places that matter to you, into the future, of loss and hope and beauty.

Together, young folk and artists created a host of different works of art - collective poems, individual stories, songs, films, huge hanging group paintings, small pictures, a whole room shaped like a residential bedroom filled with personal dolls, poems, and tales from the heart. Not to mention two flags and a series of masks.

Journeys in the North as an exhibition came together at the beginning of July, as the young folk and their works of art travelled to Inverness from far and wide. A whole day was spent eating too many biscuits and transforming a big, old empty building into something exploding with life and journeys.

There was even a delivery from the local Council of two truck-loads of road signage, STOP signs, GO signs, DIVERSION, even two working sets of traffic lights. All of it was used to shape the exhibition as a Journey in itself, with the hope that that’s how it would feel for folk coming through those big open doors.

The grand opening was on Thursday

Journeys (in the north)

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

5 July, and the main hall was crammed.

Mitchell got everyone’s attention with Highland pipes. Lauren from Shetland spoke about how important it is to truly listen to every care experienced young person’s story. Children’s Minister, Marie Todd, talked of how inspirational she found the young people who had shaped Journeys in the North and then she together with Sebastian, proudly cut the opening ribbon.

In the two days that followed, well over 300 folk visited Journeys in the North. Here’s some of what they had to say: “It was amazing. I was quite overwhelmed by the depth of stories revealed in the art work. The standard of work was so high - it is wonderful to see so much talent among these young people.”

“I do not think anyone could have gone and come away as the same person.”

Now we’re working on the next step. Journeys in the North will be travelling to other local spaces across the North, with young folk making it matter in their own communities. And we’ve also got our eye on the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood … watch this space. It’s all a journey …

A CLOSER LOOK…

THE DOLLS

12 young care experienced people and their friends in Shetland spent over 6 months creating artwork for their part of the Journeys in the North Exhibition. Young people designed dolls to represent elements of their care journey. Each design was then made in to a rag doll by artist Stephen Davis.

The dolls were set in a bairn’s bedroom, which we created from white painted cardboard boxes.

We aimed to create an installation which led people to discover more about care journey’s the more they interacted with it. Here we describe what it might have been like for you to walk through it:

THE EXHIBITION

You see the bed first in the bairn’s bedroom. It could be any bairn’s bedroom, a bed with a soft grey duvet cover and matching pillow cases. Wall paper of a light grey sky and clouds. Was that your first hint that something wasn’t quite right? Too much grey. Clouds gathering. Rain coming.

White furniture, edged in black, a

bedside table, a chest of drawers, a single wardrobe, surprisingly stark for a bairn’s bedroom.

Then you see the dolls. Bright and colourful in contrast with the room. What you might expect to find in a child’s bedroom, but then you notice the expressions on their faces. Some of the dolls are crying, some are angry and some scared. You feel relieved when your eyes find a happy one, but on closer inspection you discover her smile is a flap and underneath it she is also sad.

You see that one has a Shetland pony, one cries over photos, another lies in a hospital bed. You discover that one was two stitched together. You see a roller skater, a school girl, a racing driver, a ferry man and three super heroes.

Look in the box. Don’t dance around it. Discover the nightmare of a life lived in care. You pull out the heart and see it’s smashed in to pieces and stuck back together.

It fits in your hands, your fingers cup round it. What do you notice?

It’s fragility? It’s smallness? Maybe you hold it a while before placing it back.

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

23

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

JOURNEYS in the

NORTH

I

magine sitting around a camp fire in a wild wood in the middle of nowhere and beginning to shape a story. Or looking out over the big sea from the most northerly tip of Scotland, way up to Shetland, and wondering how you would create a character that reflected what is most important to you and your journey.

Or making amazing music high above Loch Ness, in the coolest studio ever, with a view you could never buy, a whole bunch of friends pitching in with stunning lyrics, a bit of rap, a blast of the guitar, whatever comes.

And imagine, some months later, a great hall in the very heart of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. With its doors flung open to the public, banners on the street. And Children’s Minister Marie Todd formally opening the first ever major exhibition of works of art and creativity by care experienced young people and their friends in Scotland.

That’s what Journeys in the North was all about – a first for Who Cares? Scotland, for Members and for Scotland. Over 60 care experienced young people and their friends from across the North were involved, Shetland to Stornoway, Elgin to Inverness. The theme was simple, 22

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

open and powerful – journeys.

Journeys in life, in care, in dreams, to the places that matter to you, into the future, of loss and hope and beauty.

Together, young folk and artists created a host of different works of art - collective poems, individual stories, songs, films, huge hanging group paintings, small pictures, a whole room shaped like a residential bedroom filled with personal dolls, poems, and tales from the heart. Not to mention two flags and a series of masks.

Journeys in the North as an exhibition came together at the beginning of July, as the young folk and their works of art travelled to Inverness from far and wide. A whole day was spent eating too many biscuits and transforming a big, old empty building into something exploding with life and journeys.

There was even a delivery from the local Council of two truck-loads of road signage, STOP signs, GO signs, DIVERSION, even two working sets of traffic lights. All of it was used to shape the exhibition as a Journey in itself, with the hope that that’s how it would feel for folk coming through those big open doors.

The grand opening was on Thursday

Journeys (in the north)

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

5 July, and the main hall was crammed.

Mitchell got everyone’s attention with Highland pipes. Lauren from Shetland spoke about how important it is to truly listen to every care experienced young person’s story. Children’s Minister, Marie Todd, talked of how inspirational she found the young people who had shaped Journeys in the North and then she together with Sebastian, proudly cut the opening ribbon.

In the two days that followed, well over 300 folk visited Journeys in the North. Here’s some of what they had to say: “It was amazing. I was quite overwhelmed by the depth of stories revealed in the art work. The standard of work was so high - it is wonderful to see so much talent among these young people.”

“I do not think anyone could have gone and come away as the same person.”

Now we’re working on the next step. Journeys in the North will be travelling to other local spaces across the North, with young folk making it matter in their own communities. And we’ve also got our eye on the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood … watch this space. It’s all a journey …

A CLOSER LOOK…

THE DOLLS

12 young care experienced people and their friends in Shetland spent over 6 months creating artwork for their part of the Journeys in the North Exhibition. Young people designed dolls to represent elements of their care journey. Each design was then made in to a rag doll by artist Stephen Davis.

The dolls were set in a bairn’s bedroom, which we created from white painted cardboard boxes.

We aimed to create an installation which led people to discover more about care journey’s the more they interacted with it. Here we describe what it might have been like for you to walk through it:

THE EXHIBITION

You see the bed first in the bairn’s bedroom. It could be any bairn’s bedroom, a bed with a soft grey duvet cover and matching pillow cases. Wall paper of a light grey sky and clouds. Was that your first hint that something wasn’t quite right? Too much grey. Clouds gathering. Rain coming.

White furniture, edged in black, a

bedside table, a chest of drawers, a single wardrobe, surprisingly stark for a bairn’s bedroom.

Then you see the dolls. Bright and colourful in contrast with the room. What you might expect to find in a child’s bedroom, but then you notice the expressions on their faces. Some of the dolls are crying, some are angry and some scared. You feel relieved when your eyes find a happy one, but on closer inspection you discover her smile is a flap and underneath it she is also sad.

You see that one has a Shetland pony, one cries over photos, another lies in a hospital bed. You discover that one was two stitched together. You see a roller skater, a school girl, a racing driver, a ferry man and three super heroes.

Look in the box. Don’t dance around it. Discover the nightmare of a life lived in care. You pull out the heart and see it’s smashed in to pieces and stuck back together.

It fits in your hands, your fingers cup round it. What do you notice?

It’s fragility? It’s smallness? Maybe you hold it a while before placing it back.

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

23

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

8 1 0 2 P M A C R E M SUM ers look e something that memb “Summer camp has becom been to ve ha I n. d I’m no exceptio forward to every year, an n the last. tha r tte be h one has been eac d an p cam rs yea 5 all e longexperiences and made som I have had some amazing in an ing Be y. wa h people along the lasting relationships wit t come tha es ess str the away from all me k too t tha nt me on vir en me time to luding social media, gave inc , life y da rn de mo h wit d something e to face. Each yearI learne fac le op pe h wit ct ne con s living in. out the care system I wa th new about myself, and ab was it the 5 ly on t No . big year for me a s wa p cam at r yea the is Th per and to the older camp as a cam year of camp, but I went tion for nsi tra ky tric teer. This was a younger camp as a volun p before, cam at ity bil t much responsi tha d ha ver ne d ha I as me able to get minute. It was great to be gle sin ry eve ed lov I t bu Having more nger members a bit more. you the of e som ow kn to ng with young de me realise that worki ma p cam at ity bil nsi po res e. My camp that I would like to pursu eer car a be t gh mi le op pe exhausted, al, and I always go home on oti em en be s ha y rne jou ny glorious camp has given me so ma se cau be it, rth wo is it t bu ays have a rish forever. Camp will alw che l wil I t tha s rie mo me place in my heart.”

Chloe, 20 - Glasgow

“This was my se cond year at ca mp. This year w fun and there w as so much as so many ne w faces. Camp home away from is like my home, my family be myself. My fa is there, and I can just vourite part was when I got to se friends from la st year, like Shan e all my e, Oisin, Sophie David and also , Taylor, Jamie. I made so m year and can’t wait to see them any new friends this again.”

Kacey, 13 – In verclyde

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

had heard camp, but I t a r a ye t rs go. It was y fi “This was m as excited to w I ait so , re fo be ds. I can’t w all about it ads of frien lo e d a m I d E RIVER!” amazing, an RING ON TH B r. a ye t x e for n de 5 – Invercly Danielle, 1

“At first, I was nervous, but as I settled in, I started to feel like the people I had just met, were peo ple I had known for years. Cam p was the highlight of my year and can’t wait to see everyone next year. Camp is like one big fam ily and I am lucky to be includ ed.”

Molly, 16 – Inverclyde

introvert and l. I’m a bit of an al at it y jo en t no est. I would lief that I would me in the slight be to m al fir pe e ap th ’t ld dn he di camp I with strangers “Before I went to in large crowds ys da 4 ng di en e. the idea of sp g at home. Alon t my time readin rather have spen p… Down… decided to go. . No showers. U I le d, op en pe e e th Th in s. , w things that ke. Tent However l, but they’re no ng song. The la al Si at . rs in de ed un lv Ro vo f. n (yes, even the to be in Colour run. Chie experience agai n’t have wanted to ld t ou ai w w I t n’ at ca th I at e things they’re things th Some of these ar ink of them and th e I n he w e. ile ggled to describ p for m make me sm ings made cam it was like. I stru th t ha tle w lit d e an no es d p, Th di . m I shower ban) have been to ca asked me what camp my sister – For those who r om he fr ld ck to I ba t e m ha When I ca e end, this I w n is possible. g of camp. In th t, no explanatio no ve ha ho to her the feelin w e cessary. For thos explanation is ne er Camp 2019.”

Bring on Summ Renfrewshire Theighan, 20 –

24

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

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

25

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

8 1 0 2 P M A C R E M SUM ers look e something that memb “Summer camp has becom been to ve ha I n. d I’m no exceptio forward to every year, an n the last. tha r tte be h one has been eac d an p cam rs yea 5 all e longexperiences and made som I have had some amazing in an ing Be y. wa h people along the lasting relationships wit t come tha es ess str the away from all me k too t tha nt me on vir en me time to luding social media, gave inc , life y da rn de mo h wit d something e to face. Each yearI learne fac le op pe h wit ct ne con s living in. out the care system I wa th new about myself, and ab was it the 5 ly on t No . big year for me a s wa p cam at r yea the is Th per and to the older camp as a cam year of camp, but I went tion for nsi tra ky tric teer. This was a younger camp as a volun p before, cam at ity bil t much responsi tha d ha ver ne d ha I as me able to get minute. It was great to be gle sin ry eve ed lov I t bu Having more nger members a bit more. you the of e som ow kn to ng with young de me realise that worki ma p cam at ity bil nsi po res e. My camp that I would like to pursu eer car a be t gh mi le op pe exhausted, al, and I always go home on oti em en be s ha y rne jou ny glorious camp has given me so ma se cau be it, rth wo is it t bu ays have a rish forever. Camp will alw che l wil I t tha s rie mo me place in my heart.”

Chloe, 20 - Glasgow

“This was my se cond year at ca mp. This year w fun and there w as so much as so many ne w faces. Camp home away from is like my home, my family be myself. My fa is there, and I can just vourite part was when I got to se friends from la st year, like Shan e all my e, Oisin, Sophie David and also , Taylor, Jamie. I made so m year and can’t wait to see them any new friends this again.”

Kacey, 13 – In verclyde

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

had heard camp, but I t a r a ye t rs go. It was y fi “This was m as excited to w I ait so , re fo be ds. I can’t w all about it ads of frien lo e d a m I d E RIVER!” amazing, an RING ON TH B r. a ye t x e for n de 5 – Invercly Danielle, 1

“At first, I was nervous, but as I settled in, I started to feel like the people I had just met, were peo ple I had known for years. Cam p was the highlight of my year and can’t wait to see everyone next year. Camp is like one big fam ily and I am lucky to be includ ed.”

Molly, 16 – Inverclyde

introvert and l. I’m a bit of an al at it y jo en t no est. I would lief that I would me in the slight be to m al fir pe e ap th ’t ld dn he di camp I with strangers “Before I went to in large crowds ys da 4 ng di en e. the idea of sp g at home. Alon t my time readin rather have spen p… Down… decided to go. . No showers. U I le d, op en pe e e th Th in s. , w things that ke. Tent However l, but they’re no ng song. The la al Si at . rs in de ed un lv Ro vo f. n (yes, even the to be in Colour run. Chie experience agai n’t have wanted to ld t ou ai w w I t n’ at ca th I at e things they’re things th Some of these ar ink of them and th e I n he w e. ile ggled to describ p for m make me sm ings made cam it was like. I stru th t ha tle w lit d e an no es d p, Th di . m I shower ban) have been to ca asked me what camp my sister – For those who r om he fr ld ck to I ba t e m ha When I ca e end, this I w n is possible. g of camp. In th t, no explanatio no ve ha ho to her the feelin w e cessary. For thos explanation is ne er Camp 2019.”

Bring on Summ Renfrewshire Theighan, 20 –

24

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

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

25

Harry Potter NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

Kenny Murray

T

o millions of fans around the world, he’s the boy who lived.

But to new generations of care experienced young people, Harry Potter is one of the greatest role models, icons and heroes in modern fiction.

The orphaned wizard, who in JK Rowling’s novels is raised in foster care by his aunt and uncle, was the subject of discussion this week at the first ever meeting of a special book club organised by charity Who Cares? Scotland.

As Public Affairs co-ordinator for Who Cares? Scotland, I joined a group of care experienced young people who were invited to Bute House by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to discuss the impact of the Potter books on their lives and how the stories of the parent-less young hero found reflection in their own lives.

Our new Book Club features those who are in or who have come through the care system, getting together to discuss books with similar characters or scenarios.

The First Minister said she had a special time hearing from the group as they shared their own experiences of care with her, while the event was also backed by Harry Potter author JK Rowling who said that the support of care experienced people meant “a great deal” to her.

According to the people with the most experience of that kind of situation, Harry Potter has been a vitally important role model.

Ryan McCuaig, 27, grew up in kinship care in Easterhouse, Glasgow, said he felt a connection to the character.

“My mum died when I was six years old. This was preceded by her alcohol addiction, social work intervention in my life and me being referred to the Children’s Panel. I also spent some time in kinship care with my grandmother, before the state ultimately placed me in the care of my father.

People would talk about their Mum and Dad at school and I would change the subject. Teachers would ask whether my Mum would be proud of a story, or whether my Mum would be along to parents’ evening. I’d then have an internal argument about whether I should embarrass them by telling them

26

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

the truth, or just let them believe their presumption. I’ve continually managed other people’s feelings, even though it’s my mum that died and me who was in care.

In the stories, Harry Potter felt alone for a long time.

He spent a lot of his childhood feeling different and like no one understood him. Despite this, there was a burning desire in him. He wanted a life beyond the one he was in but had no idea how to get there.

The Harry Potter stories provided escapism when I needed it most. They told the story of someone who had lost his parents at an early age, but who had overcome that adversity and had become a role model. People champion Harry.

Care Experienced people are rarely portrayed this way in the media. I learned very early that if I mentioned the Children’s Panel or certain other aspects of my childhood, a lot of people would automatically presume that I was ‘bad’, ‘troubled’ ‘damaged’. I think that’s why so many Care Experienced people can relate to the Harry Potter stories and the characters within them.”

Ryan has just graduated with a first class honours degree in law and is about to start a post grad diploma at Glasgow University.

He added: “If it wasn’t for the love of reading that I developed as a child, I never would have been able to achieve

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

and the Who Cares?

Scotland Book Club

what I have. That’s one of the many reasons why I love the Harry Potter stories so much. Care Experienced people can achieve amazing things.”

Another fan is 20 year old Aberdeen based youth worker Charlotte Armitage, who experienced foster care growing up and now works for local MP Kirsty Blackman.

She said: “I’ve spent a long time trying to find the light in the darkness, something that Harry Potter knows well.

My life before, during and after care was really challenging and I don’t think that I got the support that I needed or deserved. At a time when I felt like no one else understood me, the stories in the Harry Potter books came through.

I sometimes struggle to look around and see accurate, honest and fair representations of my life in the media. There was something about these books that was different.

Although Harry’s care experience was never forgotten about, he was allowed to define himself through his potential and ability. That’s

the kind of childhood we should want for everyone.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was delighted to meet the young people to discuss their shared love of the books.

She said: “It is important Care Experienced people are able to embrace their care identity and being able to identify with characters in books or the media who have had the same experiences can help with this. Harry Potter is an excellent example of this, as it has given many young people the opportunity to see experiences, often similar to their own, represented in popular culture.

“The Who Cares? Scotland book club is a fantastic way of bringing care experienced young people to enjoy books together.

“It is no secret that I love reading and I really enjoyed hosting the book club and discussing the Harry Potter books.”

After the event, JK Rowling backed the Club and tweeted: “That means a huge amount to me. I’ve met many care experienced people over the years who’ve talked about both seeing themselves in the Potter books.”

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

27

Harry Potter NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

Kenny Murray

T

o millions of fans around the world, he’s the boy who lived.

But to new generations of care experienced young people, Harry Potter is one of the greatest role models, icons and heroes in modern fiction.

The orphaned wizard, who in JK Rowling’s novels is raised in foster care by his aunt and uncle, was the subject of discussion this week at the first ever meeting of a special book club organised by charity Who Cares? Scotland.

As Public Affairs co-ordinator for Who Cares? Scotland, I joined a group of care experienced young people who were invited to Bute House by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to discuss the impact of the Potter books on their lives and how the stories of the parent-less young hero found reflection in their own lives.

Our new Book Club features those who are in or who have come through the care system, getting together to discuss books with similar characters or scenarios.

The First Minister said she had a special time hearing from the group as they shared their own experiences of care with her, while the event was also backed by Harry Potter author JK Rowling who said that the support of care experienced people meant “a great deal” to her.

According to the people with the most experience of that kind of situation, Harry Potter has been a vitally important role model.

Ryan McCuaig, 27, grew up in kinship care in Easterhouse, Glasgow, said he felt a connection to the character.

“My mum died when I was six years old. This was preceded by her alcohol addiction, social work intervention in my life and me being referred to the Children’s Panel. I also spent some time in kinship care with my grandmother, before the state ultimately placed me in the care of my father.

People would talk about their Mum and Dad at school and I would change the subject. Teachers would ask whether my Mum would be proud of a story, or whether my Mum would be along to parents’ evening. I’d then have an internal argument about whether I should embarrass them by telling them

26

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

the truth, or just let them believe their presumption. I’ve continually managed other people’s feelings, even though it’s my mum that died and me who was in care.

In the stories, Harry Potter felt alone for a long time.

He spent a lot of his childhood feeling different and like no one understood him. Despite this, there was a burning desire in him. He wanted a life beyond the one he was in but had no idea how to get there.

The Harry Potter stories provided escapism when I needed it most. They told the story of someone who had lost his parents at an early age, but who had overcome that adversity and had become a role model. People champion Harry.

Care Experienced people are rarely portrayed this way in the media. I learned very early that if I mentioned the Children’s Panel or certain other aspects of my childhood, a lot of people would automatically presume that I was ‘bad’, ‘troubled’ ‘damaged’. I think that’s why so many Care Experienced people can relate to the Harry Potter stories and the characters within them.”

Ryan has just graduated with a first class honours degree in law and is about to start a post grad diploma at Glasgow University.

He added: “If it wasn’t for the love of reading that I developed as a child, I never would have been able to achieve

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

and the Who Cares?

Scotland Book Club

what I have. That’s one of the many reasons why I love the Harry Potter stories so much. Care Experienced people can achieve amazing things.”

Another fan is 20 year old Aberdeen based youth worker Charlotte Armitage, who experienced foster care growing up and now works for local MP Kirsty Blackman.

She said: “I’ve spent a long time trying to find the light in the darkness, something that Harry Potter knows well.

My life before, during and after care was really challenging and I don’t think that I got the support that I needed or deserved. At a time when I felt like no one else understood me, the stories in the Harry Potter books came through.

I sometimes struggle to look around and see accurate, honest and fair representations of my life in the media. There was something about these books that was different.

Although Harry’s care experience was never forgotten about, he was allowed to define himself through his potential and ability. That’s

the kind of childhood we should want for everyone.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was delighted to meet the young people to discuss their shared love of the books.

She said: “It is important Care Experienced people are able to embrace their care identity and being able to identify with characters in books or the media who have had the same experiences can help with this. Harry Potter is an excellent example of this, as it has given many young people the opportunity to see experiences, often similar to their own, represented in popular culture.

“The Who Cares? Scotland book club is a fantastic way of bringing care experienced young people to enjoy books together.

“It is no secret that I love reading and I really enjoyed hosting the book club and discussing the Harry Potter books.”

After the event, JK Rowling backed the Club and tweeted: “That means a huge amount to me. I’ve met many care experienced people over the years who’ve talked about both seeing themselves in the Potter books.”

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

27

ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

!

IN IT TO WIN IT… JUST FOR FUN… O nce you’ve completed the IN IT TO WIN IT PAGE please return it to your Who Cares? Scotland APW or send it to Who Cares? Scotland, 5 Oswald Street, Glasgow, G1 4QR by Friday 8th June 2018 to be in with a chance of winning a £20 voucher of your choice.

Guess ng WHAT AM I? the so

Name the Film...

DO YOU KNOW? What is the America n name for Autumn?

AGE: PHONE: WC?S WORKER: 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

Wicked Wordsearch

onna call?

Who you g ll alone If you’re a e phone Pick up th ………

And call …

YOUR NAME:

28

There are 7 differences between these 2 pictures. Can you spot them?

you know clocks change the last Fun ! Do Sunday of October; they ‘fall’ back t c a an hour- an extra hour in bed. f

LAST ISSUES WIN NERS ARE: Darren Latimer – 17 Jamie Boyd – 12 Dylan Smith – 12 Charlotte Taylor – 13 Stuart McMaster –7

!

I’m round a nd orange you can cu t a face into me and eat me !

Usually see me at Hallo ween.

Spot the Difference!

FUN COSTUME MUMMY OCTOBER

HALLOWEEN GOBLIN TRICK GHOST

MONSTER WITCHES PUMPKIN TREAT W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

29

ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

!

IN IT TO WIN IT… JUST FOR FUN… O nce you’ve completed the IN IT TO WIN IT PAGE please return it to your Who Cares? Scotland APW or send it to Who Cares? Scotland, 5 Oswald Street, Glasgow, G1 4QR by Friday 8th June 2018 to be in with a chance of winning a £20 voucher of your choice.

Guess ng WHAT AM I? the so

Name the Film...

DO YOU KNOW? What is the America n name for Autumn?

AGE: PHONE: WC?S WORKER: 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

Wicked Wordsearch

onna call?

Who you g ll alone If you’re a e phone Pick up th ………

And call …

YOUR NAME:

28

There are 7 differences between these 2 pictures. Can you spot them?

you know clocks change the last Fun ! Do Sunday of October; they ‘fall’ back t c a an hour- an extra hour in bed. f

LAST ISSUES WIN NERS ARE: Darren Latimer – 17 Jamie Boyd – 12 Dylan Smith – 12 Charlotte Taylor – 13 Stuart McMaster –7

!

I’m round a nd orange you can cu t a face into me and eat me !

Usually see me at Hallo ween.

Spot the Difference!

FUN COSTUME MUMMY OCTOBER

HALLOWEEN GOBLIN TRICK GHOST

MONSTER WITCHES PUMPKIN TREAT W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

29

NEWS & EVENTS SO JUNIOR

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

R O I N U J O S nger Buddy the Bear loves finding out what our you him know! members have been up to! Make sure you let

Olivia’s Day at the Office Olivia came to visit Nicole in her office one day.

She did some beautiful drawings and then they went for chocolate cake. Nicole loved having Olivia along and wished all her days ended with chocolate cake!

30

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

NEWSSO & EVENTS JUNIOR

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

y e n r u o J s ’ t r Stua Stuart (7)

T

his summer Nicole, my APW, took me out. We decided to go a train journey and a bus journey to Largs.

Nicole came to Vals house at 11:15. Me and Val packed a lunch for mine and Nicole’s day out at Largs. Nicole did not know about the lunch and was surprised when I told her. I told her she could not see it until we got on the train.

Then we got on the 901 bus to the train station and headed on a train to Paisley.

In our lunch was – water, bananas, yoyo bears, crisps, ham rolls and yogurts. I spoke to the train inspector about going to Largs and he let me use his ticket machine to print my ticket. I asked him about the lady speaks all the time about the train stops and the inspector told me it was a recording that is played on all the trains. We got off the train at Paisley and I took some phots on Nicole’s phone. Then we went and bought cards to play snap on the next train.

Then next train was from platform 4 to Largs. On the train we met a friendly old lady who was from Largs. The train journey lasted a whole 45 minutes. When we got off the train the first thing I wanted was an ice cream. I got chocolate chip flavour. Then we threw stones in the sea. There were some rides, so first we went on the kiddie cars. I picked the red one because that is my favourite colour and Nicole’s car was blue.

Then I went on the buggies - it felt like it was real, like I was driving, so I said “woooooooh” because it was quite fast! Then we went to the video arcade and played bowling, an iceman game and the rainbow runners. I won 60 tickets and spent them on a car and a lolly. After we left the video arcade we went to the beach, I paddled in the water but then I fell and I was all wet, but it was really funny so it was ok. We then headed for the train station to go home. It was a really funny day. I would like to do it all over again.

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

31

NEWS & EVENTS SO JUNIOR

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

R O I N U J O S nger Buddy the Bear loves finding out what our you him know! members have been up to! Make sure you let

Olivia’s Day at the Office Olivia came to visit Nicole in her office one day.

She did some beautiful drawings and then they went for chocolate cake. Nicole loved having Olivia along and wished all her days ended with chocolate cake!

30

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

NEWSSO & EVENTS JUNIOR

Speak Out Magazine | AUTUMN 2018

y e n r u o J s ’ t r Stua Stuart (7)

T

his summer Nicole, my APW, took me out. We decided to go a train journey and a bus journey to Largs.

Nicole came to Vals house at 11:15. Me and Val packed a lunch for mine and Nicole’s day out at Largs. Nicole did not know about the lunch and was surprised when I told her. I told her she could not see it until we got on the train.

Then we got on the 901 bus to the train station and headed on a train to Paisley.

In our lunch was – water, bananas, yoyo bears, crisps, ham rolls and yogurts. I spoke to the train inspector about going to Largs and he let me use his ticket machine to print my ticket. I asked him about the lady speaks all the time about the train stops and the inspector told me it was a recording that is played on all the trains. We got off the train at Paisley and I took some phots on Nicole’s phone. Then we went and bought cards to play snap on the next train.

Then next train was from platform 4 to Largs. On the train we met a friendly old lady who was from Largs. The train journey lasted a whole 45 minutes. When we got off the train the first thing I wanted was an ice cream. I got chocolate chip flavour. Then we threw stones in the sea. There were some rides, so first we went on the kiddie cars. I picked the red one because that is my favourite colour and Nicole’s car was blue.

Then I went on the buggies - it felt like it was real, like I was driving, so I said “woooooooh” because it was quite fast! Then we went to the video arcade and played bowling, an iceman game and the rainbow runners. I won 60 tickets and spent them on a car and a lolly. After we left the video arcade we went to the beach, I paddled in the water but then I fell and I was all wet, but it was really funny so it was ok. We then headed for the train station to go home. It was a really funny day. I would like to do it all over again.

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

31

James Cameron APW Highland 07841 878 953

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