SpeakOut Winter 2023

WINTER 2023

WHO CARES? SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

It’s Time for Lifelong Rights This year’s Love Rally saw the launch of Who Cares? Scotland’s new campaign, as we marched for love and the lifelong rights of all Care Experienced people – Page 16

3 PIECES OF ADVICE FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH - P12-13

Q&A WITH EUGENE - P17

OBJECTS RETURNS FOR SEASON 2 - P26

FUN PAGES - P29-31

WELCOME

Welcome to the latest is s Inside this issue:

Check out what’s inside...

2-3

4-5

8-9

Welcome Pages

LIFESTYLE 4-5 6-7

Celebrating You Creating Happier Futures with John Lewis 8-9 Introducing the Haus of Seisay 10-11 Splendid Studies 14-15

20-21

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Love from the Editorial Team x

s r e d a e r r Ou 75

Every quarter SpeakOut is sent out to every Who Cares?

Scotland Family Member.

4,203 members 2

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Our youngest member is 1 and our oldest member is 75.

NEWS & EVENTS 12-13 3 Pieces of Advice for Black History Month 14-15 Care Experienced Week 2023 16 It’s Time for Lifelong Rights!

17 Q&A with EUGENE 18 New MSYP-Elects Chosen by You! 19 Into the Past 20-21 Spotlight on… North Lanarkshire 22 Meet our New Care Experienced Chair of the Board 23 NewsFlash 24 A Volunteering Weekend 25 A Killie Kick Off

ENTERTAINMENT 26 Objects Returns 27 Book Review: Ginger & Me 28 Film Review: Scrapper 29-31 Fun Pages 32

Contacts Page

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sue of SpeakOut Meet the Editorial Team

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KATIE

SUS IE

(ASSISTANT EDITOR)

DITO

MELI

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(EDITOR)

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LISA

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Scan this QR code if you would like to see a digital copy of this SpeakOut or check out our library of older issues, right back to 1979!

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

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The views expressed by the members in this magazine are their own and not necessarily those of Who Cares? Scotland.

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LIFESTYLE SECTION

Celebrating you is a space for you to tell us what you have been getting up to and to share anything you might be really proud of. We love receiving stuff from you, so please send in your poems, stories, pictures, jokes or tell us something you have done, your favourite hobby or about a new pet and we will try to include it in the next issue of SpeakOut. Just email it over to comms@whocaresscotland.org.

Cracking Card Competitions E

very year our Birthday and Christmas cards are designed by you, our members. This year was no different, we put out the opportunity for you to showcase your creativity and you did just that. We received more card designs than ever before and the talent was off the charts!

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who sent us their wonderful card designs, we had such a hard time picking our winners this year. Huge congratulations to Emily age 14 for designing this year’s Christmas card which you all will have received with this magazine in your Christmas Parcel, and Anya age 9 for designing our 2024 Birthday card which will go out to all of our members on their birthdays next year! That’s over 3,000 birthday cards!

Here are just some of the incredible entries we received, we wish we could share them all!

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Christmas Card Comp Winner, Emily (14)

Birthday Card mp Winner, Anya (9)

LIFESTYLE SECTION

Go Glasgow Clan!

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group of our Renfrewshire members and their carers were invited along to watch an ice hockey game in Glasgow by the Glasgow Clan hockey team. They enjoyed chanting for player #88 and joining in the Purple Army (the name given to the Glasgow Clan fans) chant. They also got to meet the Glasgow Clan mascot, Clangus.

la u a P m o r f r e t t e L A

ed. taking the felt people weren’t I am Care Experienc I d e an us ca a, ul be lt Pa cu is e diffi m me Hello, my na re homes. It was s struggling until I ca ed nine different ca going downhill. I wa s eI wa lov d life an my ty t fe gh My journey has involv sa e ou s loved – th . At times, I th wa I me e to lik g d nin an te fe lis sa or time for me anged. I felt very ved in, everything ch , with to Kibble. When I mo the support I needed me t go d lan ot .

Sc ng s? wanted all alo otland. Who Care ally, I became out Who Cares? Sc cate for me. Eventu vo ad to s Then I found out ab ing et me hen I think Jemma going to my lf in my meetings. W se my r fo lk ta I my advocacy worker w no eak for myself, and more confident to sp listened to. ing be of ink th t just been nice but land, I s? Scotland have no of Who Cares? Scot re Ca e ho W m fro ne everyo nal favourite was th Jemma, Sarah and on offer, but my perso ts en s ev wa e t th gh all hli e hig ul. I lov le and staff there. My also caring and helpf t to meet new peop ea gr s wa It .

Up et Summer Me r people who ter get gunged! w I am. Seeing othe no t bu , re fo seeing the First Minis be ed alone; we ing Care Experienc de realise I am not ma It . int po is I wasn’t proud of be th to t ge I’ve found a feeling ed has helped me to are Care Experienc Scotland and Kibble, s? re Ca ho W In . team to call my own. are all part of one big d, with two families lue va d an ed u are not alone. lov el fe of family. I ve, my advice is yo ha I as s gle ug str r ila by you on your To anyone facing sim care and will stand o wh le op pe e th r Look out fo journey.

Paula

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Creating Happier Futures with John Lewis

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n August we shared an exciting opportunity with our creative members, asking them to send in a portfolio of their artwork to be in with a chance of doing some design work with one of our big corporate partners.

We couldn’t give too much away in our promotion of the opportunity but we still received so much amazing content, ranging from music to paintings and even some digital art. In the end, we submitted 10 portfolios to our corporate partner who was revealed to be the John Lewis Partnership! After careful consideration, because the quality of the portfolios was so high, the John Lewis Partnership picked 18-year-old Michael Archibald from Glasgow to be the first designer involved in their exciting new lifestyle brand.

Michael worked alongside John Lewis and creative partners Saatchi & Saatchi to design a tote bag which will go on sale across John Lewis and Waitrose stores in December.

The John Lewis Partnership launched its new lifestyle brand and Michel’s tote bag on the 16th of October on the first year anniversary of its Building Happier Futures initiative. During the launch, individuals and key organisations were brought together, to celebrate the initiative, and a report was released highlighting everything the programme had achieved so far, the learnings and what it hopes to do in the future.

Michael joined John Lewis Chairman, Dame Sharon White, on stage to show off his unique tote bag and had this to say:

Creative industries are such a competitive field and being given the chance to work with such big companies makes me feel like I’m able to go places.

“I want more Care Experienced people to feel this way.

I’m so excited by the potential of this programme to give more people like me a platform to be creative and raise more awareness at the same time.

Take a look at the design Michael has create d “The stars on the bag represent the brilliance of Care Experienced people, and the surrounding clouds depict the love, care and respect these individuals need.”

We are so proud of everything Michael has achieved and we can’t wait for the bags to be launched in December. The bags are made from 13 recycled bottles and the money will be going towards the Building Happier Futures fund.

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unce lighted to anno e d o ls a re a e e W n elected as on e e b s a h l e a h that Mic ead YP members. R S M w e n r u o f o on page 18 more about this

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Charley

David

Emma

We’d also like to take this opportunity to recognise the amazing talent of the other members who submitted their artwork and share some of it with you. Thank you Charley, Chelbi, David, Emma and Lisa for sharing it with us and keep your eyes peeled for future opportunities.

Lisa

Chelbi

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Introducing The

LIFESTYLE

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ame-sex interracial couple, Tony and Thomas Seisay adopted two children and have created a unique charity to teach young Care Experienced people the art of hairdressing.

SpeakOut Co-Editor, Susie, visited the salon to meet Thomas, have her hair done, and learn all about this exciting charity.

Where did the idea for Haus of Seisay come from?

After Covid we wanted to create a training academy. Drawing from our experience navigating life with our adoptive children and our passion for giving back to the care community the Haus of Seisay was born. A brand-new unique hairdressing academy, designed especially for Care Experienced young people seeking a career in the industry. The academy will give young people the tools to follow a successful career in hairdressing and allow them invaluable experience in employment.

Why do you feel so passionate about the Care Experienced Community?

We’ve adopted two children. Collins, is from Scotland and Savannah is from England. We were Glasgow’s youngest same-sex couple adopters and as an interracial couple, we knew we could offer a loving home

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HAUS OF

SEISAY

Written

by Susie Robertson

to a mixed-race child. Going through the process it was apparent that mixed-race children were more difficult to find families for. I recognised that there needed to be more support for young people like this that seemed to slip through the cracks.

Haus of Seisay is about embracing differences and celebrating the achievements of Care Experienced people. I want to make a positive change for young people. Let’s equalise young people’s opportunities.

Our mission is to support and allow our young people to thrive and

succeed in the hairdressing industry.

We will work closely with our young people running a 4-day-a-week course.

The course will not only teach the art of hairdressing, but it will also teach vital life and people skills, encouraging a feeling of self-worth and confidence.

LIFESTYLE What are Collins and Savannah like?

They are like chalk and cheese!

Collins is very studious, laid back, very sporty, cool, calm, and collected.

And Savannah, she is just wild! She’s very sassy, she’s very demanding, dead headstrong. Collins is football daft and Savannah is a real girly girl.

She likes having her hair and nails done and every morning there is a fight over how she will style her hair.

What will the training opportunity look like in practice?

Our young people will not only graduate from this course with a full hairdressing qualification, but they will leave armed with vital skills needed in hairdressing such as customer service and business admin. It will prepare them for life after the academy by teaching CV and interview techniques.

part of a team, and seeing the day-today running of a salon is an immense opportunity for our learners.

How can people apply?

So, the first step is to go on to our website and make a referral. You can make the referral yourself or ask a teacher or social worker to do it for you. Once we have that we will let you know when the next funded place is available and there will be an informal interview to learn more about you. Visit: https://hausofseisay. org.

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Tony Robertson Hair Spa in Kilwinning will offer all our learners a minimum of 3 weeks of work experience. Having that hands-on experience, working as

After

Listening to Thomas talk about the pride he has for his trainees is heartwarming. What started as a bit of an experiment is turning into something that is really changing lives. The academy tailors their training programme to the individual. You don’t need to have any qualifications to attend, and they provide mentorship as well. They seem really attuned to the needs of their trainees and understand the barriers Care Experience people face.

Now, I know what you are all thinking…did I like my hair? YES! Of course, it is so shiny and healthy looking. Thomas also gave me a Haus of Seisay giftbag he had left over from their launch night and I am now the proud owner of a Haus of Seisay cup! My life is complete.

As well as meeting Thomas, I also had the chance to chat with Siobhan about their experience of the training program.

How did you find out about the training program?

Do you feel like this opportunity has helped bring you closer to this goal?

My support worker told me about the Haus of Seisay.

They had read about it on Facebook.

I think this course has changed my life, like I said it’s brought me hope. It’s helped me focus on the right path.

How long have you been taking part and how are you finding it so far?

The past 8 weeks have been incredible, my confidence and self-esteem have grown so much! This have given me some hope for the future, I can’t wait to see where hairdressing takes me. Everyone thinks hairdressing is easy but it’s not, a lot of hard work goes into it. I have found a new passion. Colouring is my favourite.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I want to be a fully qualified hairdresser working in a salon.

What is your favourite hair trend right now and why?

Haus Of Seisay is a Wella academy and colour blocking is huge at the minute.

Is there anything else you’d like to say to the Experienced community about achieving their dreams?

Care

Don’t give up. Focus on you and keep your chin up!

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Splendid Studies T

a. They spent seven weeks his summer, four of our members went on a trip of a lifetime to Americ sed themselves in academics studying at the world-famous Harvard University. The group immer eating in famous restaurants. while also making lifelong friends, going to American cinemas and Hear from them about their experiences below.

Now back that you’re back, what do you think of the experience?

Katie: The whole thing was an amazing experience for me, studying at one of the most prestigious universities and meeting people from all over the world, a couple who have become my best friends.

Ethan: My life has undoubtedly changed forever – for the best that is.

“

Having the chance to travel halfway around the world and live independently may seem daunting at first but I guarantee you it was the best 8 weeks of my life!

”

This is before you even take into consideration where you’re going.

Harvard University! Legally Blonde.

Social Network. Suits. Elle Woods.

Mark Zuckerberg. Harvey Specter.

Harvard itself is iconic and it definitely does not disappoint.

Shantelle: I can’t believe that it’s already over!

Somehow it flew by but it also felt like an absolute lifetime!

What were the people like and did you take part in social events?

Shantelle: The relationships I made are extremely meaningful and will always continue to be. I’m still in touch with

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my international friends and can’t wait to visit Italy soon to be reunited.

Ethan: The social aspects of life on campus are infinite. I became immersed in the day-to-day life both socially and academically.

Boston and the surrounding areas boast a wide variety of activities and events. I was lucky enough to go to a Red Sox game, watch Barbie and Oppenheimer in a cinema and eat at the world-famous Pinocchio’s Pizza on a regular basis.

Katie: I cannot believe how close I got with the people there. They were all so nice and now I cannot see my life without some of them. During our free time, we went shopping, visited the Arnold Arboretum (which was so pretty), we saw the Boston Symphony orchestra (which was so good) and we also just hung out in the dorms.

There were a couple of dances put on for the students which we went to.

We enjoyed them as it was a chance for us all to get dressed up and meet some new people.

“

Some of my favourite memories were just times when I was with my friends, even when we were not doing anything special.

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Natasha: Without a doubt the social side was the most invaluable thing to me.

The memories of hanging out with my friends in our dorms will stay with me forever. Just being in the presence of these students who were so intellectual and clever, yet also funny and witty, encouraged and still

motivates me to be my best self and try my hardest in every situation.

What were the courses like?

Natasha: The academic side was interesting and engaging, I really loved discovering the aspects of writing articles and interviewing people on specific topics through my journalism class.

My improvisational drama class was so different from any education I have ever experienced - it was fun.

Yet while I was enjoying myself with my classmates doing the silly games and interactive activities, I still felt as though I had learned new skills and developed my already existing drama skills.

Ethan: I constantly found myself challenged and engaged and the work required my time and effort. Since coming home and starting at university, I’ve found my experience at Harvard to be incredibly helpful in coping with not only the workload but the independent lifestyle too.

Shantelle: I studied neurobiology and philosophy. The experts in the neuroscience department, paired with others, had an immediate impact on my attitude towards learning and was such an encouraging environment.

Although the coursework was overwhelming at times, it was invaluable.

The philosophy course increased my understanding, regarding myself and others. This was extremely meaningful to me as this is not only applicable to our current modern society, but it gave me insight into the past ways of thinking and how this has evolved – or even stayed similar!

LIFESTYLE SECTION

ETHAN

“

SHANTELLE

Katie:

I studied Performing Musical Theatre and Spanish. Both classes taught me so much and my professors were so lovely and supportive.

”

Even though the classes were intensive, I loved them! My musical theatre class was my favourite class ever! It has always been my passion and this course has grown my love for it even more than I thought it could.

Before going to Harvard, I had never taken a Spanish class. Learning this

NATASHA

new language interested me and I’m so glad that I decided to take that course.

What are you doing now and has attending Harvard helped with your future?

Shantelle: I am studying neuroscience at the University of Glasgow. The introduction to neurobiology I got over the summer will be immensely helpful as I progress into the specialisation of my course - and even now with the core fundamental biology topics.

Katie: Since coming home, my three closest new friends and I still speak every single day and call every weekend

KATIE which is so lovely. We are even planning on meeting up at some point in the next year.

I’m in my sixth year at high school and I’m planning on going to university to get a music degree and then either pursue music therapy or teaching.

This experience will be so beneficial for the application process and my future.

Applications for the 2024 Harvard Summer School Programme have now closed.

Look out for news on our next group of students in the new year.

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SECTION NEWS & EVENTS

BLACK HISTOR E

ach year in October the world celebrates Black History Month to allow everyone to share and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. This year’s theme was, “Celebrating our Sisters”, so it is fitting that this article is written by 22-year-old Care Experienced student, Leah Flintl. Leah has written about her experience growing up as a mixed race child in a white foster family and offers 3 pieces of advice on how we can all be better allies to the black community.

3 Pieces of Advice Written by Leah Flint Black History Month debuts on the first of October, marking itself as the perfect way to enter the fall season. As we embark into the cold nights, bright candles and blankets, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the year and what’s left of it. This favourable, familiar feeling is what I think of when Black History Month comes to mind.

Within this reflective aura, I also find myself thinking about my childhood.

As someone who is mixed race, both white and black, I believe that bringing in different races and cultures into a community separate from oneself to be as beautiful as the leaves turning from green to orange.

Although it is different from what we know we can still appreciate it for what it is. This sense of change can also be applied to my story as a little girl who was fostered (alongside her younger brother), by her permanent, white carers.

During this time, I noticed that my race was different from those around me, yet I never questioned the history that left its traces on my DNA. This disregard of history was evident when I first started to take an interest in my hair. When it came to the locks on my head, my first instincts were to straighten, dye, or make ridiculous adjustments to “tame” the hair I wasn’t taught to care for. This meant that my go-to hairstyle would often result in a scrapped-back bun and one massive sausage plait at the front of my face, (not a good look for any 12-year-old.) My foster mum noticed this last ditch for recovery and would encourage me to watch YouTube videos of other black girls doing their hair. On the rare occasion, I found a video and wanted to experiment, she would take me to TK Maxx to buy some extra moisturising conditioner. This is just one of the many examples that unveil the significance of caring for black hair. As a 22-year-old adult, I have only now discovered braids and other protective hairstyles, however, if it wasn’t for that first nudge, I wouldn’t have had the courage to take that leap.

Therefore, my first piece of advice would be to…

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1. Learn about the hair Black hair not only in its natural state but in the way it’s been formulated carries historical impact.

Whilst non-Africans deemed natural black hair to be unkept and unmanageable, the Black Power Movement in the early 70s created popularity around natural hair in the community.

Afros, braids, and kinkier hair began to be praised within the black community; these styles are known to date back to pre-colonial Africa.

People who wore braids in certain ways would do so to signify age, wealth, class, and marital status. Yet many people even today are still ridiculed or misunderstood for these hairstyles.

It is important that in society today, these natural crowns are celebrated.

Being encouraged, celebrated and advised by your loved ones does go a long way, this was especially evident when my foster mum would try her best to understand my hair struggles.

However, with this struggle came a loss of identity. True empowerment and uplifting arrive when someone takes the time to listen to those who experience life differently. My foster mum couldn’t walk in my shoes, viewing the lens of a mixed-race girl. Nevertheless, she tried her best to listen, always taking the time to understand my thoughts and opinions. In my teens, I would write poems trying to express my identity, my foster mum would sit patiently listening to every single one, praising me for my vulnerability. This free space allowed me to navigate the world and my place in it, using my voice to express my ideologies.

So my second piece of advice would be to…

ORY MONTH

NEWS &SECTION EVENTS

2. Listen

3. Speak up

For years black people have been trying to find their voice in society. We all recognise the work of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and other iconic figures who used speech to educate. However, there are multiple different ways we can educate ourselves on the black experience. The civil rights movement is a great place to start, however Black History Month should also be about the future.

Being an ally is no stranger to black history, whether this be through historical activists such as William Wilberforce, (the famous politician/ leader of the UK’s abolitionists movement.)

He was known to help the abolishment of slavery, which came to a halt in the UK in 1807.

In terms of modern activists, we can look to other figures such as the likes of author - Robin Di’angelo, who continues to write books on race identity. Di’angelo also explores how as a white person, she and everyone else can do better to understand how their privilege affects others.

This can be investigated in her book ‘Why I am no longer talking to white people about racism’.

Although a lengthy title, the book does a good simplification on how to start learning about white identity and its correlation to black people.

We can investigate the past as a way of amending what has gone wrong, however, it doesn’t hurt to invest time to listen to modern black experiences. Podcasts, YouTube and books are always a great place to begin.

My favourite podcasts are ‘Black Gals Livin’ and ‘Pressed’. If you feel like diving into fiction-history with personable aspects, I would highly recommend reading books by Langston Hughes, ‘The Ways of White Folk’, Nella Larsen’s, ‘Passing’ and Jessie Fauset’s ‘Plum Bun’.

This being said, to listen doesn’t mean to be silent, as you may have heard ‘silence is compliance’.

Once you feel comfortable, share all that you have learned.

Talk with others and help them engage in the knowledge you have found. This I learned from my foster sister, not only would she listen but she would always fight my corner when I found myself exhausted for overcompensating for the lack of knowledge from others.

During the 2020 pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement gained attention due to George Floyd’s death.

This sparked controversy among those around me.

Overwhelmed by the media and opinions, I found myself emotionally drained, feeling the constant need to educate others, until it came to the point where I couldn’t find the energy to do so anymore. My foster sister then stepped up, educating herself (without having to be asked), she acted as a voice of reason when I couldn’t anymore, something I will remember forever.

My last piece of advice would be to…

There is so much to learn about black history, please do not limit yourself to this month alone and then abandon your learning for the rest of the year.

As leaves fall quickly, their beauty is only recognised for a certain time, do not apply this mentality to black culture.

If there is one thing to take away from this article, it is the need to constantly remind yourself why it is important to advocate for others.

Leah Flint is currently undertaking her masters in multimedia journalism at Glasgow Caledonian, with the aim of becoming a broadcast and news journalist. She also loves running, photography and baking at any chance she can get. If you’d like to see more of her work visit her website https://www. simplyflinty.blog/.

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NEWS & EVENTS SECTION

Care Experienced Week 2023 C

are Experienced Week takes place from the 22nd to the 29th of October 2023. This is a week to celebrate the Care Experienced community and provide opportunities for members to reconnect with Who Cares? Scotland and each other. Find out how we celebrated this year.

On Saturday 28th October we held our annual Time to Shine Festival at the C7 Conference Centre in Glasgow.

Time to Shine is a chance for you, our members, to come along and get together for a full day of fun and celebration with some fancy dress too. The theme for this year’s event was Film Characters and we had loads of great outfits, from Batman to Barbie and beyond.

Prizes were given out to two attendees, Jorja and Caiden, for best costumes, congrats to the two winners!

The event was activity-packed with something for everyone to get involved in. We had some inflatables including a bouncy castle where members could have a jump around as well as a bucking bronco for those who wanted to take on the challenge of hanging on for dear life. There was a silent disco tent, with smoke and strobe lights for people who fancied a dance. There was also a nail station, where you could sit down for a manicure before heading a pampering massage. The Chill Out Room had bean bags and decorations for a Hawaiian sensory experience, making it one of the most popular rooms.

Speaking of Hawaii, we were treated to an appearance from 14

Stitch from the film Lilo & Stitch!

Alongside our friendly mascot Buddy the Bear, he hung out with attendees, took some fun photos and even got up to bust some moves on the main stage before having a go on the bucking bronco.

On the stage itself we were treated to some fantastic performances from some of you, including singing, gymnastics and more. Either side of these we had a DJ playing some of your favourite songs and a special scavenger hunt where the winner got a huge box of sweets. If the partying and chilling weren’t for you, we had an arts and crafts room for people to get creative as well as a movie room where we watched Toy Story.

All in all, there was something to suit everyone.

Food was provided by Inside Out catering and included hot dogs, burgers, curry and more which were a big hit with everyone there, as was the tuck shop, with a selection of sweets and fizzy drinks to keep everyone refreshed.

We hope you all had a great time and maybe even agree with us that this year was the best Time to Shine ever. Can’t wait to see you all next year!

OUR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND LOVE RALLY PRE-PARTY: We kicked Sunday 29th October off with our AGM and Love Rally Pre-Party.

The event started with mingling and morning rolls. Our Board’s new Chair, Carmel, spoke to members about the organisation’s last year, with inputs from our Senior Management Team.

We also said goodbye to several Board members who resigned and then votes were cast for current members to continue their terms for another year.

After votes were taken and the AGM concluded, we moved on to the Love Rally Pre-Part section of the event where people could chat, listen to music and create banners ahead of the rally.

NEWS &SECTION EVENTS CLACKMANNANSHIRE CELEBRATES A MILESTONE

THE LOVE RALLY Arriving at the Doulton fountain in Glasgow Green, armed with our banners and signs, at around one o’clock on Sunday, over 300 people came together despite the rain, to march through the streets of Glasgow for love and lifelong rights for Care Experienced people.

Led by band Samba Ya Bamba, we marched off towards George Square chanting along the way for our new Lifelong Rights Campaign. Once we arrived at George Square we heard from our five Care Experienced speakers: Carmel Jacob, Beth Anne Logan, Rebecca Munro, Billy McMillan and Pauline Omond. Each spoke on their experiences as a Care Experienced person as part of the care movement, and the importance of support being available throughout every Care Experienced person’s care journey for as long as they need it.

EUGENE, a Care Experienced rapper from Dundee played a fantastic short setlist providing some great positive energy before we heard again from Carmel who rounded off an inspirational day.

Robert Punton, a member of the Scottish Borders Champions Board and Who Cares? Scotland has written about his experience at the 2023 Love Rally: We attended the Love Rally 2023 which was a busy but amazing day. We started our day by travelling from Galashiels to Glasgow, this was the Scottish Borders Champions Board’s first time doing something like this which was fantastic, this was my second time attending the rally.

It was my pleasure to organise something fun and fabulous for us to do. They all enjoyed the love rally, apart from the rain but we were still able to enjoy and have a perfect time together.

There was a lot of noise and fun whilst walking around Glasgow.

On our way to Glasgow, we were all pretty excited and were all desperate to get there. Our head of champs Cory couldn’t attend, and we wished he was with us, during the march, there was lots of chatting, loads of shouting, and whistling which made the noise.

Towards the end of the march we gathered together in George Square and listened to 6 amazing speakers who have been through the same experience as us all, it was great listening to their powerful speeches to all young people and even adults who experienced a life which wasn’t as pleasant as they may have wanted it to be like.

Scottish Borders champs are hoping to attend the Love Rally 2024 next year again.

That’s all from us!

Scottish Borders champs are hoping to do the Love Rally 2024 next year.

Forbes Maginnis, Clackmannanshire Council Virtual Headteacher shared her update with us: To mark #CEW23, we reached the milestone that every Secondary School pupil in Clackmannanshire had received a presentation on “The Promise”. This has been achieved through and assembly programme that shared the supports available for all young people and those in Care. We can now say with confidence that all young people are now aware of “The Promise” and the important role they play in scaffolding support for their peers.

It is so important that our young people know what supports are available from local and national organisations.

Those who have been in care have additional support through SAAS, Colleges and UCAS and we want to ensure all young people know this.

We are so proud of this achievement and can’t wait to see what else we achieve in the future.

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NEWS & EVENTS

IT’S TIME FOR LIFELONG RIGHTS!

F

or over 45 years, we’ve heard from our members about the lifelong impact that care can have. That’s why at the Love Rally in October, we launched our new lifelong rights campaign alongside our new report, Lifelong Rights for Care Experienced people.

We marched the streets of Glasgow with hundreds of Care Experienced people and their allies as we called for love and lifelong rights for all Care Experienced people.

We know from the research and data available that Care Experienced people are facing multiple challenges and are not having the same life outcomes as their non-Care Experienced peers. During the summer we did our own research as we wanted to hear directly from our members on their experiences.

We heard from over 200 Care Experienced people and found that: • Almost 50% of Care Experienced adults reported feeling stigmatized when receiving support.

• 2 in 3 Care Experienced adults had a negative experience when leaving care.

But we know it doesn’t have to be this way. When we ensure everyone in our community has access to the support they need, when they need it, everyone benefits. That’s why

our campaign has two asks that we want to achieve so we can ensure every Care Experienced person in Scotland can achieve equality with their non-Care Experienced peers. These are: 1. Extra protection for Care Experienced people of all ages to access their rights.

Rights for Care Experienced people must be laid out in policy and legislation to address the additional barriers they face. Support to realise their rights must be available from the cradle to the grave. When these rights are not being met, there needs to be simple and accessible routes to justice to ensure they are upheld.

2. Independent, relationshipbased, lifelong advocacy for every Care Experienced person in Scotland who needs it.

Everyone experiences different hardships and struggles throughout their lifetime. During these tough times, people typically rely on different support networks. If they’re having issues at work they could work with a trade union, if they need some support with legal issues they can access a lawyer. In some circumstances, family and friends can also

help provide emotional support and help people have their voices heard.

For Care Experienced people, there are often many voices that surround them, such as social workers, carers and service providers, all with their own interests. For Care Experienced adults, the stigma of explaining their circumstances can hinder their confidence and voice. Everyone in our community must have the support they need to navigate life, when the rising tide of poverty, stress and other aggravating factors can set them adrift. Independent advocates can provide that support by helping make sure Care Experienced people are informed of their options, rights and ensuring they have their voices heard.

GET INVOLVED

read You can find out more about the campaign, website the report and pledge your support on our at www.whocaresscotland.org/lifelongrights 16

who is this?

NEWS & EVENTS

Q & A with EUGENE C

o-Editor, Susie caught up with EUGENE after his set at The Love Rally. If you haven’t heard of EUGENE, he is a 27-yearold Care Experienced rapper from Dundee. He recently appeared in the BBC documentary, Street Gangs hosted by best-selling author and reformed gang member, Graeme Armstrong. In the documentary EUGENE spoke candidly about his difficult upbringing, spending time in a secure unit, and losing both of his parents to drug addiction. EUGENE has been working hard recording and gigging in Dundee and has a bright future. He is also a proud father of two and wants to set a positive example for his kids. I felt a little bit like I was interviewing a celebrity, but I needn’t have worried as Eugene is down to earth and super friendly!

Susie: How has your day been at The Love Rally?

EUGENE: Aw amazing.

Susie: You were at a gig last night in Dundee. Can you tell us about the lead-up to this moment?

EUGENE: Aye, I had a gig at a club in Dundee. We drove straight here, went to sleep, woke up, and came to George Square for a sound check before surprising everyone at St Lukes, then marched all the way here. I’ve never seen so many people in this square. I didn’t know there were gonna be that many people until we were all walking down the road.

Susie: Is this the biggest crowd you’ve performed for?

Were you nervous?

EUGENE: Aye, by far!

I was a wee bit nervous, but they were all welcoming. Everyone’s from the same background ay, the same walk of life. They all resonate with the lyrics and that so it’s good.

Susie: Can you tell me a little bit about your music?

What inspires it?

EUGENE: Just my life really. My mum and dad were both heroin addicts from when I was born. So, I had a mental life. I was in foster care, secure units, residential homes, and prison. I just tell my story. Most music is happy, my music isn’t happy but it’s real. It’s real life.

Susie: What would you like other Care Experienced people to take from your music?

EUGENE: They are not alone. They are not alone at all.

There’s thousands of us. When I was younger, I felt like I was on my own. I just want them to know they are not alone, there’s thousands of us and they can listen to my music and let that resonate with them. I want to shine a light for somebody. That’s what I want, that’s the goal.

Susie: How do you feel about being seen as a role model for Care Experienced people?

EUGENE:

Growing up I was never seen as a role model. Sometimes my pals’ mums wouldn’t let me go about with them because they said I was trouble. Look at me now!

I am making something of my life. The tables have turned. This has been one of the best days of my life. I’m so grateful and happy to be here. This is a great cause to be a part of. If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for nothing. alongside song release able to st e w e n ’s Eugene ed is avail ed and Test Swaine, Tri d Spotify!

YouTube an listen to on

and t s ’t n o d u o If y u’ll o y , g in h t e for som ing. fall for noth 17

NEWS & EVENTS SECTION

New MSYP-elects

! u o Y y b n e s Cho I

n the summer, we shared several opportunities for you to get involved in, including standing as a candidate for election as a new MSYP representing Who Cares? Scotland, for 2023 – 25.

Fast forward a few months and a development day later, we had six candidates ready to campaign for election: Millicent, Michael, Lauren, Marissa, Charlie and Kira.

Throughout August, September and into October, the hopeful candidates developed their profiles and priority issues and began campaigning at events and online to

18

encourage you to put your faith in them and vote for them.

We also shared information about each of the candidates across social media as the voting period approached on the 6th of November.

Voting closed on the 26th of November and we are excited to announce that your two new MSYP-elects are Lauren Barrie and Michael Archibald. Both will take their place as MSYPs on the 1st of February 2024. Find out more about Lauren and Michael and their commitments to you below:

Lauren Barrie:

Michael Archibald:

Key Issues: Rights, poverty and income inequality “I am passionate about Scotland’s young people and their futures. I want to ensure that the needs of Care Experienced young people are heard, and commitments are made and stewarded to affect the necessary changes to improve the quality of living for this often unheard and overlooked group. Being an MSYP, I hope to demonstrate to people that no matter what you’ve been through you can achieve anything, through any path or timeframe.

I have been involved with my local YPOC group and Who Cares? Scotland for 10 years and have built relationships with different groups across the region.

Using these group sessions as a platform I will present and host activities on key focus areas, listen to constituent’s concerns, and work with authorities and decision makers to ensure these are addressed.

I am passionate about helping to implement positive change, not just for me, but for all young people in Scotland. As a representative for the youth of Scotland I will be committed to listening the challenges faced by future generations and be at the forefront driving change to make the future a brighter place for those that feel like there is little to no light at the end of the tunnel.”

Key Issues: Rights, youth work, culture and media “Activism surrounding care experience in general is something that I have grown to become very passionate about. I was told that “love is not guaranteed within the care system” and this impacted me greatly. All of our Care Experienced youth have the right to feel equal, respected, and most importantly, to feel loved. It’s important that the issues of those impacted by the care system should be looked at.

I plan to be actively involved in the local organisations around me, taking part in groups such as Articulate Cultural Trust, and Who Cares?

Scotland and linking in with the Champions Board, including other organisations and groups created like the East Renfrewshire equalities committee.

As a creative, intuitive, and versatile individual, no issue will be overlooked. I have a deep and personal connection with issues surrounding care experience, so it’s my goal to leave a legacy for future generations.”

didates, nity to thank the other 4 can We’d like to take this opportu ard Kira for putting themselves forw Marissa, Charlie, Millicent and in aga s this campaign. Congratulation and all their hard work during for e ’t wait to see what you achiev to Lauren and Michael, we can h Youth nity as Members of the Scottis the Care Experienced commu Parliament.

NEWS &SECTION EVENTS

Into the Past:

The Compassion and Care Conference

I

n March, two members of our National Representative Body, Marissa Roxburgh and Amie Tait, joined Melissa and Susie from our Communications and Events Team on a trip to Manchester. The group was there to attend a two-day conference which was exploring the emotions and experiences in the history of care. Here Marissa shares what the Compassion and Care conference was like.

I was really looking forward to the trip. I wanted to learn more about the history of care across a range of different countries and time periods and thought this would be a great opportunity. I was also working on my dissertation for my final year of university which explores the importance of identity for Care Experienced people.

I thought this would be a brilliant chance to improve my research by gaining more knowledge about history which in turn, would help with my understanding of the care system today.

As the conference was in Manchester, we took a road trip down the night before and got to have dinner at Ruddy’s – a well-known pizza place which I’d definitely recommend if you’re ever there! The conference programme was packed with lots of different presentations. So, the next two days were spent in one of the historic rooms in the John Rylands Research Institute and Library which was like something out of Harry Potter – in fact, parts of the building were featured in the films! There was a range of speakers from different organisations across the UK and even from other parts of the world including Australia, India and Canada. We heard about lots of different topics including; the experiences of children in care in London; the importance of involving Care Experienced people in research; female reformatory

and industrial schools; the HMS Mars; Care Experienced children in 19th century Lisbon; and the Edinburgh Orphan hospital.

The days were long but they were really interesting.

There were aspects of the history of care that I had no idea about before.

I enjoyed lots of the presentations but the one that stuck with me the most was about the history of care in Wales. It highlighted their emphasis on the importance of keeping siblings together even back in 1880 which is a conversation we’re still having in Scotland today. The talk shared how although large sibling groups sometimes had to be separated, they were placed close to each other so that they could maintain their relationships.

Overall, I’m glad to have attended the conference, it was lots of fun and I also learned loads of care history which I wouldn’t have otherwise.

For me, it’s important for this knowledge to be shared especially across countries. It provides a greater context and through shared learning it can help improve care for the future.

It lets us know what to improve and what should stay in the past.

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SECTION NEWS & EVENTS

Spotlight on…

North Lanarkshire The Showcase D

uring Care Experienced Week, our North Lanarkshire team held their third Showcase event with support from North Lanarkshire’s Champions Board.

Held within a school in the locality, the event was an opportunity for Care Experienced young people to show off all the work they have been doing throughout the year, as well as highlighting their talents. It was also an opportunity for Corporate Parents to raise awareness of any supports and services they could provide.

With over 80 people in attendance, entries varied from posters and poems to games on the night and even some tasty cupcakes. Fraser McKinlay, Chief Executive of The Promise Scotland was in attendance and our local group the Mad Middles loved showing him their artwork.

One of the submissions was a song from the Corporate

Parents and some TNT (Today Not Tomorrow) members. The song, which was created by over 300 attendees from the Promise Conference in February, and recorded professionally, is a message to Care Experienced people with the ‘promise’ from the professionals in their lives, to be there.

As a follow up to this the Creative Arts team will be working with Care Experienced young people to create a response, so if any Care Experienced young people in North Lanarkshire are interested in being involved, they should get in touch by emailing Laura Campbell at lcampbell@ whocaresscotland.org. TNT (Today Not Tomorrow), the Champions Board, are looking forward to being involved in the response.

Natalie Don, Minister for Children & Young People sent a video message to say well done on the song launch, and all the work on the night and to remind everyone about the Love Rally taking place a few days later.

If Care Experienced Week is an opportunity to celebrate the Care Experienced Community, we feel this was the perfect way to do that and share all their amazing work.

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NEWS &SECTION EVENTS

Check out some quotes and photos from people who attended: “I made a poster with the staff at my residential house.

We spoke about my experiences living in a Children’s House and about my rights. Key words we spoke about were Love, Care and Promise – I then showed the staff how these are written in some of the languages I know such as Arabic, Turkish, Kurdish, Farsi and English.”

“I went to the NL Showcase and saw the article I had written was on display as well as other things my friends and those I live with had written.”

“I worked on a game for the NL Showcase, this was my own version of Guess Who and I included people in this who can help me and who I want in my life such as some family members like my Gran, Aunt & Brother. Also, staff like residential workers, youth workers and my education taxi driver – Gail. This game was on display at the Showcase and people really liked it.”

“I had some fun with painting, and using colours to talk about my emotions. I had print outs of blank make-up pallets that had names of each colour such as ‘winter rose glow’, ‘buttercup’ and ‘blue jeans’ etc. I mixed colour until I was happy with the specific colour for each name filling in the spaces on the pallets then I spent some time speaking to one of my staff about my feelings and linking these feelings to different colours. I enjoyed doing this and it was an easier way to think about my feelings.”

“I enjoyed hearing the promise song and seeing people I know in the video for this. I also enjoyed meeting up with everyone at the showcase and talking to people about my game and my life as a Care Experienced young adult.”

“I made a game for the Showcase using my D&D dice. The game is about Daily Routines.

You roll specific dice for different parts of the daily routine and points are given and taken away depending on the outcome of the roll such as gaining points for being on time for school but losing points for falling back asleep in the morning. I enjoyed making this game and loved that it used Dungeons and Dragons dice. Others at the showcase seemed to really like the idea of my game too.”

“I made a game to be on display at the NL Showcase, it was great to see people playing this when I was there. My game was ‘hook a duck’ with a list of stuff that is good for us and bad for us like fruit and vegetables or vaping. When you hook a duck there is an item from the list on the bottom and you get 5 points for something good! I enjoyed meeting up with everyone at the Showcase and talking to people about my game and my life as a young Care Experienced adult.”

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SECTION NEWS & EVENTS

Meet our New C

Care Experienced Chair of the Board

armel Jacob has been appointed as the new Care Experienced Chair of the Board of Who Cares? Scotland.

Carmel, who grew up in kinship care and has been a member of Who Cares? Scotland for many years, works as an Educational Psychologist. She first joined the board more than three years ago, where she has provided guidance and support on a range of governance matters since.

She will now take up the role of Chair following a robust internal recruitment process which was supported by a group of Care Experienced members.

The group developed a series of questions designed to identify the attributes they most wanted to see in the future Chair of the Board, and put these to Carmel and other candidates, during interview.

Carmel takes over the role from Ryan McCuaig, who stepped down this summer to focus on his legal career. In the interim, the role was held by

Sarah Blackmore, who will continue on in the role of the Care Experienced Vice Chair.

Carmel said: I am very proud to take on the role of the Chair of the Board, as involvement in Who Cares? Scotland has changed my life. It has granted me a sense of belonging and supported me to proudly own my identity as a member of the Care Experienced Community.

“There is nothing I am more passionate about than advocating for Who Cares? Scotland’s vision of a lifetime of equality, respect and love for Care Experienced people and I am deeply committed to using my position on the board to provide support, scrutiny and guidance, to ensure the organisation is delivering upon its strategic plan, to the highest possible standards.

CEO Louise Hunter said: We are thrilled that Carmel will be taking on this important role for Who Cares?

Scotland, as her passion and commitment for our work is absolutely unwavering.

Not only does Carmel have much to offer us in terms of her skills and insights as an Educational Psychologist, but she also brings an innate sense of what it means to be a member of our organisation.

“Carmel has been a very active member for many years, and has been alongside much of our campaigning activity in the past. She took part in our former Spokespeople programme, was a member of The Collective and has spoken at many of our events, including most recently at the Love Rally in 2022. Many of you will also remember her powerful poem ‘Here’s to the Care Experienced ones,” which she has shared a number of times, with great impact.

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NEWS &SECTION EVENTS

NEWSFLASH Who Cares? Scotland’s Members’ Newsletter

E

very quarter we send out a digital newsletter called Newsflash to our members. However, we know that not all of our members will have an email account to access the internet. That’s why we are including a round up of important headlines from the

We have over 4000 members!

In September, we passed a huge milestone – we now have over 4,000 members.

We’d like to say a massive welcome to everyone who has recently joined and thank you to everyone who remains a member and continues to get involved in what we do.

Objects Season 2: We are delighted to announce that our Objects podcast is back for a second season!

In the first episode of the season, host Charlotte Armitage sits down to chat with David Anderson about growing up in care, his journey towards self-love and his therapeutic farm in France.

Scan the QR code below to see the new episode and catch up on all the episodes from season one, or search for ‘Objects’ on your podcast streaming service.

‘Read more on page 26’

last couple of months and sharing them again, here in SpeakOut, so you don’t miss out.

If you’re signed up but haven’t been receiving Newsflash, just email membership@whocaresscotland. org and we’ll update your details.

Do you have any book recommendations?

Have you read something recently that you can’t put down, or do you find yourself lost in a book series? Let us know your recommendations and receive a copy of Fablehouse by Emma Norry in return!

Email membership@ whocaresscotland.org with your suggestions.

Date Announced for Care Day 2024 Alongside our 5 Nations 1 Voice partners – EPIC Ireland, Voices Of Young People In Care Northern Ireland, Become England and Voices From Care Cymru Wales – we are delighted to confirm the date for Care Day 2024 as Friday 16th February. More info to come about how each nation will be celebrating! #CareDay24

Care Family Christmas Dinner

Louise in Parliament

The Care Family Christmas Dinner is back at SWG3 this year!

Sign up and come along to the Christmas Day celebration you know and love. With a threecourse meal, games, music and more, it’s sure to be an absolutely special day.

Sign up via this QR code.

On the 22nd of November, our Chief Exec Louise spoke at Parliament to the Education, Children, and Young People committee about The Promise and Plan 2124. She shared what our members have told us and reiterated that Scotland agreed to The Promise so, we must keep it.

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E V O L S R E E T N VOLU K E E W D E C N E I CARE EXPER

A Volunteering Weekend

Reflecting on Care Experienced Week

V

olunteers offer support to Who Cares? Scotland throughout the year in a number of ways but with Care Experienced Week seeing back-toback events at the end of October, some went the extra mile by dedicating their whole weekend to supporting our members.

One of these volunteers was Heather Tyeson, who supported Time to Shine on Saturday, 28th October and The Love Rally on Sunday, 29th October.

“As soon as I heard about both events I was eager to sign up and so excited,” Heather reflected. “The young people in the group I support were all looking forward to Time to Shine and talking to them in the lead up to the event helped make the build up to the event special.

We discussed what they were most looking forward to and what costumes they might like to wear.”

Heather’s weekend began by helping at the event set up before being asked if she would consider a change of role.

Heather said, “I was expecting to be helping supervise activities but was asked if I would like to assist Who Cares? staff in another way – by getting up on stage to help encourage young people to participate! I helped staff introduce and deliver activities and encouraged our young people to come onto the stage and express themselves. This led to an impromptu talent contest which was so much fun.”

Heather’s willingness to help at such short notice reflected her

24

commitment but whilst she had a great time as an event host, she did have one slight concern.

“I had been asked to do some chanting at the love rally the next day so had to make sure I didn’t lose my voice,” she laughed.

As the event wound down, Heather helped with the take down and tidy up and was delighted to have been involved in such a successful event that had been well received.

The next day, Heather arrived at Glasgow Green to get ready for the Love Rally and was thrilled to see some of the same young people there again and was delighted to be in such a positive environment.

“The energy levels, the noise, the excitement in the crowd all added up to something special,” Heather enthused.

Seeing volunteers, staff and members together in such a positive way was great.

I was given my megaphone and having lead chants at the Love Rally before knew what to expect but the feeling when people responded to my voice was still incredible.”

After the rally Heather met up with family and friends for a well-earned dinner and was asked what she had spent her weekend doing.

“What I love,” she answered.

“Volunteering with Who Cares?

Scotland!”

Heather’s busy but rewarding weekend is a good example of the dynamic and exciting range of experiences volunteers can expect when supporting our members.

With new recruitment ongoing for Christmas and beyond, there’s much to look forward to as our new and existing volunteers bring their skills and enthusiasm to the organisation.

NEWS &SECTION EVENTS

! f f O A Killie Kick T

he Killie Community kicked off this year’s Care Experienced Week celebrations by providing 100 free tickets to the Care Experienced community for the Kilmarnock v Livingston match on Saturday 21st October.

The charity welcomed community groups, local grassroots clubs and more to Rugby Park to enjoy Premiership football, free from financial barriers.

They were delighted to support Care Experienced Week 2023 and take pride in the incredible partnerships they have formed with Who Cares? Scotland and East Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership.

Jamie Turnbull from East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (EAHSP) commented:

Care Experienced Week is dedicated to celebrating the contributions, achievements ced and successes of Care Experien pire people across the UK, and to ins l. them to achieve their full potentia re East Ayrshire Health & Social Ca Killie Partnership teamed up with The tial Community to develop an essen community partnership which gest highlights Rugby Park as the big community Hub in the area. Many o of the young people and adults wh their attended the match experienced d first ever Kilmarnock FC game an s. together created lifelong memorie I’d like to thank the full Killie lie fans Community team, and all the Kil our for sharing this experience with Care Experienced community.

In September, Who Cares? Scotland members, Harvey & Emma both attended their first ever Kilmarnock FC match v St. Mirren, through the charity’s matchday experience initiative.

Sharon Berrie, South West Advocacy and Participation Manager at Who Cares?

Scotland commented: "Our partnership with The Killie Community has been brilliant, our young people have loved attending games and making memories. They have enjoyed being there with other young people but we have also had the chance to give families tickets to enjoy days out that they might not have been able to do without this support.

It also gives our members the opportunity to be part of the Kilmarnock Football community - we know that sport can really bring people together, so we are really grateful for all the tickets we've had this year.

We look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come."

Back in March this year, The Killie Community also supported Kinship Week by inviting young people in kinship and their carers along to their first ever Kilmarnock FC matchday experience v St. Johnstone.

Nancy Kershaw of Kilmarnock Kinship Carers said: “We are very grateful to The Killie Community and Kilmarnock Football Club for giving our Kinkids and carers this experience. It is very much appreciated.”

You can find out more about The Killie Community and the matchday experiences they offer here: https://kilmarnockfc. co.uk/community/programmes/ matchday-experiences/ or contact team@killiecommunity.co.uk.

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ENTERTAINMENT

OBJECTS Returns for Season 2!

O

ur podcast series, Objects, sees the host Charlotte Armitage sit down with Care Experienced people with a focus on the moments that shape us, the relationships that matter most and the challenges that they overcome.

Guests bring to the conversation three different objects. Each object represents before, during and after care. These have ranged from care records, treasured jewelry to photographs.

The first season welcomed guests from all walks of life including a comedian, a wrestling champion and a Member of Parliament – the thing they all had in common was that they are Care Experienced. The podcast highlights the diversity of the Care Experienced community, the similarities in experience and the lifelong impact of care.

Now, the podcast has returned with season 2 which was launched the day of our 2023 Love Rally where hundreds marched through the streets of Glasgow calling for lifelong rights following our recent Lifelong Rights report.

Through the sharing of the guests’ stories, we hope to address the stigma that Care Experienced people can face. As our Lifelong Rights report revealed, almost 50% of Care Experienced adults have reported feeling stigmatised when receiving support.

Charlotte Armitage, the Care Experienced host of the podcast,

26

said: "Ever since the first season, the conversations I had have stuck with me. I heard first-hand, how important objects can be for people but also that for many Care Experienced people the typical childhood objects that families would keep can be lost to the system.

Objects that people normally overlook or can be seen as mundane can hold such meaning and sentimental value to us as human beings.

This podcast is centered around something so simple, yet it’s something that everyone can relate to and keep us connected to one another.”

“I heard from so many inspiring people previously and I can’t wait to share this new season with everyone.”

The new series can be streamed on all mainstream streaming services as well as watched on YouTube and our website. The first episode interviewed David Anderson who is the owner of Red Thistle Farm in France. It offers animal mediation, equi-therapy, support with education, language courses and more. David

is an incredible activist for the Care Experienced community and is currently the co-chair of The Promise Oversight Board.

Louise Hunter our CEO said: “This podcast is powerful and emotional insight into the lives of Care Experienced adults through three objects from across their lives. Care Experienced voice is at the heart of everything we do and this podcast is a direct platform for those voices.

“The lives of people who have experienced the care system can be hard to understand if you haven’t been near it, but this podcast allows us to relate to and understand the stories through objects that we all might have a similar experience of.

Society understands that children can be in care, but not always the lifelong impact. We hope that this podcast can unlock some of that understanding". This podcast is hosted, produced and presented by Care Experienced people.

New episodes will be released monthly so keep your eyes peeled on our social media and our website to catch the newest episodes as soon as they come out!

Book Review:

ENTERTAINMENT

Ginger Me and

I

n May, our members were invited to take part in our Media club. They were offered a copy of ‘Ginger and Me’ by Elissa Soave to read before joining a Q&A session online with the author. Check out what Ira thought of the book here.

Ira: On the 23rd May, I joined a Who Cares? Scotland book club session, with ‘Ginger and Me’ author, Elissa Soave.

It was so good to hear from the writer herself and learn all about how the book came into existence, where her inspiration came from and to learn her tips for other aspiring authors. I’ve written a wee review about the book.

Ginger and Me is a really unique coming-of-age book (in a good way) that is set in Uddingston and centers around two main characters, a lass called Wendy and, you guessed it, her new friend called Ginger! Ginger is Care Experienced but, unlike many stories featuring Care Experienced characters, this feels genuine and I could relate to her.

Wendy’s mum has just passed away at the start of the book and the story follows her adjusting to this, which is especially hard because she needs routine to thrive. Both characters are allowed to be different and themselves, they don’t fit the normal ‘mold’ assigned to female characters, like the tired ‘badass unrealistic unbeatable superhero’ trope or just ‘some male character’s love interest’. Instead, they are allowed to be weird, vulnerable and human.

Because the book is so well written, I got really invested in Wendy and Ginger’s story which made it a challenging read at times because I got frustrated at some of the decisions Wendy was making! But at the same time, it made her so much more real.

Elissa’s descriptions, in general, are so vivid that it helps you visualise the places and people she writes about.

Uddingston is actually the author’s hometown and she does a good job of bringing it to life and making it feel like you’re really there.

I’m glad I joined the Q&A because Elissa made a good point about the fact that so many tales happen in big fancy places. And that working-class stories aren’t often centered in fiction, especially stories about young women like Wendy.

My summary is that this is a really good read if you’re looking to pick up something relatable, funny, honest and heart-breaking all in one. By the end of the book, I found I genuinely cared about Wendy and Ginger and was sad the story was done.

I want to leave you with a favourite quote from the author’s acknowledgments page to aspiring women writers everywhere that

your story matters and only you can tell Elissa Soave that.

Plus, female characters can be flawed - they don’t owe us perfect or pretty

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SECTION

FILM REVIEW

SCRAPPER

By Susie Robertson

A

s part of my job in the Communications Team at Who Cares? Scotland I am always on the lookout for new theatre, comedy, music, and films made

by Care Experienced creators or that include Care Experienced characteris. In September I went along to The Glasgow Film Festival to see a film called Scrapper written and directed by Charlotte Regan. I was lucky enough to go to a preview screening that included a Q & A with Charlotte and her producer, Theo Barrowclough.

Scrapper stars Lola Campbel as a feisty, 12-year-old girl called, Georgie who has recently lost her mother and has taken on the responsibility of parenting herself. In interviews, Lola says she learned everything about family from her single mother. In the film, Georgie resourcefully evades intervention from Social Services by spinning a fabricated story about how she now lives with her uncle, when she is in fact living on her own in the home she shared with her mother. Georgie is determined to navigate the grief of her mum with the help of her best friend, Ali, played by Alin Azun. The inseparable pair steal bikes to make an income for Georgie to live on as well as resorting to shoplifting when things get really tough. But things take an unexpected turn when Georgie’s “good-for-nothing” father, Harris played by Harrison Dickinson returns in a bid to repair their broken relationship and “do the right thing” by her late mother whom we discover he truly loved.

The film feels like a very raw, unfiltered comment on grief, father-daughter relationships and self-reliance

n rent You ca mazon A per on Scrap uTube for or Yo it on watch ly r o 9 igh £4.9 TV. I h !

Apple n me d recom

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bound together by humour and deviance. In the Q & A writer and director, Charlotte Regan describes her motivation for the film as: “…the urge to tell a working-class story that captured the joy and the humor of those worlds. The working-class films I had seen didn’t feel like the truth of what I felt growing up. To me, those worlds are full of happiness. There’s for sure struggle and tough moments, but what never falters is the joy and the love. The dark humor that comes out of not having much.”

I think this encapsulates the spirit of this film perfectly.

Although there was a script, the film was filmed over the summer holidays to allow the cast to take part without missing school. What this led to was almost a completely improvised script led by Lola’s true responses and ideas about how she would react in the situation of her character. In a recollection of finding “Georgie” Charlotte recounted in the Q & A how Lola’s audition tape was just a tape of her talking about Home Bargains, she knew then that this was the right girl to play her!

The film made me laugh out loud and cry hysterically.

While the storyline is about a difficult human emotion, grief, it focuses on Georgie’s resilience and ability to find humour and magic in dark situations. It’s a beautifully crafted film for anyone who is living with grief.

5 ! £2 R A HE IN C W OU V

IN IT TO WIN IT… O

nce you have completed the IN IT TO WIN IT page please return it to us by Thursday 7th March 2024 to be in with a chance of winning a £25 voucher of your choice. You can do this by giving the page to your Who Care? Scotland APW, emailing a photo of your entry to membership@whocaresscotland.org or DMing us it on social media. You can also post it to 40 Wellington St, Glasgow, G2 6HJ. Good luck!

UNSCRAMBLE ME HSAMCRTIS

WINTER QUIZ Circle your answers below.

1. What date is Christmas?

A. 25th December B. 25th September C. 31st December

MAOWNSN IBNOR

2. What kind of tree do we decorate at Christmas?

A. Apple tree B. Oak tree C. Fir tree

EESTNPSR TANSA

FINISH THESE CHRISTMAS CAROL LYRICS Dashing through the snow…

3. Where does Santa Claus live?

A. North Star B. Australia C. North Pole 4. What colour is the Grinch?

A. Blue B. Green C. Purple

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer…

5. How many reindeer does Santa have?

A. Four B. Nine C. One

Frosty the Snowman, Was a…

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Good tidings we bring...

HH LAST ISSUES WINNERS: CARRIE (20) AND THOM (14) HHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HH

Deck the halls with boughs of holly...

Name: Age:

Contact Number:

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…

N U F R O J U ST F SECTION ENTERTAINMENT

Make your own decorations that make your home smell like Christmas!

You will need: • 2 oranges • 3 apples • small handful cloves • 5 cinnamon sticks • thin ribbon, twine or string

Step 1:

T AF ER CR RN CO

FESTIVE FRAGRANCE

Heat oven to 140C and line 2 baking sheets with baking parchment.

Step 2:

Slice the oranges and apples very thinly. Arrange the slices on the trays, then bake for 45 mins-1 hr, turning halfway through cooking, until completely dried out. Leave to cool.

Step 3:

Once cool, stud the oranges with cloves. Thread some ribbon, twine or string through the centres of the orange slices, then tie a knot to secure. Follow with a slice of apple, and another knot, also tying a cinnamon stick to a few of the decorations.

Step 4:

Hang on the tree or around the house for a great Christmassy smell!

MELTING SNOWMEN Why not do some baking this Christmas? Have a go at this super easy idea and surprise your friends and family with a sweet treat! We’d love to see pictures of your finished products. Send them to comms@whocaresscotland.org or tag us on Instagram!

All you need is: • • • • •

A round biscuit like a digestive or rich tea Icing sugar Marshmallows for the head Icing pens to draw on his face Sweets to add a scarf, hat or buttons!

ip

Step 1: Step 2:

Step 3:

T Top

lso uld a for o c u Yo ties smar ollo and add ar ns or e button o t t u b colat Be a cho ke a hat. a to m eative! cr

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Lay out your biscuits.

Mix up the icing sugar with a little water so that you have a thick paste. It goes runny really quickly so best to just add a teaspoon of water at a time.

Use your icing pens to draw eyes, a nose, and a mouth onto your marshmallow.

Spoon some icing onto each biscuit and

Step 4: then place the marshmallow snowman head on top.

Step 5:

Wrap a strawberry lace around to create a little scarf.

J U ST …

N U F R O F

SECTION ENTERTAINMENT

MINDFULNESS ACTIVITY FOR THE SOUL! Reflections on 2023

2023 might have been a great year for you, or it might have sucked. Take this opportunity to reflect on what went well, what went wrong, and what you can learn from this year and apply it to the next.

Use the space opposite to write down any words, feelings, achievements, or thoughts about the past year. You could doodle them if you don’t feel like using words!

CHRISTMAS COLOURING And relax…

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NORTH

NORTH EAST

Sian Wild APW Shetland 07599044615

Kayleigh Griffin Advocacy & Participation Dev Officer Moray CB & Schools 07841 032 885

Karen Monkman APW Orkney 07849 087 753 Kirsteen Wood APW Highland (MAT cover) 07523512610

Katie Kennedy APW Highland 07841 878 953 James Cameron Coordinator 07583 050 179

Lynne Williamson APW Aberdeenshire 07712 869 576

Jessica Varney APW Rossie YP Trust/CHS Tayside 07712 866 835

Paul Lamont APW Dundee 07787436681

Ashley Donaldson APW North East 07743 936 550

LANARKSHIRE

WEST CENTRAL Sarah Herbert APW Kibble and East Dunbartonshire 07849 086 681 Johanna Kaz APW Stirling and Seamab 07971 474 168

Sorcha Tams APW Falkirk & Clackmannanshire, 07598 580 320

Caroline Breen APW Renfrewshire 07394 418 025

Brenda Ann Murphy APW North Lanarkshire 07849 083 141 Kerry Connor APW North Lanarkshire 07841 033 019 Russell Stewart APW North Lanarkshire 07849 083 248

SOUTH EAST Josh Gilbert APW Edinburgh & Scottish Borders (Mat Cover) 07849 083 003

SOUTH WEST

Zoey Hillman Development Co-ordinator 07484 089 832

Morag Cantwell APW West Lothian 07523 512 612

Ewen Kerr Advocacy Coordinator South Lanarkshire 07970515442

Ray MacLean Advocacy Coordinator North Lanarkshire 07523 512 800

Rachel Outram APW West Lothian 07985 089 947

WEST

Martha Simms Youth Worker 07849 085 041

Laura Campbell North Lan Development Officer 07849086191

Sophie Edwards APW West Lothian 07849 086432

Sharon Edwards APW West Lothian 07779 451 117

Aimee Fraser Youth Worker 07849 090 685

Lisa Allan APW North Lanarkshire 07790341265

Lynne Morris South Lanarkshire 07786 068 138

Sherril Wright APW Falkirk and Clackmannanshire (mat cover) 07849 090 688

Morag Cantwell Advocacy Coordinator (Forth Valley) 07523 512 612

Elle Scott APW North Lanarkshire (Mat Cover) 07849 086 188

Jacqueline McLachlan APW North Lanarkshire 07841033020

Jemma Kane Advocacy Coordinator (Kibble) 07540 823 286

Mary Bateman APW Falkirk and Stirling 07739 078 247

Michelle McAtear APW South Lanarkshire 07841033107

Mags Corr APW North Lanarkshire 07841033018

Beth Simpson APW (SP) West Dunbartonshire 07787 560 467

Caroline Ironside Development Officer Communities that Care (Clacks) 07849 084996

Louise Murdoch APW South Lanarkshire 07849 090 684

Donald Walker Advocacy & Participation Coordinator 07712 865 958

Fiona Simpson APW Glasgow 07787 560 472 Kim Campbell APW Glasgow 07712 870 343 Sheryl Kay APW South Ayrshire 07738 195 692 Denise McMillan APW East Ayrshire 07932 101 076 Lindsay Cook APW East Renfrewshire 07973 801 709

Corran Russell Development Officer South West 07849 087 461 Pamela Hynes APW Argyll & Bute, Crossreach 07739 078 244

Kieran Platts Development Officer Edinburgh 07841 033 104 Sophie Morris APW East Lothian 07985 046739 Ellie Crozier APW Edinburgh 07712 870 390

Heather Nailard APW Argyll & Bute 07769 325 000

Ellie Barrow APW Edinburgh & Harmeny 07970 515 440

Claire Campbell Lifelong Advocate 0330 107 7540

Lisa Fleming APW Midlothian 07712 872 078

Carolelynne Cameron Development Officer 07748 145 955

Keira Kerracher APW Edinburgh & Sycamore 07849 083 003

NATIONAL OFFICE: 40 Wellington Street, Glasgow, G2 6HJ. Tel: 0141 226 4441 e.mail: membership@whocaresscotland.org

www.whocaresscotland.org