Speak Out Spring 2014

Issue 13 2014

Time to be seen!

Over 150 of Scotland’s care experienced young people come together to celebrate being in care

WE p4-5 DID IT

The First Minister helps us celebrate the new Children & Young People Bill

PLUS:

p18

p19

DUNDEE CITIZEN NATIONAL PARTICIPATION OF THE YEAR Andrew Lorimer becomes the FORUM first care leaver to be named Dundee Citizen of the Year

BUDGET CHEF

p14

Read about what happened during the first NPF residential

FASHION

p11

p7

SHOWCASE YOUR TALENTS Poems, pictures & stories all created by Speak Out readers

U.CAN.WIN

p22

...AND MORE!

CONTENTS FEATURES Welcome to our new issue of Speakout! We’ve got exciting articles for you to read. Why don’t you take a look inside and see what you think!

acts as Speakout ple young peo a voice to living d n a r e ft oked a tl who are lo co and. home in S away from ve been h in care a le p o e p g n You tion of the the produc f this in d e lv vo in so f the page majority o would not t u o k a e p S eir magazine. without th be possible ) :O help

WE DID IT! THE CHAMPIONS BOARD 1ST EVER CARE LEAVERS FESTIVAL

REGULARS

3 7 10 11 12 -13

A WORD FROM ALI AND DUNCAN Ali and Duncan fill us in on what’s been happening at Who Cares? Scotland lately

SHOWCASE YOUR TALENTS

Your poems, stories, pictures, photos, jokes or hobbies

WHAT’S HOT? WHAT’S NOT! Cinema, DVD and concert reviews

FASHION SHOOT

by Nicole

PHOTOSTORY Things you need to know!

4 -5 6 8 -9

15 17 18 19 21 23 14 16

MEET SID / REFLECTIONS ON LEAVING CARE

SEAFIELD SCHOOL DUE TO CLOSE WHAT A GUY!

THE NATIONAL PARTICIPATION FORUM YOU’RE HIRED MEET OUR MODERN APPRENTICES A BIG THANK YOU

BUDGET CHEF

John shows us how to make Macaroni Cheese

RESTAURANT REVIEW

The Gables, Irvine - By Kieran, Shane, Natalie and Gail

ASK CL@N

Free legal advice and representation to children and young people in Edinburgh and the Lothians and Glasgow

PROBLEM PAGE

Help and advice by Evan

U.CAN.WIN.COM

Have a go at our competitions for your chance of winning a £25 voucher

HOROSCOPES

Find out what’s in store in the weeks ahead

20 22 23

The views expressed by the young people

in this magazine are their own and not National Office: Who Cares? Scotland, 5 Oswald Street, Glasgow G1 4QR Tel: 0141 226 4441 • Fax: 0141 226 4445 necessarily those of Who Cares? Scotland. enquiries@whocaresscotland.org • www.whocaresscotland.org A company limited by guarantee registered in Scotland no. 173232 Scottish Charity no. SC026076 Who Cares? Scotland gratefully acknowledges financial support from The Scottish Government, Scottish Local Authorities, Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care & other contributors.

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Speak Out Issue 14 2014

Welcome to the April SpeakOut!

Hello There,

Each time I write a piece for Speak Out there seems to be something even better to write about.

This time I write as a very proud representative of you all – Scotland’s children and young people with care experience. You and your care brothers and sisters are improving the lives of others. The courage that many of you displayed by trusting Politicians with your stories so that they could make change was nothing short of amazing. What is awesome is that it had the desired impact, you were [listen]ed to. You got the law changed. Scotland is now a better place to grow up in care. If you want to, starting next year, you will be able to stay in care until you are 21. The government is also working out how, if you do want to leave care at 16 and then return to care, that this is made possible too. For more information see the article in this magazine or ask your local Who Cares? Scotland worker.

If in doubt of the power of your voices, the Children and Young People’s Minister stated that this group of young people had left a legacy for future generations of care leavers to be proud of. Alex Salmond (Scotland’s most powerful politician) turned up to celebrate with you all. And to top it off, for the work that you have done on changing this law, young people with care experience have been nominated as Young Scots of the Year 2014. There will be a big bash at the SECC, fingers crossed the next edition has a picture of many of you celebrating.

This year we are doing loads more events to make sure you have a chance to participate in fun activities and celebrate who you are.

In Dundee in the spring we are celebrating our [listen] campaign and marking year two. This is when we want many more of you to feel safe and confident enough to join-up with other young people in care and be proud of who you are – because we are. In the summer we are going camping, with a view to being able to do it on a much larger scale next year. Whilst in the autumn we are running another Care Leavers festival that will be even bigger and better than last years.

For all the fun we have it is still vital that we are there for you in your time of need. So if you have any issue however large or small it seems, please do get in touch and we will do our best to resolve it for you. If you want something from us make sure you ask your Who Cares? Scotland worker and we’ll do our best to make sure your voice is heard by those who can get you it (see photos on back of the magazine).

The best moments for me, over the last few months have been witnessing young people with care experience on various occasions being proud of their care identity. They asked their neighbours, councillors, social workers and members of our Parliament to [listen] to their voices and help improve their lives. They are young people who have experienced similar feelings to many of you have done whilst being in care; being happy, confused, hurt, misunderstood or proud. At Who Cares? Scotland what we offer to all of you is for you to be part of the wider Who Cares? Scotland family – our organisation is your organisation.

One care leaver recently stated they had the ambition to have my job in a few years. Well nothing would make me more proud than to see Who Cares? Scotland being run by people with care experience for those with care experience.

Enjoy this edition and keep in touch.

Duncan

Who Cares? Scotland

Update from Ali Coates I am what we call in Scotland a big fearty! I hate putting my head above the parapet, hate speaking in public. I am happy to live a quiet life not rocking the boat. My excuses for being this way are many, and I am not going to tell you what they are, but since I have been on the Board of Who Cares I have been shamed by seeing so many young people without any of my advantages, taking risks, speaking up and grabbing life with both hands.

Just before Christmas I saw the film made about the 4 Scottish young people in care Kriss, Callum, Dale and Kimberly - who went to the Harvard Summer School in Boston for 6 weeks last summer – what a lot of courage that took. They grasped the opportunity to go somewhere new and to do something challenging, and got every ounce of experience out of it. I heard Jimmy tell some of his stories about Borneo and felt completely in awe of someone who has the sheer guts to take off to such a remote place, completely alien to him, and to make a success of it. And now Ian is following him – good luck, Ian. Elsewhere in SpeakOut you will read about all the young people who lobbied parliament to make sure that your voices were heard by MSPs as they debated the Children and YP Bill. They weren’t afraid to tell their stories and to demand that their experiences of care were listened to as the legislation was being written. Tony, Ashley, Mercy, Alex … too many others to mention - my awe, admiration and thanks to everyone from all the Board.

And Andrew Lorimer, a member of our Board, who was named Dundee Citizen of the Year for his inspirational work supporting other young people going through the care system.

Well done, Andrew, we know you will carry on shouting loudly for the rights of young people in care and for Who Cares.

It is all these great ambassadors for Who Cares that from now on I am going to use as examples of what a little bit of courage can do. I know from them that if I speak up or put my head over the parapet it won’t be chopped off (I hope!) – people will listen and things can change. We often talk about young people needing mentors. Well older people do too, and often their mentors can be young people with experiences and courage that can move mountains – even the Scottish Parliament! Nelson Mandela said in his book The Long Walk to Freedom: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

Ali

3

We Did It! On the 27th March 2014, The Children & Young People Bill became an Act. Here Ashley Cameron describes her most memorable moments of the Who Cares? Scotland [listen] campaign…

September 2012: A group of us wrote a letter to the Scottish Government today. We want them to listen to us and our experiences in order to understand what it’s like to live in care. I’m so nervous, what if we don’t get a response? What if they say no? All we can do is wait and hope…

17th December: Wow! I totally

did not expect that! Today the Education and Culture Committee came to the Who Cares? Scotland National office to listen to some young people from care, including myself, talk about our experience of growing up in care. This was a really emotional experience, you could’ve cut the tension in the room with a knife. We told them everything we could about our lives before care, during care, as well as after care.

The good thing is that they all really seemed to get it, and understand that things need to change. I wonder what’s going to happen now.

21st May 2013: Today we launched the national anti-stigma campaign called pledge2listen. This was a fantastic event to be involved in! It was an amazing achievement for Who Cares? Scotland to have 27 out of 32 of the local authorities represented. Some of the most senior council members and chief social work officers came and pledged to listen and make a difference. There were so many activities going on that I didn’t stop the whole day. I’m now feeling very inspired and can’t wait to see the result of everybody’s pledges!

4th June 2013: The Education

and Culture Committee were so influenced by our first evidence giving session that today they asked us

4

Ashley meeting Alex Salmond

to give evidence at the Scottish parliament! This all feels very surreal but it’s great being listened too! I can’t believe how far we’ve come already! Something is changing, I can’t quite put my finger on it but I can feel it.

19th June 2013: I’m feeling so proud of my colleagues today!

For the first time ever Who Cares?

Scotland has raised the issue of love within the care sector. They raised this by using first hand experiences of young people who have been brought up in care.

WC?S asked why love was missing in the care system and what could be done about it. No one has talked about love with us before; some of us couldn’t even define it. Why haven’t we talked about this before?

22nd October 2013: This morning WC?S attended the LACSIG conference and launched Staying Put!; the idea that care leavers should be able to remain in or return to care up to the age of 21. If we could make this happen it would be the biggest legislative change to effect care leavers in the last decade. This increase in age would provide some much needed security for young people in care which would be fantastic.

30th October 2013: WC?S

have now formed a coalition with Barnardo’s and Aberlour, which means they are serious about pushing forward the idea of Continuing Care – the extension of care provision up to the age of 26.

We now stand together, united in our efforts to instigate transformational change for care experienced young

Members of WC?S holding the new C&YP Bill

people. I am so proud to be involved in this effort!

21st November 2013: I’ve just

left Parliament after watching the stage 1 debate on the Children and Young People Bill. It was a lot more interesting than I thought it would be! We met with Kezia Dugdale MSP before the debate to talk about what Scotland’s care experienced young people wanted from the Scottish Government. Kezia really seemed to take on board what I was saying, so much so that she even quoted me in parliament! I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried when this happened, after so many years of feeling like what I had to say didn’t matter, I was being heard!

17th December 2013: Another first for Who Cares? Scotland! Today an army of care leavers and staff campaigned right outside Scottish parliament. We presented a wish list

Speak Out Issue 14 2014

lovely to meet him but little did I know that our second meeting was soon to follow!

Later on a large group of young people and WC?S staff went along to Parliament to watch the Children and Young People Bill be passed. When the MSPs voted it through we simply could not contain ourselves, we jumped up and started clapping and cheering! The MSPs in the chamber all tuned to us and started clapping too. I had to present a framed photograph to the Children’s Minister, Aileen Campbell, and we both had a bit of a break down. It was such an emotional moment and one I will NEVER forget.

Once we had left Parliament we headed back to the Story Telling Centre on the Royal Mile where, would you believe it, Alex Salmond was waiting to congratulate us!

We were all so surprised but what a privilege it was to be able to sit down and talk to the First Minister of Scotland. We managed to recruit him into the [listen] campaign!

I am going to remember this day for the rest of my life! I am so proud to have been involved in a campaign which has achieved so much!

Our celebration party on 21st February

to MSPs which asked that no more care leavers experience homelessness; that the age of leaving care be increased to 21; and that Scotland continues to care for its care leavers. It was a really cold day but it was totally worth it. We had everybody from MSPs, tourists, bus drivers and even joggers signing the wish list.

What an incredible day! It feels so great to be supported!

3rd January 2014: I have been crying like a baby today and I just can’t remove this cheesy grin from my face! We did it! It was announced today that the amendments to the Children & Young People Bill we put forward were being taken on as policy. I don’t think we will ever see as big a change as this again. Finally young people in care will have a say about what happens to them from 16+ about whether they would like to stay in care longer. The future of Scotland’s next generation of care leavers is now more secure!

21st February: This morning

I attended a conference with our CEO Duncan Dunlop and I met First Minister, Mr Alex Salmond MSP! I’ve been waiting a whole year to meet him and the first thing I said was ‘Did you know you’re my dad and you’ve got 16,248 children who make up the looked after population of Scotland!’ Needless to say he was a bit taken aback but he shook my hand warmly, smiled and started talking to me about all the great campaigning we had done. It was

Who Cares? Scotland

Campaigner Kerry Glencross thanking the Children’s Minister with cake

If you have an issue that you’re passionate about or you want to get involved in the work we are doing, tell your advocacy worker or email hello@ whocaresscotland.org

Did You Know...?

up will be able to stay in care u yo rd wa on 15 20 ril Ap • From to the age of 21. support ve care there will be more lea to e cid de u yo if en Ev • d education, employment an to help you access health, age of 21. housing services up to the Corporate Parenting family the of ers mb me 26 are • There ve a cial Worker and Teacher ha So not only does your So the eing till you are 26, so do duty to protect your wellb police and your local MSP.

5

The Renfrewshire Champions

by Eilid h Board 1

Why are you involved in The Champions Board?

Because I want to make a difference, I want people to listen to me; The Champions Board is a good way to voice my opinion.

2

6

What do you enjoy about The Champions Board?

I enjoy meeting new people who are in similar situations to me and being able to relate to them.

3

What difference do you think The Champions Board can make?

Young people in care can get more of a say about what happens in the future.

Describe what you do at The Champions Board?

4

We discuss issues and how we can make things better. We put all of our ideas together to come up with ways to improve things.

5 If you could send a message to other Local Authorities thinking of doing something similar what would it be?

Do it! It is a good way to make a difference and involve young people in decisions that are being made (but you won’t be as good as us haha )

Speak Out Issue 14 2014

SHOWCASE YOUR TALENTS We love getting stuff from our readers, so if you fancy seeing your name in print then send in your poems, stories, pictures, photos, jokes or anything your proud of and we’ll include it in the next issue of the magazine.

Email: kmacmillan@whocaresscotland.org Post: 5 Oswald Street, Glasgow, G1 4QR

Bravery Bunny

by Anon (9)

Reckless My hands are burning, holding on To these chains that I have broken from.

I can escape my fate, run now Take in the salvation, a final bow Although, there is one last piece I can’t recognise My reflection, my own eyes Neglect crucified my only pride Another shooting star burns me inside

by Gordon (10)

Don’t say I am reckless, I know it’s not brave Perhaps I am just destined, an unmarked grave It was written in blood but was it worth the pain?

Sacrifice my faith once again I am broken and burning down in flames It’s all your fault Have I lived too long or was I born too late?

It’s all your fault I never ever cut for you Convince myself my faith is true I for me, and for myself did it For the scars that bless my mental health Yet it was you who cut, and who redeems These broken shards and broken dreams Time is a burden And memories remain A last regret I can’t sustain I’ll close the door and turn out the light I’ll close my eyes in the dead of the night Although I hate to say goodbye I guess sometimes you have to.

by Shan non (15) Who Cares? Scotland

by Callum (15) 7

The 1st Ever Care

Samba Y Bamba bring the festival to a close

Masks made by the young festival goers

The body art station was popular one!

On the 19th of October 2013 Who Cares? Scotland in partnership with The Debate Project hosted the first ever Life Changes Trust Care Leavers Festival.

The event, which marked a watershed moment for young people in care, was the largest gathering and geographical spread of children and young people with care experience in Scotland. 152 young people, ages ranging from 12 to 32 years, from the Western Isles to the Scottish Borders took part in the festival which took place at the Scottish Youth Theatre in Glasgow.

The festival theme ‘it's time to be seen’ was identified by young people and agreed by the festival steering group. The idea behind the theme was that young people in care should be proud of their care experience and

aspirational about their potential.

The festival aimed to celebrate care leavers and amplify their collective voice by bringing together 150 young care leavers in a showcase of creativity and young talent.

There was a whole range of fun activities and workshops for young people to get involved in including a diary room, song writing, a fortune teller, forum theatre, pilot your own spaceship, dance, mask making and drumming. There was tasty food and we were treated to some excellent live music from local bands and artists.

Samba Ya Bamba ended the day with a fantastic performance on the drums which got everybody up dancing.

The feedback was tremendous, everyone seemed to have a great time and we look forward to next year’s festival being even bigger and better!

8

Performer Jack Thompson

WC?S staff having fun!

Speak Out Issue 14 2014

Leavers Festival An artist’s interpretation of the dance workshop.

Crazy dance moves

From the Pilot your own spaceship workshop

The festival programme

A circu

s perfo

rmer

What does the future hold for you?

Alex the human comments log

‘I loved the vibe that was around, young people coming and going talking to each other about the workshops’.

‘It made me personally feel like I was wanted and was important’.

Who Cares? Scotland

‘It proved that young people in care have talents’

‘When you are in care you feel like you are the only one, but there’s LOADS of people’.

‘It was amazing to see so many young people just having fun a socialising on a national scale’.

9

What’s HOT?

Mr Peabody and Sherman

After seeing Mr Peabody and Sherman, I have to say I was really impressed. The main body of the film was about two kids who travelled back in time.

They were able to visit Troy, France during the French Revolution and Ancient Egypt. We saw Marie Antoinette telling the people to “Eat Cake!”

The movie was awesome. There were 3 main characters; Penny, Mr Peabody and Sherman. My favourite character was Sherman and my favourite part was when they travelled to Troy. I recommend it as a must see movie for all age groups!

and what’s NOT!

Who Cares?

Scotland sees The Proclaimers at the new Glasgow Hydro!

By David (10)

Book - The Wish Author - Angela Donovan Type - mind, body & soul/self help Score - 10/10

This book is fantastic.

The aim of the book is to help you think more positively, have goals and to make wishes. It helps you see how you can live life to the max!

There are loads of exercises to do in it so have a pen and some paper handy. I think to get the most out of this book you need to sit somewhere quiet where you won’t be disturbed. In order to get the full benefits from this book you need to have faith, hope and good creative visualisation. It’s a great book to pick up when you feel you have nothing to look forward too and life seems a bit gloomy. I personally think everyone should read this book as I feel it has helped me to move on and look forward to the future in a much more positive light.

Ashley Cameron, Web & Social media assistant reviews The Proclaimers concert at the new home of entertainment.

The Glasgow Hydro is the new home of entertainment in Glasgow and opened only a month ago. The building itself is beautiful and the lights make it stand out nicely sitting beside the SECC. A group of us from WhoCares?Scotland, made up of staff and young people, all agreed that it was a fantastic venue.

The Proclaimers were amazing, performing classics such as Letter from America, I’m on my Way as well as the new hit Sunshine on Leith.

I unfortunately missed The Proclaimers at T in the Park this year so I am really glad that I got to experience this concert.

Looking at the crowd and hearing everyone sing all the songs word for word was brilliant, from Let’s Get Married to 500 miles.

The support acts, Roddy Hart and Glasvegas were also amazing. A fantastic night was had by all!

Rating: 10/10 Atmosphere: 10/10

By Chelsea (18)

10

Speak Out Issue 14 2014

FASHION SHOOT Nicole and her worker Beth had a great time doing the photo shoot.

Nicole was keen to show off her favourite dresses.

Nicole looks great in this lovely black dress from River Island which cost £49.99. Her blue party dress is from Quiz and also cost £49.99.

Nicole's wedge shoes came from New Look at £25.00

Who Cares? Scotland

15) ( e l o c i N By

11

THIN O T D E E N

PREPARING TO LEAVE CARE…

1

COOKING

3

PRACTICAL SKILLS

u ‘Don’t yo w know ho a e to chang ?’ b l light bu

‘I wish I’d learnt how to cook while I had the chance’

‘I don’t even know the basics’

2 BUDGETING SKILLS ‘I’ve never had to pay bills or look after my own money before’

12

‘Making your money last is hard, I could really use some help’

5

‘No! Well no-o ever shown m ne’s eh to do it before ow ’

KNOW WHAT Y ARE ENTITLE ‘I don’t know what financial support I can get’

Speak Out Issue 14 2014

U O Y S G N !

W O N OK 4

ISOLATION AND LONELINESS

‘I’ve never liv ed on my own before, there’s alway s been other p eople around ’

d ‘And I ha o t to move a re a new a where I didn’t know people’

YOU ED TO

‘I don’t know who I can get support from now that I have left care’

Who Cares? Scotland

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW… ADVICE FROM YOUNG PEOPLE …

1. Get involved when adults are cooking to help you learn the basics you will nee d when living independently.

2. Budgeting your money and learning how to pay bills can be difficult. If you are strugg ling ask for help from your Throughcare worker, Who Cares Worker or from your local Citizens Advice Burea u.

3. Take the opportunity to learn skills from the adults you live with such as: - How to change a light bulb - How to do your own washing

4. Find out what’s available in your area to help you keep busy, make connections and meet new people.

Make sure you keep in touch wit h good friends and find out what helplines are out there in case you really need to talk to someone.

5. Make sure you know what you are entitled to… ask your Through-care/Leaving -care worker or social worker to explain what support is available in your area. Your Who Cares Worker can also support you with this.

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Budget

Chef CMhaeceaseroni

By John ( 17)

Ingredients:

• Macaroni Pasta (app rox 400g) • Philadelphia Cheese • Grated Cheese

• Flour

• Butter • Garlic puree

• Salt

• Milk • Mayonnaise

Instructions: 1. Cook the pasta following the instructions on the packet 2. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees 3. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan 4. Once melted, add two tablespoons of flour

11. Add 1 handful of grated red Leicester 12. Stir the mixture together, add more milk if the sauce is too thick 13. Put the cooked pasta and the sauce into an ovenproof dish

5. Add 30ml of milk to the pan

14. Stir through the sauce to cover all the pasta

6. Add two heaped tablespoons of Philadelphia

15. Spread grated cheese on top

7. Add a squirt of mayonnaise 8. Add a teaspoon of garlic puree 9. Stir the mixture constantly 10. Add 5 handfuls of grated cheddar (you can add more to taste) 14

16. Bake in the oven until the cheese has melted, approx. 15 – 20 minutes.

Speak Out Issue 14 2014

MEET SID

Just a quick glance at the new Meet Sid website reveals a vast amount of information about being in care. I remember the old website and it was good enough but hadn’t been updated in a number of years. The new format is easy to understand and the layout has had a facelift.

In terms of content, the new website has the National Care Standards in an easy format for 6-12 year olds and in full from 12+. There is also a section which answers many questions that are frequently asked by people who are going into care or are already in care. You can also ask your own question and they will get back to you if you leave your contact details. The videos were really good and highlighted a lot of issues faced by young people in care. However, I had a problem accessing the new Far from Home game. I tried to play it both online and offline with the free download. I’m not sure if this was just the computer I was using or an issue with the game itself.

There is a forum for young people with experience of going into, living in, and moving on from care. To join the forum, you need to create your own profile. You’ll need a valid email address to make one and your information will be kept private. There is also a news section which gets up to date information about things that may be of interest to young people in care. Overall, I thought the website was good but I was a bit disappointed I couldn’t play the game. The website is available on most internet browsers and has a new mobile format for smart phones.

It can be found at www.meetsid.co.uk

By Colin

(15)

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s n o i t c e l f e R eaving care l on

(25)

By David

g overly the letter box. I remember bein for idea The process of leaving care no had I d, worried and confuse ing I had me was equal parts… terrify m. the what to do or how to pay ng my and amazing! I remember bei and ker help from my social wor own issues so excited, I was getting my who cares worker, even so these time, ugh I tho house, I wouldn’t have a bed ally lasted a little while. Eventu ut all pay to wouldn’t need to answer abo got a handle on things, like how ther e car the things I chose to do whe bills, how to cook, clean and take e my hav ld cou I and ; bad or d up goo ted to look never of my house. Life star friends round to my house whe to feel the way it ted star ing and everyth . ted I wan able and was supposed to. I felt comfort first the for and true was this of All ed up able to take care of myself. I end least t, but month everything was grand, at tha r afte le whi little homeless for a ugh until my first set of bills came thro Who Cares? Scotland

only a while.

When I got my new house it meant that skills I had developed the necessary to live there comfortably and I had stable learned to make it MY home; A ld be and continuous place that wou was else r teve wha of mine regardless I had ugh tho n Eve life. happening in my get to ies cult diffi e been through som have there I know it was all worth it to e. hom my is somewhere I can say

15

T N A R U A T S E R REVIEW THE GABLES, IRVINE

Kieran, Shane, Natalie and Gail went to the Gables in Irvine to complete the restaurant review as part one of their regular LCT forums What did you order: Cajun Chicken & chocolate profiteroles Food: 9/10 – the chicken was a little bit spicy Service: 3/5 it took a bit too long for the meal to come Décor: 5/5 the layout is good and the lights are good Toilets: 2/5 the toilets were not great as the hand dryer is broken and the material the wall is made from is rubbish Value: 4/5 it was a little too expensive Total Score: 23/30 What did you order: Pate & steak pie Food: 8/10 pate was nice, bread was nice and crusty. Steak was nice wellcooked also the chips were nice Service: 4/5 service was good didn’t need to wait that long Décor: 3/5 décor was okay it was okay for relaxing Toilets: 1/5 toilets were poor Value: 5/5 food was good Total Score: 21/30

16

With Kieran, Shane, Natalie and Gail

What did you order: Chicken curry & ice cream Food: 8/10 chicken was a bit chewy nice flavour though, ice cream was okay Service: 4/5 felt like we waited a wee while for our main Décor: 5/5 pretty Toilets: 2/5 crack in sink, no lid on the bin and holes in the wall Value: 4/5 wasn’t enough for me Total Score: 23/30 What did you order: Steak pie & banana split Food: 8/10 steak pie- amazing but chewy , chips – well done nice crispy/ fluffy, veg – good - good flavour, banana split – cream not sweet, fruit didnt go well with it, ruined the flavour.

Service: 3/5 bit slow Décor: 5/5 relaxing , soothing Toilets: 5/5 looked good, smelled good , not stinky Value: 4/5 good Total Score: 25/30

Speak Out Issue 14 2014

SEAFIELD SCHOOL DUE TO CLOSE

By Lorna McCrindle, W hoCares? Scotland YPW for Ayrshire & Seaf ield

Seafield School, run by Quarriers Services provides care and learning for children and young people aged 7-17 years. The School of Wellbeing is based in the busy coastal town of Ardrossan, Ayrshire and provides education for residential and day attenders at both primary and secondary levels. It's aim is to provide a holistic, child-centred approach to supporting young people who have complex needs.

Over recent months the school has been informed by Quarries that due to lack of referrals and ongoing financial issues they were faced with a consultation process for closure. After this period of consultation ended and no useful proposals came forward, everyone was informed that closure was the only option. The school has been part of the community in Ardrossan for many years and has seen a great number of boys through their doors with many success stories amongst them. This resource is highly commended within authorities who have continually made referrals and consistently had boys placed here.

The care inspectorate also recently published a very positive report on the work carried out within the school.

Staff from Who Cares? Scotland are in the school every week supporting boys through this difficult time and ensuring that their views are seen and heard, as you can see from the pictures they had a lot to say. The acting CEO, Alice Drife came down for the day on the 6th feb to talk to the boys and they made a

Who Cares? Scotland

giant poster with all their thoughts and feelings stated clearly for all to see.

Stakeholders and parents views also formed part of this day.

The staff and young people remaining here have been given the opportunity by Quarries to go off on a residential break before closure in June. We will keep you updated with some pics of this adventure in the next edition of Speak Out. The Head Teacher of the school, Elaine McIntosh had the following comment to make about this closure.

"The loss and grief felt by the boys is evident every day. Staff both within Quarriers and Local Authorities do not underestimate the seriousness of this situation and the very negative impact on our children - who are the most vulnerable in society.

Quarriers are very proud of the staff at school and in the residential homes who have continued to put the needs of our young people before their own, despite their own fears and anxieties for their own futures. On behalf of the young people, we are grateful for the help and support of Who Cares?

Scotland during this troubling time."

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! y u G a t a h W Meet Andrew Lorimer, Who Cares? Scotland Board Member and Dundee’s Citizen of the year 2014.

Andrew was awarded the prestigious title for his selfless work with the Dundee Champions Board.

Andrew said he was “excited, happy and overwhelmed” with the win.

The Champions Board, founded in June 2011, provides a platform for current and former looked-after children to engage with their ‘corporate parent’ and make their needs known.

The process has led to a significant improvement in self-esteem and confidence for many of the individual young people involved.

Andrew said: “During my time as a looked after child I had ups and downs, so I just want to give something back to the system that helped me and try and make it better for young people nowadays.

“I am proud to be chosen as Citizen of the Year and I hope it will help other looked after young people to see what they can achieve.”

Andrew, who is also an officer in the Boys’ Brigade, hopes to use his Citizen of the Year title to raise awareness of the board and its good work.

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Dundee Council Chief Executive David Dorward praised Andrew’s outstanding service to the community.

He said: “Andrew is quite inspiring.

We first met three years ago when helping to form the board — I’m the chairman. He’s contributed so much in his life to help others and his contribution is significant.

“This is very positive for the board for current and future looked-after children. He’s overcome challenges and what he’s achieved will hopefully

inspire others in the same circumstances.

“This year’s nominees have been exceptional, so that should tell you how special Andrew is.”

Lord Provost Bob Duncan said: “He’s a real inspiration to us all and a great inspiration to the young people of the city.”

Cindy McNaughton, from Who Cares?

Scotland, added: “Andrew is so inspirational. He always gives his time to help other people and gives it selflessly when speaking out for young people in care.”

Andrew wished to thank everyone who has supported him over the years. He added: “To be Citizen of the year is to be an ambassador for Dundee City Council, I won the award in January and had my civic reception in February to celebrate my success, this event was attended by previous winners and friends I invited. I feel honoured that Cindy and Bert nominated me and I am overwhelmed that I actually won the title! But if I’m able to achieve such an award then anything is possible for other looked after children and young people.”

Speak Out Issue 14 2014

The National m u r o F n o i t a p i c i t r a P

Well that’s our National Participation Forum up and running and our first residential was a great success. The Forum has been set up so our partners – CECLCIS, Children’s Hearing Scotland and SCRA can talk directly to young people about the issues affecting them and embed young people’s participation more within their own organisations. The Care Inspectorate and SSSC have also been involved and we hope to continue to attract more partners as the Forum grows in size.

On Friday 21st Feb 8 young people, 6 members of staff and 1 volunteer travelled to Wiston Lodge in Biggar.

We started off with a few discussions around the children’s hearing system, we also practiced our mock children hearings that we were doing to the partners on the Saturday. In-between we did some icebreakers like the human knot and also rock, paper scissors because this is about sticking together and supporting each other.

On Friday night we all went out in the rain and did a night line, which involved trust exercises with blindfolds – it was lots of fun but wet and muddy too!

On Saturday our partner organisations (CHS and SCRA) arrived early and we got straight to work on the introductions – Kirsten and Alex had us all play; ‘this is my name and this is how I dance’ and naturally Who Cares? Scotland

hilarity ensued. After we were done with the games we split into groups and were partnered up with SCRA and CHS so we could learn about what both organisations did. Some of the interesting discussions that had started during the Partners introductory session flowed over into lunch, which saw the exchange of personal stories.

It was great to watch young people and Partner representatives connecting in this way.

After lunch we did our mock hearings which we think the partners found really useful as it allowed them to experience the difference between having a panel with an advocate present and one without. Dawn also did some forum theatre which gave the partners the chance to say what they’d change and we had some great discussions about the panel room, support for young people etc.

We then did an exercise around listening where we had to partner up with one person and sit back to back and each of us would draw a picture and describe it to our partner for them to draw. That was a great listening session and was to encourage the partners to realise the power and effectiveness of meaningful participation and meaningful listening.

We then did an AGREEE and DISAGREE exercise about involving young people in recruitment. It was great to see people speaking up and giving their opinion even if it was

By Charlen e, David & K irsten

different from someone else’s. The partners then split into groups with young people and talked about how they could involve young people in recruitment.

Alex and David then explained to the Partners the journey WC?S had been on with the Children & Young People’s Bill. Dawn asked the partners to go to a corner and gave each partner a blank path and asked them to think about a path they could take in their own organisations to reach their goals – SCRA said they wanted to communicate better with young people and CHS said they wanted to involve young people in the training of their panel members. What great aims!

The residential appears to have been a great success, with a lot of information gained from both young people and our partner organisations.

We will be arranging more meetings with our Partners to discuss things further and see if we can help them reach their goals. Everyone was really pleased with the outcome of the weekend and we all can’t wait till the next one!

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ASK CL@N

I live in a residential unit and have contact with my mum once a week. She hasn’t been able to come to all the contacts and she has missed a few recently. There was a children’s hearing yesterday and it was decided that I should only see my mum once a month. I think the decision was really unfair. Is there anything I can do?

You have the right to appeal a hearing decision like this and you would do this by writing to the Sheriff Court. You only have 21 days to make an appeal so it’s important to speak to someone (preferably a lawyer) as soon as you can if you would like to do this.

A lawyer can talk with you about whether you can appeal and how to do this. A lawyer would be looking to see if there was a reason in law for the appeal, for example, if the hearing has not followed the correct procedure or if no reasonable hearing would have made the decision. It can just be because you don’t agree with the decision. If the decision feels unfair, then you should get some advice as quickly as possible.

Remember even if you don’t appeal, you can always call another hearing three months after the last decision if you would like a hearing to look at your case again.

The cl@n childlaw team (from left to right) Vicki, Alison, Rebecca, Emma and Fiona

I am a looked after child and I know that my Social Worker keeps lots of notes and reports about my care – do I have a right to see what’s written about me?

You have a general right to see personal information that organisations such as the Social Work Department hold about you. In Scotland, if you are under 16, you have the right to access your records - or to refuse others to access them.

Organisations with personal information about you must handle it with care by making sure it is accurate and it is held securely (so that no-one else can access it who shouldn’t). You also have a right to see any of the personal information about you and that you can correct any information that is wrong.

There are some things that you can’t see. The Social Work Department do not have to disclose information provided by the Children’s Reporter for a children’s hearing or information contained in adoption records. You cannot see information that identifies another person, or any information which would cause you or someone else, serious physical or mental harm.

If you have a question you’d like cl@n childlaw to answer you can email them at info@clanchildlaw.org or text/phone on 07527566682.

Evans’s

PROBLEM PAGE 1

QUESTION: What options do I have when I le ave school?

ANSWER: Some of yo ur options could be sp eaking with careers advi a sor or a tea cher and you can talk to your socia l worker.

You can spe ak to these people to work throug h your intere sts and hobbies to se e what optio ns are available to you.

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2

QUESTION: What happens if someone is smok ing in the residentia l house/unit?

ANSWER: eak to You can sp e s of taff, rais a member g n or ouse meeti it at your h t on al complain make a form bsite to pass we the council concerns. r u yo on

3

QUESTION: There are always arguments abou t who’s turn it is on the computer as there is only on e in the house.

ANSWER: a You could have ung yo l al meeting with ake m to f people and staf agree n ca ne a rota so everyo can is Th . rn tu when it is their the ar ne l al w e be placed on th eryone can computer so ev sily. see their time ea

Speak Out Issue 14 2014

You’re hired!

Meet our Modern Apprentices The achievements of 4 young North Ayrshire people were cause for celebration at the Meadows Children’s Unit, Michelle from Who Cares, joined the celebrations marking the success of their achievements and the intensive support they receive from the Meadows staff. The young people, all aged between 16 – 17 have all recently started their Modern Apprenticeship where they will be studying SVQ levels 2 & 3 in a range of subjects Business Administration, Youth Support Workers and Commercial Services.

Jasmine started a 2 year apprenticeship in January 2013 and as well as gaining invaluable work experience she is making excellent progress with the SVQ 2 in Business Administration. Jasmine was very positive about her experience to date and particularly the way she was coached and supported into employment. Jasmine was also very praiseworthy on how she was given additional support to sustain the

Who Cares? Scotland

transition into the “world of work” Both Connor and Levi started a two year apprenticeship with North Ayrshire Council Education and Skills on January 2014 where both boys are making very good progress and are involved with community youth group activities and have the opportunity to assist at Common Wealth Games in Glasgow later this year. Their dedication towards securing a modern apprenticeship has boosted their confidence and their future career prospects. They will also complete a SVQ level 3 Community Development.

Connor is another young person from the Unit that secured a modern apprenticeship with East Ayrshire Council, Commercial Services as a Caretaker employed at various locations throughout East Ayrshire.

Connor started on January 2014 and he will gain work experience and complete a SVQ Level 2 Building Maintenance/Caretaker. This opportunity will enhance his selfconfidence, skills and help him to learn and train while gaining real work experience.

It is very exciting and we would

like to congratulate all of the successful young people. We are proud of their dedication and achievements to date.

21

OF YO ER CHOI UR CE

There is a £25 voucher to be won for each of the competitions below.

Why don’t you have a go and see if you can be a winner! Once you have completed the answers fill out the form at the bottom of the page and send it into us. Make sure we get it back for July 31st 2014. Good luck!

B V K W X L A O V V N T H S Q X C I W R Y H U K R A J O A Z Q J B R Z P T T M U O A S I T E B D D Z P S G R E L B B Z B K S O P T D E U R H P E O T T E R E T I B B A R

Riddle

Can you guess the answer to this riddle?

Quiz

ANSWER

Test your wits at this gen eral knowledge quiz. If you think you kno w the answer then fill out the form and send to the National Office – Good Luc k!!

1. Which judge from The Voi ce is missing from this list- Kyl ie Minogue, Tom Jones, Ricky Wilson and ?

L N T S I R R X O R F X Y S A U L A A G O Y Z N X T K Y I U Q K R T I O M E E R K A T E A U R K

2. In which city are the Commonwealth Games being held this year?

D L L W M B S Q G N E Y V G I N Z R Y N N J G X S F N O O U E G A E I V J H B H N P N N K N T T HAMSTER HORSE KANGAROO LION

LIZARD MEERKAT OTTER PENGUIN

RABBIT TIGER TURTLE ZEBRA

3. What is the name of the mammoth in the Ice Age movies?

We have distorted one of our workers’s faces just for you!

If you think you know who it is, fill out the form below with your details and send it in to the address below.

ANSWER

Age:

Address:

Your Who Cares? Scotland 22

worker:

5. Who presents you’ve bee n framed?

6. Who does Johnny Depp play in the Pirates of the Caribbean?

7. How many members are in little mix?

workers face

Name:

4. What are the colours of the French flag?

!

We have hidden words relating to animals in the grid. Once you have found a word, draw a line through it, tick the word off the list below and when complete, send into the address below. Good Luck!!

vided: Fill out your answer in the box pro you You answer me, although I never ask questions. What am I?

previous winners Wordsearch: Cheyann Kelly Riddle: Demi Jade Harrower Quiz: Megan Kennedy Workers face: Paul Coultard

!

Animals Wordsearch

!

m o c . n i w . n a u.c

WIN £2 VOUC 5 H

If you’re reading online, print and complete this page, and then send your completed entry to: Speakout Magazine, Who Cares? Scotland, 5 Oswald Street, Glasgow G1 4QR. Winners will receive a £25 gift voucher of their choice and be announced in the next issue of SpeakOut!

The choice of voucher can be discussed with your Young Persons Worker.

Speak Out Issue 14 2014

A Big Thank You… Who Cares? Scotland were delighted to receive a cheque for £500 recently from Ayrshire foster carers Hugh and Lorraine McCartney.

Hugh works for Diageo, and nominated Who Cares? Scotland to receive the funds through a scheme which sees donations made to nominated charities every time there is a full month without a lost time accident.

Lorraine and Hugh have been carers with Foster Care Associates for

almost 4 years and found out about Who Cares? Scotland when the young person they look after became involved in the work that we do.

The money donated will be used to support young people within Ayrshire.

To find out more about Who Cares?

Scotland, and to take the pledge to listen to young people in care and support the organisation, go to our website: www.whocaresscotland.org To find out more about Foster Care Associates, go to www.thefca.co.uk

Hugh & Lorraine McCartney

Hugh and Denise McMillan WC?S Worker

HOROSCOPES Aquarius

January 20th - February 18th

Dont worry about your love life it will sort its self out. Just be careful what you say, because you can’t take it back.

Taurus

20th April - 20th May

Time to stop day dreaming and focus on things that are important.

Good things happen when you least expect it.

Leo

23rd July - 22nd August

Stand up for yourself, and let your voice be heard. You might surprise a few people.

Scorpio

24th October - 21st November

Its time for a total change, treat yourself to those new shoes you’ve had your eye on.

Who Cares? Scotland

Pisces

19th February - 20th March

This is a good time to start a new project, you will be rewarded for your hard work.

Gemini

21nd May - 21st June

You’re always in two minds about trying things. You should take up a new hobby, you might enjoy it.

Virgo

23rd August - 22nd September

This will be a fun and exciting month. You will be lucky with money, but spend it wisely or it could lead to trouble.

Sagittarius

22nd November - 21st December

Don’t interfere in other people’s problems. It will only lead to tears...

brought to you by Tyler and Denise

Aries

21st March - 19th April

Sometimes life can be a bit confusing. Don’t worry, things have a habit of working out in the end.

Cancer

22nd June - 22nd July

You worry about your friends too much. You should concentrate on yourself and let them do the running.

Libra

23rd September - 23rd October

Sometimes you find your life going in a different direction. Don’t fight it, go with the flow.

Capricorn

22 December - 19th January

Follow your gut feeling. You are good at sussing people out and you are probably not wrong this time!

23

NATIONAL OFFICE: 1st Floor, 5 Oswald Street, Glasgow G1 4QR. Tel: 0141 226 4441 Fax: 0141 226 4445 e.mail: enquiries@whocaresscotland.org website: whocaresscotland.org

CONTACTS...

KILMARNOCK OFFICE: 28-30 Grange Street, Kilmarnock KA1 2DD Tel: 01563 573015 Fax: 01563 573122

DUNDEE OFFICE: 11 Castle Street, Dundee DD1 3AA Tel: 01382 202888 Fax: 01382 202889

Amanda Watson

Lorraine Moore

Beth Moon

Candy Preater

Cindy McNaughton Michelle McAtear

South Lanarkshire M: 07841 878 953

Advocacy and Participation Manager M: 07739 078 246

Midlothian and Scottish Borders M: 07801 339 986

Angus M: 07712 866835

Sycamore and Dundee Champions Board M: 07738 486 695

South Lanarkshire M: 07880 355 057

Advocacy and Participation Manager M: 07545 436 342

Lucy Harley

Denny Ford

Denise McMillan

Kirsten McManus

Kim Campbell

Steve Griffin

Jamie McAnally

East Renfrewshire M: 07712 865 958

Corporate Parenting Officer M: 07702 500 709

Ayrshire, ISSC and Daldroch M: 07932 101 076

Consultation and Particpation Officer M: 07787 560 469

Glasgow M: 07712 870 343

Fife, Cairn Mohr M: 07712 872 096

Advocacy and Participation Manager M: 07712 870 328

Lynne Williamson

Craig McCreadie

Rosemary Drylie

Lorna McCrindle

Aberdeenshire/ City + Rossie M: 07712 869 576

Advocacy & Participation Manager M: 07825 236 795

Argyll & Bute M: 07738 194 679

Ayrshire & Seafield M: 07712 870 390

Mairi Smith

Mary Bateman

Brian Smith

Susan Armstrong

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar M: 07764 290 921

Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire M: 07739 078 247

Argyll and Bute M: 07985 046 739

Senior Practitioner Edinburgh M: 07712 872 078

Mary Morrison

Sheryl Truesdale

Heike Walker

Beth Simpson

Carolyne McMillan Ray MacLean

Yvonne McIntosh

South Lanarkshire M: 07515 330 681

Ayrshire M: 07738 195 692

Perth M: 07764 145 126

West Dumbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire and Senior Practioner M: 07787 560 467

East Lothian & Harmeny M: 07825 270 530

East Dunbartonshire, Spark of Genius M: 07540 823 286

Kevin Browne

Donna Duncan

Jantine Van Loon

Nicola Grant

Pamela Hynes

Kirsty McNeil

Training & Information Officer M: 07739 953 013

Moray M: 07825 269 678

Senior Practitioner Highland M: 07850 852 708

Highland M: 07712 870 335

Crossreach and Kibble M: 07739 078 244

Glasgow M: 07787 560 472

South Lanarkshire M: 07787 560 471

Caroline Richardson

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it.

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it.