Speak Out Summer 2016

SpeakOut WHO CARES? SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2016

COLOUR ME RAD NORTH AYRSHIRE YOUNG PEOPLE COMPLETE THE 5KM COLOUR ME RAD RUN P20

BIG PLANS SEE WHAT’S BEING PLANNED FOR THIS YEAR’S NATIONAL CARE LEAVERS WEEK P15

Desirable Disruption Ashley Cameron, talks about the impact of seeing her fellow Alumni Member, Laura Beveridge, call out for a revolution of the care system P14 at this year’s TEDx Glasgow event.

PLUS!

REGIONAL ROUND-UP, GAME STATION & SO JUNIOR!

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

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

NEWS WELCOME & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

e...

’s insid t a h w t u o k c e Ch

Welcome to the Summer Issue of SpeakOut! Firstly, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who returned their Spring issue of SpeakOut to us, we are really sorry for the confusion, but the amended version will be available online soon! In the meantime, we have an action packed Summer edition for you. Read about Laura’s inspiring talk at this year’s TEDx Glasgow (p14), thinking of going to uni?

Find out more about the UCAS Tick the Box scheme (p9), meet Alumni member Chris and read about his care journey and what led him to join Who Cares? Scotland (p12) and in case you didn’t make it, catch up with what happened at Who Cares? Scotland’s BIG campaign event in May (p13). Plus, make sure you take part in our special Euro 2016 themed competition pages, we have lots of prizes to be won! On a more serious note, Kieran reflects on the recent attack in Orlando and you can check out the next episode of our comic strip, TOUGH TIMES!, to see if you have been affected by any of the issues (p27).

From all of us here, we hope you enjoy your Sumer Holidays and we hope to see many of you at the WC?S Summer Camp!

Take Care,

The Speak Out Team

5

8

10 14

Inside this issue 2-3

Welcome

Lifestyle...

4-5

Celebrating You

6

Meet Your Advocates

7

Care Around the World

8-9

The Alumni

10

Meet Your Ambassador

11

STV Children’s Appeal Project

12

Tick the Box

13

The [listen] Event

14

Desirable Disruption

15

Big Plans

16-17 Regional Round Up

21

GOAL

24

Laurie’s Facts

SO Junior...

25-26 SO Junior

16

25 2

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

JULIE

EUAN

27

TOUGH TIMES!

28

Contact Page

AJ

@whocaresscot

Who Cares? Scotland Community

KATIE EDITOR

RAY

Entertainment...

Colour Me Rad & Burnside Bandits

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

So get involved.

KIERAN

18-19 SpeakOut for Orlando

20

WANT TO SEE YOUR NAME IN PRINT?

We do!

LAURIE

News & Events...

22-23 GAMESTATION

11

Say Hey to your Editorial team…

ASHLEY

SARAH

Want to join next i ssue’s editorial team?

membership@ whocaresscotland.org

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

tie – just get in touch with Ka We’d love to have you, 9 560 06 6 81 sscotland.org / 07 membership@whocare

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

3

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

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

NEWS WELCOME & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

e...

’s insid t a h w t u o k c e Ch

Welcome to the Summer Issue of SpeakOut! Firstly, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who returned their Spring issue of SpeakOut to us, we are really sorry for the confusion, but the amended version will be available online soon! In the meantime, we have an action packed Summer edition for you. Read about Laura’s inspiring talk at this year’s TEDx Glasgow (p14), thinking of going to uni?

Find out more about the UCAS Tick the Box scheme (p9), meet Alumni member Chris and read about his care journey and what led him to join Who Cares? Scotland (p12) and in case you didn’t make it, catch up with what happened at Who Cares? Scotland’s BIG campaign event in May (p13). Plus, make sure you take part in our special Euro 2016 themed competition pages, we have lots of prizes to be won! On a more serious note, Kieran reflects on the recent attack in Orlando and you can check out the next episode of our comic strip, TOUGH TIMES!, to see if you have been affected by any of the issues (p27).

From all of us here, we hope you enjoy your Sumer Holidays and we hope to see many of you at the WC?S Summer Camp!

Take Care,

The Speak Out Team

5

8

10 14

Inside this issue 2-3

Welcome

Lifestyle...

4-5

Celebrating You

6

Meet Your Advocates

7

Care Around the World

8-9

The Alumni

10

Meet Your Ambassador

11

STV Children’s Appeal Project

12

Tick the Box

13

The [listen] Event

14

Desirable Disruption

15

Big Plans

16-17 Regional Round Up

21

GOAL

24

Laurie’s Facts

SO Junior...

25-26 SO Junior

16

25 2

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

JULIE

EUAN

27

TOUGH TIMES!

28

Contact Page

AJ

@whocaresscot

Who Cares? Scotland Community

KATIE EDITOR

RAY

Entertainment...

Colour Me Rad & Burnside Bandits

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

So get involved.

KIERAN

18-19 SpeakOut for Orlando

20

WANT TO SEE YOUR NAME IN PRINT?

We do!

LAURIE

News & Events...

22-23 GAMESTATION

11

Say Hey to your Editorial team…

ASHLEY

SARAH

Want to join next i ssue’s editorial team?

membership@ whocaresscotland.org

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

tie – just get in touch with Ka We’d love to have you, 9 560 06 6 81 sscotland.org / 07 membership@whocare

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

3

CelebratingYou! LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Strathclyde Tyres Welcomes it’s First Female Apprentice

Tony, 16

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

scotla

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

“Pain” Part II

[Rap Verse] They were sitting on their backsides, Not moving to go outside, They said they could turn the tide, Lyrics by But they ran in to Bob, 18 hide.

They were lazy, just like this verse is crazy.

I don’t like it, so I stick on the TV and watch Mazie, Carers! Who needs them when they don’t care?

I can’t even live with them! Look I’m tearing out my hair.

That’s why I turn to Who Cares?, because I know they speak true, And if they didn’t, well I wouldn’t know what else to do.

The Person I Can See

Volunteer’s Week

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

trathclyde Tyres is delighted to welcome its first female Modern Apprentice. Leeona is 16 and attended Loudoun Academy. From a young age, she has always wanted to work on cars.

Leeona is currently undergoing her Modern Apprentice in the Strathclyde Tyres Kilmarnock branch. This will lead her to achieve her SVQ level 3 in Light Vehicle Mechanics.

A spokesperson from Strathclyde Tyres commented, “Leeona is a refreshing change and we are keen to encourage females to enter such a career path. Welcome to the team Leeona!”

V

olunteers’ Week is an annual event which takes place at the start of June. It celebrates the contribution made by millions of volunteers across the UK. It’s run by The National Council for Voluntary Organisations in partnership with Volunteer Development Scotland, Volunteer Now (Northern Ireland) and Wales Council for Voluntary Action.

On 7th October 2015, I attended a Volunteer Recruitment Fair with my college. As students, we were encouraged to take up volunteering alongside our studies so I started volunteering with Shelter Scotland.

Shelter work to alleviate the distress caused by homelessness and bad housing.

Since I began my volunteering in the Shelter charity shop, I have met some amazing people from all different walks of life. I have managed to progress to a Supervisor role within the shop every Sunday.

Throughout my time at Shelter, I never in a million years thought I would receive recognition for my volunteering work, to receive the Inspiring Volunteering Achievement Award is an absolute honour and it has made me realise that the work I do is appreciated. Volunteering has helped me with my mental health, I have developed new skills which I can use when working in new environment and it looks great on my CV. I would encourage everyone to volunteer whenever they can... you won’t regret it!

Can you understand?

Comprehend how much you mean?

To have gained her trust, After what she’s seen?

You stand by her, Help her through the pain.

You’ve given her hope, That she’ll survive the rain.

All the faith and kindness, That you always show, Has given her strength, Has helped her grow.

Helen ,17 You offered your hand, When she felt all alone.

You took her hand, And guided her home.

So thank you for the person that she sees.

Because without you I would never have believed in me.

4

S

Quote from Isy Reed, Shop Manager (Shelter): “Shelter Forrest Road couldn’t run without our lovely volunteers.

Alistair has been a key member of our team for over half a year now and I wanted to nominate him for an Inspiring Volunteering Achievement Award to give him some recognition for all his hard work. He keeps the shop open on Sundays for us and I know its in safe hands when I leave on a Saturday. The energy he brings to the role is fantastic and I can’t thank him enough for all that he does for us.”

Kaitlin ,

14

Leeona, 16

#CareDay was awesome. I’m a 22 year old care leaver and it was still the first time I had ever celebrated it! It was great fun to get creative with the young people of Dundee and writing me and my 10 month old daughter’s name (Yakira) on the wall was brilliant! The best part was that I got to make two meaningful canvasses to keep and put up on Yakira’s bedroom wall.

Denica, 22

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

5

CelebratingYou! LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Strathclyde Tyres Welcomes it’s First Female Apprentice

Tony, 16

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

scotla

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

“Pain” Part II

[Rap Verse] They were sitting on their backsides, Not moving to go outside, They said they could turn the tide, Lyrics by But they ran in to Bob, 18 hide.

They were lazy, just like this verse is crazy.

I don’t like it, so I stick on the TV and watch Mazie, Carers! Who needs them when they don’t care?

I can’t even live with them! Look I’m tearing out my hair.

That’s why I turn to Who Cares?, because I know they speak true, And if they didn’t, well I wouldn’t know what else to do.

The Person I Can See

Volunteer’s Week

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

trathclyde Tyres is delighted to welcome its first female Modern Apprentice. Leeona is 16 and attended Loudoun Academy. From a young age, she has always wanted to work on cars.

Leeona is currently undergoing her Modern Apprentice in the Strathclyde Tyres Kilmarnock branch. This will lead her to achieve her SVQ level 3 in Light Vehicle Mechanics.

A spokesperson from Strathclyde Tyres commented, “Leeona is a refreshing change and we are keen to encourage females to enter such a career path. Welcome to the team Leeona!”

V

olunteers’ Week is an annual event which takes place at the start of June. It celebrates the contribution made by millions of volunteers across the UK. It’s run by The National Council for Voluntary Organisations in partnership with Volunteer Development Scotland, Volunteer Now (Northern Ireland) and Wales Council for Voluntary Action.

On 7th October 2015, I attended a Volunteer Recruitment Fair with my college. As students, we were encouraged to take up volunteering alongside our studies so I started volunteering with Shelter Scotland.

Shelter work to alleviate the distress caused by homelessness and bad housing.

Since I began my volunteering in the Shelter charity shop, I have met some amazing people from all different walks of life. I have managed to progress to a Supervisor role within the shop every Sunday.

Throughout my time at Shelter, I never in a million years thought I would receive recognition for my volunteering work, to receive the Inspiring Volunteering Achievement Award is an absolute honour and it has made me realise that the work I do is appreciated. Volunteering has helped me with my mental health, I have developed new skills which I can use when working in new environment and it looks great on my CV. I would encourage everyone to volunteer whenever they can... you won’t regret it!

Can you understand?

Comprehend how much you mean?

To have gained her trust, After what she’s seen?

You stand by her, Help her through the pain.

You’ve given her hope, That she’ll survive the rain.

All the faith and kindness, That you always show, Has given her strength, Has helped her grow.

Helen ,17 You offered your hand, When she felt all alone.

You took her hand, And guided her home.

So thank you for the person that she sees.

Because without you I would never have believed in me.

4

S

Quote from Isy Reed, Shop Manager (Shelter): “Shelter Forrest Road couldn’t run without our lovely volunteers.

Alistair has been a key member of our team for over half a year now and I wanted to nominate him for an Inspiring Volunteering Achievement Award to give him some recognition for all his hard work. He keeps the shop open on Sundays for us and I know its in safe hands when I leave on a Saturday. The energy he brings to the role is fantastic and I can’t thank him enough for all that he does for us.”

Kaitlin ,

14

Leeona, 16

#CareDay was awesome. I’m a 22 year old care leaver and it was still the first time I had ever celebrated it! It was great fun to get creative with the young people of Dundee and writing me and my 10 month old daughter’s name (Yakira) on the wall was brilliant! The best part was that I got to make two meaningful canvasses to keep and put up on Yakira’s bedroom wall.

Denica, 22

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

5

NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Meet Your Advocates the W rld Why is independent advocacy so important?

I think independent advocacy is so is important their voice is not lost/ important for young people because forgotten. Independent advocacy it is unique to any other service, helps young people to feel respected, the young person’s advocacy and included and most importantly participation worker has no other role listened too. A young person once told than promoting the young person’s me the best way to describe my role voice. I have worked in a number to other young people is that they are of different settings such as Social my boss, I think this is quite a good Work, Residential and Secure care, way of describing my role. I try to do sometimes young people are working everything I can to ensure the young with lots of different people and it person’s voice is heard and understood.

N

icole Darroch is the new Who Cares? Scotland Advocacy & Participation Worker for Inverclyde. Read on to find out more about the role of an Advocate and whether you might need one.

What does a typical day look like for you?

One of the reasons why I love my job is because no day is the same. One day I could be spending the evening in a residential home eating doughnuts and drinking hot chocolate with young people, asking them how their day has been. The next day I could be at a

panel or a meeting helping the young person have their say on what they want. I work with all age groups so I could be working with someone in primary 4 then working with someone in their 20’s no day is ever the same, but I wouldn’t change it.

What do you think you will enjoy most about your role as an advocate?

I think what I will enjoy most about my role is meeting lots of new young people and helping them get their voice heard. Inverclyde is my home town and I am looking forward to meeting lots of young people. I believe young people should always have a say in the decisions that affect them and I am excited to be part of an organisation that promote this. Another important part of my role is helping young people realise their voice is powerful and I will do everything I can to help young people speak up on their own.

Nicole’s Fun Fact: I once spent a full summer teaching English in Thailand and met lots of really cool Thai Children.

If you live in the Inverclyde area and would like an Advocate you can get in touch with Nicole on 07973 801 826.

If you’re from somewhere else in Scotland and would like to speak to someone, just have a look at the back of this magazine where you can find the numbers for all our Advocates.

6

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

C a re a ro u n d Lynzy Hanvidge, 22 tor CEYP Policy Administra

I

n this issue of Care Around the World we will be comparing the care systems of Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Recently a group of WC?S staff, including me, were invited to Belfast by the Northern Irish version of WC?S called Voice Of Young People In Care (VOYPIC). They took us to an event where politicians and care experienced young people came together to speak about some of the issues that young people in Northern Ireland face. I learnt some really interesting things about Northern Ireland and noticed that their care system is really different to ours.

I spoke to Darren, a care experienced member of staff at VOYPIC, and asked him about his life in care in Northern Ireland.

Lynzy: Can you tell me your thoughts on aftercare services in Northern Ireland?

Darren: Only young people in education receive aftercare support beyond the age of 21. I think that young people who leave care who are not in education need more support to find the path that they want to go down. I’m not saying that young people in education shouldn’t get support but I feel that the options should be the same for all young people in or out of education.

Lynzy: What do you think about the role that religion plays in Northern Irish politics?

Darren: Because it has always been this way, it’s all I know and because of this I choose not to be involved. I don’t think that it should matter what

Titanic Museum , Belfast your religion is - when you’re in government you should be about all the people and not just one side.

You shouldn’t allow your religion to be the reason for the decisions you make.

Lynzy: How has VOYPIC helped you through your journey?

Darren: If it wasn’t for VOYPIC I can truthfully say I would be locked up or on drugs or drink.

Lynzy: What, if I had no path and any, effect did didn’t know where sectarianism my life was going. have on your care VOYPIC’s Young Reps journey? programme helped Darren , 24 Darren: I always me get out of the knew about sectarianism house and talk to different young and had a lot of friends who were people about my experience and to very bitter and expressed themselves develop friendships. This programme using sectarian language. When I went made me realise I wasn’t alone. I have into care, I was living with a mixed never really told Jo but she has really group of young people - catholic and inspired me to the point that I want protestant. We all faced the same to go to university. No one has ever issues and we were all the same so spent so much time believing in me sectarianism didn’t really come into it. and given me the chance to try all It was not something we talked about these amazing things. I really hope I in our children’s home but if we went can give back to VOYPIC as much as into the school environment or back to they have given me and help another our friends it was normal to slag the young person in the same way. other religion.

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

7

NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Meet Your Advocates the W rld Why is independent advocacy so important?

I think independent advocacy is so is important their voice is not lost/ important for young people because forgotten. Independent advocacy it is unique to any other service, helps young people to feel respected, the young person’s advocacy and included and most importantly participation worker has no other role listened too. A young person once told than promoting the young person’s me the best way to describe my role voice. I have worked in a number to other young people is that they are of different settings such as Social my boss, I think this is quite a good Work, Residential and Secure care, way of describing my role. I try to do sometimes young people are working everything I can to ensure the young with lots of different people and it person’s voice is heard and understood.

N

icole Darroch is the new Who Cares? Scotland Advocacy & Participation Worker for Inverclyde. Read on to find out more about the role of an Advocate and whether you might need one.

What does a typical day look like for you?

One of the reasons why I love my job is because no day is the same. One day I could be spending the evening in a residential home eating doughnuts and drinking hot chocolate with young people, asking them how their day has been. The next day I could be at a

panel or a meeting helping the young person have their say on what they want. I work with all age groups so I could be working with someone in primary 4 then working with someone in their 20’s no day is ever the same, but I wouldn’t change it.

What do you think you will enjoy most about your role as an advocate?

I think what I will enjoy most about my role is meeting lots of new young people and helping them get their voice heard. Inverclyde is my home town and I am looking forward to meeting lots of young people. I believe young people should always have a say in the decisions that affect them and I am excited to be part of an organisation that promote this. Another important part of my role is helping young people realise their voice is powerful and I will do everything I can to help young people speak up on their own.

Nicole’s Fun Fact: I once spent a full summer teaching English in Thailand and met lots of really cool Thai Children.

If you live in the Inverclyde area and would like an Advocate you can get in touch with Nicole on 07973 801 826.

If you’re from somewhere else in Scotland and would like to speak to someone, just have a look at the back of this magazine where you can find the numbers for all our Advocates.

6

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

C a re a ro u n d Lynzy Hanvidge, 22 tor CEYP Policy Administra

I

n this issue of Care Around the World we will be comparing the care systems of Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Recently a group of WC?S staff, including me, were invited to Belfast by the Northern Irish version of WC?S called Voice Of Young People In Care (VOYPIC). They took us to an event where politicians and care experienced young people came together to speak about some of the issues that young people in Northern Ireland face. I learnt some really interesting things about Northern Ireland and noticed that their care system is really different to ours.

I spoke to Darren, a care experienced member of staff at VOYPIC, and asked him about his life in care in Northern Ireland.

Lynzy: Can you tell me your thoughts on aftercare services in Northern Ireland?

Darren: Only young people in education receive aftercare support beyond the age of 21. I think that young people who leave care who are not in education need more support to find the path that they want to go down. I’m not saying that young people in education shouldn’t get support but I feel that the options should be the same for all young people in or out of education.

Lynzy: What do you think about the role that religion plays in Northern Irish politics?

Darren: Because it has always been this way, it’s all I know and because of this I choose not to be involved. I don’t think that it should matter what

Titanic Museum , Belfast your religion is - when you’re in government you should be about all the people and not just one side.

You shouldn’t allow your religion to be the reason for the decisions you make.

Lynzy: How has VOYPIC helped you through your journey?

Darren: If it wasn’t for VOYPIC I can truthfully say I would be locked up or on drugs or drink.

Lynzy: What, if I had no path and any, effect did didn’t know where sectarianism my life was going. have on your care VOYPIC’s Young Reps journey? programme helped Darren , 24 Darren: I always me get out of the knew about sectarianism house and talk to different young and had a lot of friends who were people about my experience and to very bitter and expressed themselves develop friendships. This programme using sectarian language. When I went made me realise I wasn’t alone. I have into care, I was living with a mixed never really told Jo but she has really group of young people - catholic and inspired me to the point that I want protestant. We all faced the same to go to university. No one has ever issues and we were all the same so spent so much time believing in me sectarianism didn’t really come into it. and given me the chance to try all It was not something we talked about these amazing things. I really hope I in our children’s home but if we went can give back to VOYPIC as much as into the school environment or back to they have given me and help another our friends it was normal to slag the young person in the same way. other religion.

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

7

NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE

THE ALUMNI-

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

WHO ARE WE? CHRIS GUASP WHO AM I?

I

t was a news report on TV featuring the Who Cares? Scotland’s launch of the [listen] campaign featuring the actor Brian Cox which made me aware of the Alumni project. I didn’t sleep much that night as memories of my time in care began flooding my mind.

It was over 20 years ago when I returned home from school to find my social worker in the kitchen talking with my mum, this was a fairly common occurrence as my mum had been suffering from mental health issues for several years and my dad worked abroad so he wasn’t around to help, then I noticed another visitor. I was asked to take a seat and told that this ‘other visitor’ would help me pack some bags as I was going to be taken into care that afternoon. I was mortified and all the strength in the world couldn’t help me keep the tears from flowing... That was the day which changed my entire life and understanding of the world forever.

I spent the next ? years in and out of residential care, until the age of ? .

Since leaving care I have never shared or spoken of my care experience with anyone, not even my closest friends or partners. I have always felt that the stigma and general perception of care experienced individuals was so negative that I didn’t want to be perceived or judged by my time in the care system. So it was surprising after all these years to be unable to think of anything else but my time in the care system following that TV report with Brian Cox. I decided to check out the Who Cares Scotland Website and easily found details about the [listen] [act] [unite] campaign and read various comments from a variety of people challenging the stigma still experienced by young

8

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

people in care. It was seeing those care experienced young people speaking out that help me decide that I had been silent for long enough and now was the time for me to be open and honest about who I was, what I had experienced and who I am now.

So I joined the Who Cares? Scotland Family as an alumni member and was invited, shortly afterwards, by Katie to attend the ‘Time To Shine’ Care leavers festival in Edinburgh at the end of October 2014.

Arriving in Edinburgh on the cold, but sunny morning of the ‘Time to Shine’ festival I have to admit I was nervous. I hadn’t slept well the night before as I couldn’t stop thinking about my time in care and was very wary of meeting people and having to speak about my personal care experience. It’s incredibly hard to describe exactly how I felt as memories from over 20 years ago were coming back to me, so vivid it felt like they had only just happened.

“It’s incredibly hard to describe exactly how I felt as memories from over 20 years ago were coming back to me, so vivid it felt like they had only just happened.”

I almost convinced myself to get back on the train to Glasgow, to sweep all my emotions and experiences back to deepest part of my mind, never to be woken again. Luckily, I didn’t do that

and by the time I got to the gates of Edinburgh Academy I was determined to just appreciate the day for what it was and try my best not to break down or cry.

I was a little overwhelmed by the amount of people hanging around and chatting in the Courtyard of the school of all ages, shapes and sizes. I felt a little out of place but was instantly put at ease when I finally met Katie MacMillan who made me feel very welcome. Katie introduced me to another Alumni member called Nicki, as well as Ashley and Thomas, care experienced members of Who Cares?

Scotland staff, who looked after us on the day. There was such an amazing atmosphere at the festival and it was fantastic to see so many smiling and happy care experienced young people. Thomas was an absolute

star and spent time with Nicki and I talking about some of his own care experience. I was captivated and inspired by parts of his story and admired his confidence around sharing his story. He completely understood how being care experienced can affect your entire life, especially in regards to friendships and relationships, but he also pushed the fact that this doesn’t have to be a negative thing.

Nicki and I also talked about our shared care experiences and although at times, the conversation was difficult because I hadn’t talked about this stuff for so long, overall, being able to share some of my story after all that time was like breaking free from massive chains. Finally able to accept my past for what it was and be honest and open for the first time in my entire life, I left the festival feeling amazing,

I’ve been to several events now and have met some incredible people, I’m privileged to be helping shape NCLWS2016 although the next day the emotional roller coaster continued...

During my time in the care system I had a variety of experiences, both good and bad. The big question I have asked myself since that day in Edinburgh is ‘What can I do to help make sure that young people currently in care do not go through the negative experiences I did?’ The alumni project is still in its development stage and we are actively recruiting new members to help grow and develop our role with Who Cares? Scotland. Our main aim is to help support the amazing work

Who Cares? Scotland do and to help strengthen the voices of young people currently in the care system. I’ve been to several events now and have met some incredible people, I’m privileged to be helping shape NCLWS2016 and looking forward to getting involved in other projects with other alumni members too.

If you have had any care experience in the past or know of a family member, friend or colleague who has then please ask them to join the Who Cares?

Scotland Family at www.whocaresscotland.org and they too can help make Scotland a better place for care experienced young people.

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

9

NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE

THE ALUMNI-

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

WHO ARE WE? CHRIS GUASP WHO AM I?

I

t was a news report on TV featuring the Who Cares? Scotland’s launch of the [listen] campaign featuring the actor Brian Cox which made me aware of the Alumni project. I didn’t sleep much that night as memories of my time in care began flooding my mind.

It was over 20 years ago when I returned home from school to find my social worker in the kitchen talking with my mum, this was a fairly common occurrence as my mum had been suffering from mental health issues for several years and my dad worked abroad so he wasn’t around to help, then I noticed another visitor. I was asked to take a seat and told that this ‘other visitor’ would help me pack some bags as I was going to be taken into care that afternoon. I was mortified and all the strength in the world couldn’t help me keep the tears from flowing... That was the day which changed my entire life and understanding of the world forever.

I spent the next ? years in and out of residential care, until the age of ? .

Since leaving care I have never shared or spoken of my care experience with anyone, not even my closest friends or partners. I have always felt that the stigma and general perception of care experienced individuals was so negative that I didn’t want to be perceived or judged by my time in the care system. So it was surprising after all these years to be unable to think of anything else but my time in the care system following that TV report with Brian Cox. I decided to check out the Who Cares Scotland Website and easily found details about the [listen] [act] [unite] campaign and read various comments from a variety of people challenging the stigma still experienced by young

8

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

people in care. It was seeing those care experienced young people speaking out that help me decide that I had been silent for long enough and now was the time for me to be open and honest about who I was, what I had experienced and who I am now.

So I joined the Who Cares? Scotland Family as an alumni member and was invited, shortly afterwards, by Katie to attend the ‘Time To Shine’ Care leavers festival in Edinburgh at the end of October 2014.

Arriving in Edinburgh on the cold, but sunny morning of the ‘Time to Shine’ festival I have to admit I was nervous. I hadn’t slept well the night before as I couldn’t stop thinking about my time in care and was very wary of meeting people and having to speak about my personal care experience. It’s incredibly hard to describe exactly how I felt as memories from over 20 years ago were coming back to me, so vivid it felt like they had only just happened.

“It’s incredibly hard to describe exactly how I felt as memories from over 20 years ago were coming back to me, so vivid it felt like they had only just happened.”

I almost convinced myself to get back on the train to Glasgow, to sweep all my emotions and experiences back to deepest part of my mind, never to be woken again. Luckily, I didn’t do that

and by the time I got to the gates of Edinburgh Academy I was determined to just appreciate the day for what it was and try my best not to break down or cry.

I was a little overwhelmed by the amount of people hanging around and chatting in the Courtyard of the school of all ages, shapes and sizes. I felt a little out of place but was instantly put at ease when I finally met Katie MacMillan who made me feel very welcome. Katie introduced me to another Alumni member called Nicki, as well as Ashley and Thomas, care experienced members of Who Cares?

Scotland staff, who looked after us on the day. There was such an amazing atmosphere at the festival and it was fantastic to see so many smiling and happy care experienced young people. Thomas was an absolute

star and spent time with Nicki and I talking about some of his own care experience. I was captivated and inspired by parts of his story and admired his confidence around sharing his story. He completely understood how being care experienced can affect your entire life, especially in regards to friendships and relationships, but he also pushed the fact that this doesn’t have to be a negative thing.

Nicki and I also talked about our shared care experiences and although at times, the conversation was difficult because I hadn’t talked about this stuff for so long, overall, being able to share some of my story after all that time was like breaking free from massive chains. Finally able to accept my past for what it was and be honest and open for the first time in my entire life, I left the festival feeling amazing,

I’ve been to several events now and have met some incredible people, I’m privileged to be helping shape NCLWS2016 although the next day the emotional roller coaster continued...

During my time in the care system I had a variety of experiences, both good and bad. The big question I have asked myself since that day in Edinburgh is ‘What can I do to help make sure that young people currently in care do not go through the negative experiences I did?’ The alumni project is still in its development stage and we are actively recruiting new members to help grow and develop our role with Who Cares? Scotland. Our main aim is to help support the amazing work

Who Cares? Scotland do and to help strengthen the voices of young people currently in the care system. I’ve been to several events now and have met some incredible people, I’m privileged to be helping shape NCLWS2016 and looking forward to getting involved in other projects with other alumni members too.

If you have had any care experience in the past or know of a family member, friend or colleague who has then please ask them to join the Who Cares?

Scotland Family at www.whocaresscotland.org and they too can help make Scotland a better place for care experienced young people.

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

9

NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Meet Your Ambassador utte

o g l a D e i m a J

H

i everyone, First things first my name’s Jamie, I’m 22 and I am really really excited because I am Who Cares? Scotland’s brand new care experienced Ambassador.

My care journey started at the age of 2 when I was taken in to care, when I was 5 taken into foster care by 2 individuals who would remain my foster carers for the next 16 years.

In my life so far I have experienced many amazing things and have achieved a lot. I first achieved my gold Duke of Edinburgh award at the age of 18, then I got my first job as a modern apprentice in youth work, I qualified after 18 months. That same year I sailed the coast of Norway on a 72ft racing yacht, the yacht cost a whopping £1million pounds! My sail was 17 days long and saw me conquer the North Sea and sail alongside a 10

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

beautiful pod of 8 killer whales.

After I got my youth work qualification, I went on to do a year at Glasgow University, which I loved but wasn’t ready for. Next I found myself working 3 jobs, which was interesting, as if one meeting all day couldn’t be boring enough I would have three lots of meetings and three lots of time sheets to keep on top of!

Did I also mention that I’m a street dance instructor? I have taught lots of young people to dance to the sound of Hip Hop, Jazz, and even Ballet. This brings me to the first Who Cares?

Scotland job I applied for, an Advocacy & Participation Worker position, I was unsuccessful but I believe that if you want something bad enough then you shouldn’t give up, so I applied again for a different post. This post was special in the way that you had to be

care experienced to even apply. And 1 month after celebrating my 22nd birthday I received a phone call from a chap at WC?S who informed me I had been successful.

Now I’m an Ambassador based in Renfrewshire where I am going to be working in a team on the STV Appeal project, where we hope to create opportunities for local care experienced young people, whilst welcoming them to the WC?S Family and helping them to engage with all the fun exciting activities that WC?S run. Check over the page for more info on this project. So if you’re reading this and are from the Renfrewshire area, hopefully you’ll be seeing me in person at some point, so if you want a chat or to learn a dance move or two make sure you say Hi.

NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Tell us about the STV Children’s Appeal project!

T

his new phenomenally exciting project is kicking off in Renfrewshire. It is funded by the STV Children’s appeal and will last for 5 years, in this time Who Cares? Scotland should be able to leave a lasting legacy of how good care can be.

With a great team focussed on youth work, we will engage with the 720 care experienced young people living in Renfrewshire so that they feel empowered, loved and equal to their non-care experienced peers.

We want young people to have their voices heard by communities who care and understand their care experienced members. Part of this amazing work includes a brand new Care2Create group which is going to start in Renfrewshire so that young people can have creative fun as well as being able spend time with their care experienced friends . There will be lots of new and exciting opportunities to come but most importantly we just want all the care experienced young people of Renfrewshire to feel part of their WC?S Family.

Volunteering

ing We’re now also creat nities rtu po op g rin voluntee and want for people who care uality to help us achieve eq people. for care experienced lunteer We’ve got a new Vo o will be Coordinator, Sarah wh to make working alongside us s as much sure this project ha support as possible. wshire, If you stay in Renfre n in the get in touch and joi for you! fun! This is a project

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

11

NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Meet Your Ambassador utte

o g l a D e i m a J

H

i everyone, First things first my name’s Jamie, I’m 22 and I am really really excited because I am Who Cares? Scotland’s brand new care experienced Ambassador.

My care journey started at the age of 2 when I was taken in to care, when I was 5 taken into foster care by 2 individuals who would remain my foster carers for the next 16 years.

In my life so far I have experienced many amazing things and have achieved a lot. I first achieved my gold Duke of Edinburgh award at the age of 18, then I got my first job as a modern apprentice in youth work, I qualified after 18 months. That same year I sailed the coast of Norway on a 72ft racing yacht, the yacht cost a whopping £1million pounds! My sail was 17 days long and saw me conquer the North Sea and sail alongside a 10

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

beautiful pod of 8 killer whales.

After I got my youth work qualification, I went on to do a year at Glasgow University, which I loved but wasn’t ready for. Next I found myself working 3 jobs, which was interesting, as if one meeting all day couldn’t be boring enough I would have three lots of meetings and three lots of time sheets to keep on top of!

Did I also mention that I’m a street dance instructor? I have taught lots of young people to dance to the sound of Hip Hop, Jazz, and even Ballet. This brings me to the first Who Cares?

Scotland job I applied for, an Advocacy & Participation Worker position, I was unsuccessful but I believe that if you want something bad enough then you shouldn’t give up, so I applied again for a different post. This post was special in the way that you had to be

care experienced to even apply. And 1 month after celebrating my 22nd birthday I received a phone call from a chap at WC?S who informed me I had been successful.

Now I’m an Ambassador based in Renfrewshire where I am going to be working in a team on the STV Appeal project, where we hope to create opportunities for local care experienced young people, whilst welcoming them to the WC?S Family and helping them to engage with all the fun exciting activities that WC?S run. Check over the page for more info on this project. So if you’re reading this and are from the Renfrewshire area, hopefully you’ll be seeing me in person at some point, so if you want a chat or to learn a dance move or two make sure you say Hi.

NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Tell us about the STV Children’s Appeal project!

T

his new phenomenally exciting project is kicking off in Renfrewshire. It is funded by the STV Children’s appeal and will last for 5 years, in this time Who Cares? Scotland should be able to leave a lasting legacy of how good care can be.

With a great team focussed on youth work, we will engage with the 720 care experienced young people living in Renfrewshire so that they feel empowered, loved and equal to their non-care experienced peers.

We want young people to have their voices heard by communities who care and understand their care experienced members. Part of this amazing work includes a brand new Care2Create group which is going to start in Renfrewshire so that young people can have creative fun as well as being able spend time with their care experienced friends . There will be lots of new and exciting opportunities to come but most importantly we just want all the care experienced young people of Renfrewshire to feel part of their WC?S Family.

Volunteering

ing We’re now also creat nities rtu po op g rin voluntee and want for people who care uality to help us achieve eq people. for care experienced lunteer We’ve got a new Vo o will be Coordinator, Sarah wh to make working alongside us s as much sure this project ha support as possible. wshire, If you stay in Renfre n in the get in touch and joi for you! fun! This is a project

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

11

Tick the Box NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Megan talks directly to our care experienced readers and tells them why university can be for them and why ticking the box on the UCAS form is so important.

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Megan , 18

I

’d known for a while that statistically the chances of me getting to go to university were far slimmer than that of my classmates, hence, when I filled in my UCAS form I was incredibly nervous. I was desperate to go. Going to university would allow to make some new friends with similar interests, solve my housing crisis and having a degree would open so many doors to so many fantastic career options.

First I had to decide what courses to apply for, and at which universities.

I got free prospectuses from all of the universities offering my chosen courses and went to open days with friends to see what they were like. I particularly loved the ancient ones like Aberdeen and Glasgow, which felt like Hogwarts.

Propel.org.uk was a really useful website as it allowed me to compare the support the universities would provide me with as a Care Leaver.

As our corporate parents, some universities provide 365-day accommodation for care experienced students. There will also be a student support team, in which there should be a care leaver contact whose sole job is to support us. A few contacted me directly once I had submitted my application. They are there to answer any questions we might have about the courses, accommodation, and they let us know about all the funding we can apply for and make sure our applications are assessed fairly by the university.

Most universities will consider our applications against a different set of criteria to our classmates. They might look for lower grades than standard requirements, ask you to complete their summer school before beginning

or judge you on your work ethic and maturity, by speaking to your referee, teacher or social worker, rather than just grades alone.

Some universities also have extra money for us; they might have a fund you apply to every time you need money to buy a textbook or equipment, or they might have a bursary they will give you at the start of every year.

Recently the law has changed which means all care experienced students are entitled to a means tested bursary from SAAS, which will replace the loan system although we can still get a loan as well if we need one. There are also lots of trusts and charities that you can apply to for additional grants.

I always worried how I would be able to afford to go to university without the financial support of parents but there is far more help available than I realised. You can see what a university can offer you on the Propel website and some university’s own websites give details of the grants they offer plus make sure you check out www. buttleuk.org My local authority are going to cover

my accommodation fees and pay for my travel home if I want to come back for Christmas. My local radio’s Cash for Kids organisation gave me £300 to buy towels, bedsheets, a duvet, pillows, pans, cutlery and anything else I wanted to make my next new bedroom at uni feel like my home and not somebody else’s for once.

All of this help was given to me because I ticked the box on my UCAS form to tell the universities that I am a Care Leaver. I was worried I might be stigmatised and less likely to be accepted for my courses but I found that when I wrote my personal statement, it was nearly impossible for me to explain why I wanted to go to university, what sort of a person I was and what I wanted to do with my degree without using my care experience. It is part of my identity and has influenced me and my career goals so much, so I ticked the box, and was accepted on to 4 out of 5 of the courses I applied for. I used my ‘disadvantage’ to my advantage, to enable me to go to university and do exactly what I want to with my future.

For more information visit www.ucas.com 12

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

2016’s Campaign Event E

veryone was welcomed in with open arms as they arrived at Hamilton Accies football stadium, where this year’s [listen] campaign event was being held. We were all greeted with a warm hug and a big smile as if we were all part of one big family. The stadium was bursting with enthusiasm and good vibes as people started to gather in one big room, very eager to get going with the day.

We started off with a morning talk that was filled with excitement as the host talked us through the plan for the day. There were then speakers from all kinds of different backgrounds, with amazing stories to tell. Feeling very inspired I went off to my first workshop which was ‘Whose risk? Whose Rules?’. In this workshop those of us with care experience were asked to help the workshop leader come up with a new plan for what to do when a young person absconds and goes missing, and the risks of

such an event. The small group was very communicative and expressive of their opinions and views on the matter. This lead to various in-depth conversations on the reasons behind a young person going missing and what can be done to stop it. The talk was very informative for the young people, who gained perspective and guidance on this topic. It was also good for staff members from residential units and other professionals to gain more knowledge on the skills to prevent these situations.

The plan was to go to three workshops, but everyone was enjoying themselves so much that we ran over time so after our first workshop we had lunch, got a catch up with everyone and then headed to our third and final workshop. The one I went to was called ‘1000 Voices’ and it looked at the power of the care experienced voice, how if one voice can change someone’s mind then

imagine the power of 1000 voices!

We talked about how campaigning is very much about listening to someone’s needs, wishes, and Sarah, 15 opinions, and then working towards a plan to see what you can do to achieve those things.

The main message from the whole day was very clear, “Your voice has power” which was something I overheard several times throughout the day. Overall I felt the day was a great insight in to what everyone’s doing or should be doing to make the care system better. I enjoyed the first workshop the best, as it was big eye opener for everyone that attended.

Therefore I look forward to the next listen campaign and meeting these wonderful people again.

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

13

Tick the Box NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Megan talks directly to our care experienced readers and tells them why university can be for them and why ticking the box on the UCAS form is so important.

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Megan , 18

I

’d known for a while that statistically the chances of me getting to go to university were far slimmer than that of my classmates, hence, when I filled in my UCAS form I was incredibly nervous. I was desperate to go. Going to university would allow to make some new friends with similar interests, solve my housing crisis and having a degree would open so many doors to so many fantastic career options.

First I had to decide what courses to apply for, and at which universities.

I got free prospectuses from all of the universities offering my chosen courses and went to open days with friends to see what they were like. I particularly loved the ancient ones like Aberdeen and Glasgow, which felt like Hogwarts.

Propel.org.uk was a really useful website as it allowed me to compare the support the universities would provide me with as a Care Leaver.

As our corporate parents, some universities provide 365-day accommodation for care experienced students. There will also be a student support team, in which there should be a care leaver contact whose sole job is to support us. A few contacted me directly once I had submitted my application. They are there to answer any questions we might have about the courses, accommodation, and they let us know about all the funding we can apply for and make sure our applications are assessed fairly by the university.

Most universities will consider our applications against a different set of criteria to our classmates. They might look for lower grades than standard requirements, ask you to complete their summer school before beginning

or judge you on your work ethic and maturity, by speaking to your referee, teacher or social worker, rather than just grades alone.

Some universities also have extra money for us; they might have a fund you apply to every time you need money to buy a textbook or equipment, or they might have a bursary they will give you at the start of every year.

Recently the law has changed which means all care experienced students are entitled to a means tested bursary from SAAS, which will replace the loan system although we can still get a loan as well if we need one. There are also lots of trusts and charities that you can apply to for additional grants.

I always worried how I would be able to afford to go to university without the financial support of parents but there is far more help available than I realised. You can see what a university can offer you on the Propel website and some university’s own websites give details of the grants they offer plus make sure you check out www. buttleuk.org My local authority are going to cover

my accommodation fees and pay for my travel home if I want to come back for Christmas. My local radio’s Cash for Kids organisation gave me £300 to buy towels, bedsheets, a duvet, pillows, pans, cutlery and anything else I wanted to make my next new bedroom at uni feel like my home and not somebody else’s for once.

All of this help was given to me because I ticked the box on my UCAS form to tell the universities that I am a Care Leaver. I was worried I might be stigmatised and less likely to be accepted for my courses but I found that when I wrote my personal statement, it was nearly impossible for me to explain why I wanted to go to university, what sort of a person I was and what I wanted to do with my degree without using my care experience. It is part of my identity and has influenced me and my career goals so much, so I ticked the box, and was accepted on to 4 out of 5 of the courses I applied for. I used my ‘disadvantage’ to my advantage, to enable me to go to university and do exactly what I want to with my future.

For more information visit www.ucas.com 12

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

2016’s Campaign Event E

veryone was welcomed in with open arms as they arrived at Hamilton Accies football stadium, where this year’s [listen] campaign event was being held. We were all greeted with a warm hug and a big smile as if we were all part of one big family. The stadium was bursting with enthusiasm and good vibes as people started to gather in one big room, very eager to get going with the day.

We started off with a morning talk that was filled with excitement as the host talked us through the plan for the day. There were then speakers from all kinds of different backgrounds, with amazing stories to tell. Feeling very inspired I went off to my first workshop which was ‘Whose risk? Whose Rules?’. In this workshop those of us with care experience were asked to help the workshop leader come up with a new plan for what to do when a young person absconds and goes missing, and the risks of

such an event. The small group was very communicative and expressive of their opinions and views on the matter. This lead to various in-depth conversations on the reasons behind a young person going missing and what can be done to stop it. The talk was very informative for the young people, who gained perspective and guidance on this topic. It was also good for staff members from residential units and other professionals to gain more knowledge on the skills to prevent these situations.

The plan was to go to three workshops, but everyone was enjoying themselves so much that we ran over time so after our first workshop we had lunch, got a catch up with everyone and then headed to our third and final workshop. The one I went to was called ‘1000 Voices’ and it looked at the power of the care experienced voice, how if one voice can change someone’s mind then

imagine the power of 1000 voices!

We talked about how campaigning is very much about listening to someone’s needs, wishes, and Sarah, 15 opinions, and then working towards a plan to see what you can do to achieve those things.

The main message from the whole day was very clear, “Your voice has power” which was something I overheard several times throughout the day. Overall I felt the day was a great insight in to what everyone’s doing or should be doing to make the care system better. I enjoyed the first workshop the best, as it was big eye opener for everyone that attended.

Therefore I look forward to the next listen campaign and meeting these wonderful people again.

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

13

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Desirable Disruption Who Cares? Scotland’s Alumni Member, Ashley walks us through her day at Tedx Glasgow 2016 themed ‘A Disruptive World’ and the impact of seeing her fellow Alumni Member, Laura Beveridge, call out for the ultimate disruption, a revolution of the care system.

A

s young people who are or have grown up in care, we are one of the most marginalised and misunderstood groups in society. It doesn`t have to be this way....

On Friday the 3rd of June I was invited along to see our very own Laura Beveridge present a talk at TEDx Glasgow. For those of you who don’t know, a TEDx event is a day of made up of different talks, hosted and attended by people who want to inspire and be inspired. The TEDx events happen all over the world and are recorded and viewed online by millions of people!

Upon arrival I managed to find Laura, her family and the rest of the Who Cares?

Scotland gang. Laura looked excited but really nervous, everyone did, we were here to support Laura so of course we were all nervous for her.

Laura wasn’t on until about 3pm, so we all watched the first round of presenters, one or two of which stood out A man called Marco Plas delivered a talk titled; “The wonder weeks” where he spoke about the first 20 months of a child`s life, the major disruptions that they face during this crucial development stage and how adults can help by understanding them.

Something he said during

14

his talk stayed with me: “In the first 60 days of a child`s life, it is impossible to show a child too much love”.

Then Jason Leitch, the national clinical director for the Scottish Government, spoke about the lack of compassion in health care and how an initiative called ‘What matters to me’ could help reignite compassion between health care professionals and their patients.

Before we knew it, lunchtime was upon us and soon after it would be our Laura`s turn to take to the stage. Before she left with her volunteer to get ready we all gave her a big hug and wished her the very best of luck!

Laura was outstanding, from talking openly and honestly about her own experience of care to even bringing her case files to show the audience an example of what we leave care with - if we even make it to that stage. Laura hit that audience right in the heart. She explained that we need love and that we need support. Laura took the audience on a journey, from how we have grown up in a world of pain and neglect, to how we are can use these experiences to influence positive change.

Laura invited everyone to join us in a revolution of the

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

Ashley, 26

BIG Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

NEWS & EVENTS

AJ, 23

PLANS AJ tells us about his role on the National Care Leavers Week 2016 steering committee, how this year looks set to be better than ever and how you can be a part of it.

L

ast year I attended several of the events as part of National Care Leavers Week Scotland 2015, these events gave me the opportunity to be myself, around people who are just like me and can accept me... My care family! I learnt a lot last year about other young people who have care experience and to be part of an ever growing family is honestly, the best feeling ever. To not be judged for once and to be happy and proud of my care identity is a dream come true.

I have now joined the steering committee for this year’s event and we hope to make #NCLWS16 the best ever! The steering committee is a group of committed volunteers from across the care

care sector.

This was probably one of the biggest platforms Who Cares? Scotland has ever accessed and Laura absolutely smashed it, the entire audience gave her a well-deserved standing

community who are working together to plan a national celebration that represents the achievements, values and interests of Scotland’s care experienced individuals. The reason the steering committee was set up was to ensure that the care experienced voice is at the heart of the event, Nicole, another member of the committee says “As a care-leaver I’m passionate about NCLWS and it’s

great to now be part of the planning process, giving my ideas and helping others.”

Sara Brown (Who Cares? Scotland Events Officer) says “the best results always come when we work alongside care experienced young people, and NCLWS truly is an event made by care experienced people for care experienced people.”

To have the opportunity to be part of the steering committee is amazing.

It has helped me feel more positive about myself as it is a massive responsibility but one I’m confident I can do. I am extremely excited to see what ideas we come up with and if you would like to be a part of the committee, volunteer, or organise an event in your local community you can speak to a member of WC?S staff, share your ideas via the WC?S Facebook page or email us on nclws@whocaresscotland.org

ovation and they had to bring her back on to the stage so she could see what an impact she had had on everyone.

From one care sister to another, Laura, I salute you.

What an inspiration!

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

15

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Desirable Disruption Who Cares? Scotland’s Alumni Member, Ashley walks us through her day at Tedx Glasgow 2016 themed ‘A Disruptive World’ and the impact of seeing her fellow Alumni Member, Laura Beveridge, call out for the ultimate disruption, a revolution of the care system.

A

s young people who are or have grown up in care, we are one of the most marginalised and misunderstood groups in society. It doesn`t have to be this way....

On Friday the 3rd of June I was invited along to see our very own Laura Beveridge present a talk at TEDx Glasgow. For those of you who don’t know, a TEDx event is a day of made up of different talks, hosted and attended by people who want to inspire and be inspired. The TEDx events happen all over the world and are recorded and viewed online by millions of people!

Upon arrival I managed to find Laura, her family and the rest of the Who Cares?

Scotland gang. Laura looked excited but really nervous, everyone did, we were here to support Laura so of course we were all nervous for her.

Laura wasn’t on until about 3pm, so we all watched the first round of presenters, one or two of which stood out A man called Marco Plas delivered a talk titled; “The wonder weeks” where he spoke about the first 20 months of a child`s life, the major disruptions that they face during this crucial development stage and how adults can help by understanding them.

Something he said during

14

his talk stayed with me: “In the first 60 days of a child`s life, it is impossible to show a child too much love”.

Then Jason Leitch, the national clinical director for the Scottish Government, spoke about the lack of compassion in health care and how an initiative called ‘What matters to me’ could help reignite compassion between health care professionals and their patients.

Before we knew it, lunchtime was upon us and soon after it would be our Laura`s turn to take to the stage. Before she left with her volunteer to get ready we all gave her a big hug and wished her the very best of luck!

Laura was outstanding, from talking openly and honestly about her own experience of care to even bringing her case files to show the audience an example of what we leave care with - if we even make it to that stage. Laura hit that audience right in the heart. She explained that we need love and that we need support. Laura took the audience on a journey, from how we have grown up in a world of pain and neglect, to how we are can use these experiences to influence positive change.

Laura invited everyone to join us in a revolution of the

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

Ashley, 26

BIG Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

NEWS & EVENTS

AJ, 23

PLANS AJ tells us about his role on the National Care Leavers Week 2016 steering committee, how this year looks set to be better than ever and how you can be a part of it.

L

ast year I attended several of the events as part of National Care Leavers Week Scotland 2015, these events gave me the opportunity to be myself, around people who are just like me and can accept me... My care family! I learnt a lot last year about other young people who have care experience and to be part of an ever growing family is honestly, the best feeling ever. To not be judged for once and to be happy and proud of my care identity is a dream come true.

I have now joined the steering committee for this year’s event and we hope to make #NCLWS16 the best ever! The steering committee is a group of committed volunteers from across the care

care sector.

This was probably one of the biggest platforms Who Cares? Scotland has ever accessed and Laura absolutely smashed it, the entire audience gave her a well-deserved standing

community who are working together to plan a national celebration that represents the achievements, values and interests of Scotland’s care experienced individuals. The reason the steering committee was set up was to ensure that the care experienced voice is at the heart of the event, Nicole, another member of the committee says “As a care-leaver I’m passionate about NCLWS and it’s

great to now be part of the planning process, giving my ideas and helping others.”

Sara Brown (Who Cares? Scotland Events Officer) says “the best results always come when we work alongside care experienced young people, and NCLWS truly is an event made by care experienced people for care experienced people.”

To have the opportunity to be part of the steering committee is amazing.

It has helped me feel more positive about myself as it is a massive responsibility but one I’m confident I can do. I am extremely excited to see what ideas we come up with and if you would like to be a part of the committee, volunteer, or organise an event in your local community you can speak to a member of WC?S staff, share your ideas via the WC?S Facebook page or email us on nclws@whocaresscotland.org

ovation and they had to bring her back on to the stage so she could see what an impact she had had on everyone.

From one care sister to another, Laura, I salute you.

What an inspiration!

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

15

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

South Ayrshire APW Leeanne hands back the reigns to Sheryl Truesdale who has returned from maternity leave. Welcome back Sheryl!

There is a group held for young people in foste r care to meet up and chat, take part in activities and make friends.

For more info call Sheryl.

2BHeard (Across Fife, weekly) There are three groups who meet across Fife, loads of stuff happening come along and find out.

For more info call Robyn.

s Board Dundee Champion tly) (Dundee, fortnigh Cindy. ll ca fo in For more

Laura M

pions Board Midlothian Cham ghtly) ni (Midlothian, fort really active, en This group has be oking at housing, they have been lo support their voting and how to corporate parents.

Lisa or May. For more info call

FAMILY (Forever Alwa ys Mates In Loyal Yo uth) group (East Lothian) This group creates an atmosphere where young people feel accepted and a space where th ey belong.

They also feed their discussions into the Ea st Lothian Champions Board.

For more info call Lis a or Sophie.

ns Board East Lothian Champio ly) (East Lothian, week ntly assisted in the ce re ve ha p ou The gr er w Development Offic appointment of a ne d ar rw fo Board. We look for their Champions recruit soon! to meeting the new a or Sophie.

For more info call Lis

YPiCC (Edinburgh, fortnightly) YPiCC are steaming ahead with their plans, so much so that they are actually looking at Christm as Dinner Plans already! GO YPiCC! For more info contact Susan.

p Transformers grou ) (Angus, fortnightly rtnightly. fo Continue to meet el or Laura.

M For more info call

Care 2Create Ay rshire (6-10 year olds ) Runs every 3 w eeks and will be on over the summer ho lidays. This new group have enjoyed party fo od and made so me awesome ju Kinex and vario nk art, played w us different gam ith es.

For more info ca ll Julie.

Renfrewshire meet The Champions Board continues to sletter New h regularly and the Breakthroug Semple tle Cas at group recently enjoyed a day session nt rece t water sports centre. At our mos their ng givi in the young people were involved to n give ks pac e views on the current welcom . care into e young people when they com For more info call Donald.

Euan

Moray group (Elgin Youth ) CafĂŠ, monthly ay or The M crew have been very active h rounders, e! The group this spring wit d so much mor an y er ch ar g g forward to bowlin and are lookin ow gr to s ue ne. For more contin at the end of Ju Q B B er m m the Su info call Paula.

Julie

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

ire Care2Create Renfrewsh er ov ak bre Is also taking a s. ay lid the Summer Ho To find out when it starts again call Laura.

East Renfrewsh ire East Renfrewsh ire welcomes Char ity as their new APW. They are also running a dram a group with the Citizen s Theatre which runs wee kly.

For more info ca ll Beth.

East Ayrshire A change in Advocacy & Participation worker for East Ayrshire, as we say goodbye to Charity and welcome Rachel Outram!

Care2Create Glasgow Has stopped for the Summer Holidays.

To find out when it starts again call Laurie.

Laura

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

You Are Not Alone South Lanarkshire (Foster care group) For more info call Ross.

FYI (Fun Yo ung (Perth, every Individuals) Monday) FYI are alwa ys looking fo r new memb For more in ers. fo call Heik e or Heathe r.

Ray

Brought to you by your Development Officers:

Aberdeenshire YPOC group This group meets regularly in Abe rdeenshire for all kinds of fun acti vities, food, and excellent chat. Some bigg er projects have included making videos and info leaflets for other care experienced young people.

For more info call Lynne.

Laurie

Highland group (Inverness, monthly, all ages welcome) Young people from across Highland meet in Inverness regularly for top chat, food and all kinds of activities.

Changing the world and having a great time! We even played lazertag recently!

For more info call Donna

board Highland CHAMPS every 2-3 months) aming up (across Highland rents have been te pa e at or rp co r ei th ghland!

Young people and young person in Hi y er ev r fo al en om to make care phen the end of June! n in Inverness at ai ag g tin ee m be We’ll Donna.

For more info call

Western Isles group y, all ages welcome) (Stornoway, monthl citing new things There are lots of ex e e islands! Keep an ey happening on our we e om es events and aw out for new groups, near future! e th opportunities in ison.

For more info call Al

Regional Round-Up

NEWS & EVENTS NEWS & EVENTS

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

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

South Ayrshire APW Leeanne hands back the reigns to Sheryl Truesdale who has returned from maternity leave. Welcome back Sheryl!

There is a group held for young people in foste r care to meet up and chat, take part in activities and make friends.

For more info call Sheryl.

2BHeard (Across Fife, weekly) There are three groups who meet across Fife, loads of stuff happening come along and find out.

For more info call Robyn.

s Board Dundee Champion tly) (Dundee, fortnigh Cindy. ll ca fo in For more

Laura M

pions Board Midlothian Cham ghtly) ni (Midlothian, fort really active, en This group has be oking at housing, they have been lo support their voting and how to corporate parents.

Lisa or May. For more info call

FAMILY (Forever Alwa ys Mates In Loyal Yo uth) group (East Lothian) This group creates an atmosphere where young people feel accepted and a space where th ey belong.

They also feed their discussions into the Ea st Lothian Champions Board.

For more info call Lis a or Sophie.

ns Board East Lothian Champio ly) (East Lothian, week ntly assisted in the ce re ve ha p ou The gr er w Development Offic appointment of a ne d ar rw fo Board. We look for their Champions recruit soon! to meeting the new a or Sophie.

For more info call Lis

YPiCC (Edinburgh, fortnightly) YPiCC are steaming ahead with their plans, so much so that they are actually looking at Christm as Dinner Plans already! GO YPiCC! For more info contact Susan.

p Transformers grou ) (Angus, fortnightly rtnightly. fo Continue to meet el or Laura.

M For more info call

Care 2Create Ay rshire (6-10 year olds ) Runs every 3 w eeks and will be on over the summer ho lidays. This new group have enjoyed party fo od and made so me awesome ju Kinex and vario nk art, played w us different gam ith es.

For more info ca ll Julie.

Renfrewshire meet The Champions Board continues to sletter New h regularly and the Breakthroug Semple tle Cas at group recently enjoyed a day session nt rece t water sports centre. At our mos their ng givi in the young people were involved to n give ks pac e views on the current welcom . care into e young people when they com For more info call Donald.

Euan

Moray group (Elgin Youth ) CafĂŠ, monthly ay or The M crew have been very active h rounders, e! The group this spring wit d so much mor an y er ch ar g g forward to bowlin and are lookin ow gr to s ue ne. For more contin at the end of Ju Q B B er m m the Su info call Paula.

Julie

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

ire Care2Create Renfrewsh er ov ak bre Is also taking a s. ay lid the Summer Ho To find out when it starts again call Laura.

East Renfrewsh ire East Renfrewsh ire welcomes Char ity as their new APW. They are also running a dram a group with the Citizen s Theatre which runs wee kly.

For more info ca ll Beth.

East Ayrshire A change in Advocacy & Participation worker for East Ayrshire, as we say goodbye to Charity and welcome Rachel Outram!

Care2Create Glasgow Has stopped for the Summer Holidays.

To find out when it starts again call Laurie.

Laura

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

You Are Not Alone South Lanarkshire (Foster care group) For more info call Ross.

FYI (Fun Yo ung (Perth, every Individuals) Monday) FYI are alwa ys looking fo r new memb For more in ers. fo call Heik e or Heathe r.

Ray

Brought to you by your Development Officers:

Aberdeenshire YPOC group This group meets regularly in Abe rdeenshire for all kinds of fun acti vities, food, and excellent chat. Some bigg er projects have included making videos and info leaflets for other care experienced young people.

For more info call Lynne.

Laurie

Highland group (Inverness, monthly, all ages welcome) Young people from across Highland meet in Inverness regularly for top chat, food and all kinds of activities.

Changing the world and having a great time! We even played lazertag recently!

For more info call Donna

board Highland CHAMPS every 2-3 months) aming up (across Highland rents have been te pa e at or rp co r ei th ghland!

Young people and young person in Hi y er ev r fo al en om to make care phen the end of June! n in Inverness at ai ag g tin ee m be We’ll Donna.

For more info call

Western Isles group y, all ages welcome) (Stornoway, monthl citing new things There are lots of ex e e islands! Keep an ey happening on our we e om es events and aw out for new groups, near future! e th opportunities in ison.

For more info call Al

Regional Round-Up

NEWS & EVENTS NEWS & EVENTS

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

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

$1 Million to a government fund set up to provide aid. The world responded with outrage. The LGBT community reeled. I was in shock.

Despite this occurring 4000 miles away I felt unsafe. A man had invaded a safe place for the LGBT community. We have always had pubs, clubs and bars. Places where, from the earliest days of Stonewall through to G-A-Y and even Polo and AXM in Glasgow, we never had to hide who we were.

I am a gay man living in Scotland during a time where LGBT rights and equality are advancing. I have a support network of friends, family and professionals who helped me come to terms with being gay.

For the most part the negative reactions I’ve encountered have been overwhelmingly outweighed by the good and the accepting. But not everyone feels safe or is safe as

SpeakOut for Orlando J

une 12th 2016 and the days that followed marked one of the darkest periods in the history of the LGBTQIA+ community, and for me personally a time of reflection and decision.

That night a man entered a nightclub called Pulse with guns and people died. It was a gay nightclub, one of the biggest and most popular in Florida. That night the club was celebrating LGBT+ Pride Month, the place was packed, 320 men and women danced and

18

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

drank and laughed, happy to be alive, happy to be who they were in a place and time when it had never been more acceptable.

As they danced, shots were fired and terror replaced elation.

Some ran, some hid, some played dead, some were already dead and some were dying. I’m sure some prayed, some contacted loved ones desperate to hear the voice of their parents, lovers or friends one last time. One woman covered herself with the bodies of her dead

22 , n a r e Ki

“Calls went out across the state for blood donations and outdated laws forbidding LGBT individuals from donating were set aside.”

friends to hide, one young man and his boyfriend hid in a bathroom stall and held each other for what would be the last time.

It lasted 4 hours and when the shooter fell to the ground with a police sniper’s bullet in his head, he joined the bodies of 49 of his victims, whilst another 53 were rushed to nearby hospitals. Calls went out across the state for blood donations and outdated laws forbidding LGBT individuals from donating were set aside.

Bottled water and other emergency supplies arrived by the truckload. A GoFundMe campaign for the victims and their families raised $4.5 million in 48 hours, Disney donated

a gay man or a lesbian woman or a transgender person. Not everyone is sure of who they are or receives the support necessary to figure that out.

In 2016 that’s not ok.

That’s not to say, that as a child in care growing up gay didn’t come without its issues. I pin-balled from home to home, social worker to social worker, school to school and it was only when I settled into a long term home that I was able to fully accept who I was, until then it was something I had repressed because, well, it was just one more thing to deal with and I had a LONG list of things I was already dealing with. This repression was entirely unhealthy, both physically and mentally, I couldn’t sleep, I became depressed, I was so angry with everyone, I withdrew from family and didn’t try to keep in touch with old friends or make new ones. Not being able to come out almost ruined my life.

Now in the light of the recent

tragedy it might seem like the wrong time to encourage anyone to come out. 49 members of the LGBT community, of my community, 49 members of the human race were killed in Florida for being themselves because one man decided that wasn’t ok. That scared me. Imagine how much it must have scared the kid still in the closet.

But we can’t let fear win. We have to stand together, support one and other. Much in the same way as we have been encouraged to own our care identity, those who identify as LGBT should also be able to claim that part of their identity too. In a time when the Care Experienced agenda is being so passionately fought for, we need LGBT care experienced young people to tell us what they need.

I want to fight for you. I want to make things better for you and for everyone that’s still to come after us. I can’t though because I don’t know what it is I need to fight for. I don’t know if you need better access to mental health facilities. I don’t know if you need a support group in your local community. I don’t know if you need an anti-bullying campaign or greater awareness around your issues.

In the coming months an LGBTQIA+ Youth group for Care Experienced Young people will be commencing in the Renfrewshire Area. More details will be

“...be proud as well because you are who you were meant to be and you don’t owe anyone an apology for that.” forthcoming but we want you to know that this is a first step towards us discovering what it is we can do to help you. A first step towards change.

In the meantime I ask you to be brave and to be proud!! Be brave because not everyone will accept you for who you are and that’s going to be hard, I won’t lie, but be proud as well because you are who you were meant to be and you don’t owe anyone an apology for that.

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

19

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

$1 Million to a government fund set up to provide aid. The world responded with outrage. The LGBT community reeled. I was in shock.

Despite this occurring 4000 miles away I felt unsafe. A man had invaded a safe place for the LGBT community. We have always had pubs, clubs and bars. Places where, from the earliest days of Stonewall through to G-A-Y and even Polo and AXM in Glasgow, we never had to hide who we were.

I am a gay man living in Scotland during a time where LGBT rights and equality are advancing. I have a support network of friends, family and professionals who helped me come to terms with being gay.

For the most part the negative reactions I’ve encountered have been overwhelmingly outweighed by the good and the accepting. But not everyone feels safe or is safe as

SpeakOut for Orlando J

une 12th 2016 and the days that followed marked one of the darkest periods in the history of the LGBTQIA+ community, and for me personally a time of reflection and decision.

That night a man entered a nightclub called Pulse with guns and people died. It was a gay nightclub, one of the biggest and most popular in Florida. That night the club was celebrating LGBT+ Pride Month, the place was packed, 320 men and women danced and

18

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

drank and laughed, happy to be alive, happy to be who they were in a place and time when it had never been more acceptable.

As they danced, shots were fired and terror replaced elation.

Some ran, some hid, some played dead, some were already dead and some were dying. I’m sure some prayed, some contacted loved ones desperate to hear the voice of their parents, lovers or friends one last time. One woman covered herself with the bodies of her dead

22 , n a r e Ki

“Calls went out across the state for blood donations and outdated laws forbidding LGBT individuals from donating were set aside.”

friends to hide, one young man and his boyfriend hid in a bathroom stall and held each other for what would be the last time.

It lasted 4 hours and when the shooter fell to the ground with a police sniper’s bullet in his head, he joined the bodies of 49 of his victims, whilst another 53 were rushed to nearby hospitals. Calls went out across the state for blood donations and outdated laws forbidding LGBT individuals from donating were set aside.

Bottled water and other emergency supplies arrived by the truckload. A GoFundMe campaign for the victims and their families raised $4.5 million in 48 hours, Disney donated

a gay man or a lesbian woman or a transgender person. Not everyone is sure of who they are or receives the support necessary to figure that out.

In 2016 that’s not ok.

That’s not to say, that as a child in care growing up gay didn’t come without its issues. I pin-balled from home to home, social worker to social worker, school to school and it was only when I settled into a long term home that I was able to fully accept who I was, until then it was something I had repressed because, well, it was just one more thing to deal with and I had a LONG list of things I was already dealing with. This repression was entirely unhealthy, both physically and mentally, I couldn’t sleep, I became depressed, I was so angry with everyone, I withdrew from family and didn’t try to keep in touch with old friends or make new ones. Not being able to come out almost ruined my life.

Now in the light of the recent

tragedy it might seem like the wrong time to encourage anyone to come out. 49 members of the LGBT community, of my community, 49 members of the human race were killed in Florida for being themselves because one man decided that wasn’t ok. That scared me. Imagine how much it must have scared the kid still in the closet.

But we can’t let fear win. We have to stand together, support one and other. Much in the same way as we have been encouraged to own our care identity, those who identify as LGBT should also be able to claim that part of their identity too. In a time when the Care Experienced agenda is being so passionately fought for, we need LGBT care experienced young people to tell us what they need.

I want to fight for you. I want to make things better for you and for everyone that’s still to come after us. I can’t though because I don’t know what it is I need to fight for. I don’t know if you need better access to mental health facilities. I don’t know if you need a support group in your local community. I don’t know if you need an anti-bullying campaign or greater awareness around your issues.

In the coming months an LGBTQIA+ Youth group for Care Experienced Young people will be commencing in the Renfrewshire Area. More details will be

“...be proud as well because you are who you were meant to be and you don’t owe anyone an apology for that.” forthcoming but we want you to know that this is a first step towards us discovering what it is we can do to help you. A first step towards change.

In the meantime I ask you to be brave and to be proud!! Be brave because not everyone will accept you for who you are and that’s going to be hard, I won’t lie, but be proud as well because you are who you were meant to be and you don’t owe anyone an apology for that.

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

19

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Colour Me Rad North Ayrshire young people complete the Glasgow Green 5km Colour Me Rad run

Emma (17), Demi (16), James (16), Taylor (14) Carly (13) Jamie – Leigh (12)

T

he young people were asked by their unit staff if they would like to join them in participating in an event to help raise money for charity. After some discussion between staff and young people, it was agreed that all young people within the unit would accompany staff to take part in the 5k Color Me Rad Run at Glasgow Green on Sunday 15th May to raise money for charities of their choice.

Sponsor sheets were distributed between everyone and the process of registration began. Everyone participating received a package through the post including a t-shirt, sunglasses, a novelty tattoo and a running number to attach to their t-shirt.

BURNSIDE BANDITS CROWNED HIGHLAND GAMES CHAMPIONS S

On the day of the race it was a lovely sunny day and everyone managed to complete the run by running, jogging and/or walking within the time scale of 35 minutes to 1 hour. Afterwards everyone enjoyed a stroll into town to get lunch, although we got a few strange looks from passers-by due to our colourful appearance.

Congratulations to these guys for raising £450!

aturday 30th April was the date; Aberfoyle was the venue and battle commenced between the residential young people’s houses within West Dunbartonshire with staff and young people joining together to create their individual teams called Burnside Bandits, Blairvadach Bears and Craigellechie Ellechies. They competed in tossing the caber; hammer throwing, welly throwing, shot putt and for the big finally tug of war.

It was all a very close contest throughout the day with each team being cheered on by friends and family. The

20

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

“Colours shooting, people running, everyone laughing. Color Me Rad is the run to take part in” (Demi) “The Color Me Rad Run is the most brilliant fun ever” (James) “I really liked the Color Me Rad Run. It was so fun and I would like to go back” (Jamie-Leigh)

GOAL!

Renfrewshire Young People erry G & c e v Staff Football Match l A O

ver the past 10 months staff and young people from across Renfrewshire have enjoyed a weekly 7-a-side football match. The young people have shown great commitment and have enjoyed the competitive and challenging nature of the football. After Christmas, some of the young people spoke about trying to arrange an 11-a-side match against staff, a date was then set for the match, 06 March 2016. GAME ON. In the lead up to the match, a number of services involved including Who Cares?

Scotland, Police Scotland (Paisley), social workers (from across Renfrewshire) and other professionals agreed to take part.

MATCH DAY

weather held up very well and the contest all came down to the battle of the bronze in the tug of war contest. In the end the best house won with a clean sweep of the tug of war although it was a tough fought contest. With aching muscles and hoarse throats Burnside Bandits were crowned champions and will revel in the euphoria until the 2nd annual games in 2017.

All houses relaxed with sandwiches, juice and home baking before using the water park facilities to unwind and then heading home for a well-deserved rest.

The young people invited family and friends along to support them, which added to the great atmosphere of the day. The game started well, the staff had the upper hand and took an early commanding 3-0 lead.

The young people then started to play and work as a team and managed to go in at half time 4-3 down. In the second half the young people played more like a champions league team (BARCELONA) and gave the staff a good run for their money and pulled it back to 6-6 at the final whistle. The game went to penalties where the pressure and tension showed on the staff with the young

people coming out victorious in the penalty shootout winning 5-3.

Aiden, captain of the young people’s team, said “it was a great day, beating the staff and lifting the House Challenge Trophy.”

Goalkeeper, Declan, who made some great saves during the match (and saved 2 penalties in the shoot out!) said “it was the best I’ve played and I always knew we would beat the staff”.

Well done to everyone who got involved and participated in the day, everyone had a great time and we cannot wait for the rematch. BRING IT ON! W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

21

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Colour Me Rad North Ayrshire young people complete the Glasgow Green 5km Colour Me Rad run

Emma (17), Demi (16), James (16), Taylor (14) Carly (13) Jamie – Leigh (12)

T

he young people were asked by their unit staff if they would like to join them in participating in an event to help raise money for charity. After some discussion between staff and young people, it was agreed that all young people within the unit would accompany staff to take part in the 5k Color Me Rad Run at Glasgow Green on Sunday 15th May to raise money for charities of their choice.

Sponsor sheets were distributed between everyone and the process of registration began. Everyone participating received a package through the post including a t-shirt, sunglasses, a novelty tattoo and a running number to attach to their t-shirt.

BURNSIDE BANDITS CROWNED HIGHLAND GAMES CHAMPIONS S

On the day of the race it was a lovely sunny day and everyone managed to complete the run by running, jogging and/or walking within the time scale of 35 minutes to 1 hour. Afterwards everyone enjoyed a stroll into town to get lunch, although we got a few strange looks from passers-by due to our colourful appearance.

Congratulations to these guys for raising £450!

aturday 30th April was the date; Aberfoyle was the venue and battle commenced between the residential young people’s houses within West Dunbartonshire with staff and young people joining together to create their individual teams called Burnside Bandits, Blairvadach Bears and Craigellechie Ellechies. They competed in tossing the caber; hammer throwing, welly throwing, shot putt and for the big finally tug of war.

It was all a very close contest throughout the day with each team being cheered on by friends and family. The

20

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

“Colours shooting, people running, everyone laughing. Color Me Rad is the run to take part in” (Demi) “The Color Me Rad Run is the most brilliant fun ever” (James) “I really liked the Color Me Rad Run. It was so fun and I would like to go back” (Jamie-Leigh)

GOAL!

Renfrewshire Young People erry G & c e v Staff Football Match l A O

ver the past 10 months staff and young people from across Renfrewshire have enjoyed a weekly 7-a-side football match. The young people have shown great commitment and have enjoyed the competitive and challenging nature of the football. After Christmas, some of the young people spoke about trying to arrange an 11-a-side match against staff, a date was then set for the match, 06 March 2016. GAME ON. In the lead up to the match, a number of services involved including Who Cares?

Scotland, Police Scotland (Paisley), social workers (from across Renfrewshire) and other professionals agreed to take part.

MATCH DAY

weather held up very well and the contest all came down to the battle of the bronze in the tug of war contest. In the end the best house won with a clean sweep of the tug of war although it was a tough fought contest. With aching muscles and hoarse throats Burnside Bandits were crowned champions and will revel in the euphoria until the 2nd annual games in 2017.

All houses relaxed with sandwiches, juice and home baking before using the water park facilities to unwind and then heading home for a well-deserved rest.

The young people invited family and friends along to support them, which added to the great atmosphere of the day. The game started well, the staff had the upper hand and took an early commanding 3-0 lead.

The young people then started to play and work as a team and managed to go in at half time 4-3 down. In the second half the young people played more like a champions league team (BARCELONA) and gave the staff a good run for their money and pulled it back to 6-6 at the final whistle. The game went to penalties where the pressure and tension showed on the staff with the young

people coming out victorious in the penalty shootout winning 5-3.

Aiden, captain of the young people’s team, said “it was a great day, beating the staff and lifting the House Challenge Trophy.”

Goalkeeper, Declan, who made some great saves during the match (and saved 2 penalties in the shoot out!) said “it was the best I’ve played and I always knew we would beat the staff”.

Well done to everyone who got involved and participated in the day, everyone had a great time and we cannot wait for the rematch. BRING IT ON! W H O CA R E S? S COT LA N D

21

NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

IN IT TO WIN IT… Are you in it to win it? This issue’s competition page is themed around the UEFA European Championships, past and present, and we have some extra special prizes to give away to 5 of our readers. To be in with a shot of winning, correctly complete this page, tear it out and either give it to your WC?S worker or send it back to the WC?S National office. Don’t fancy the competition, check out our GIANT wordsearch on the Just for Fun page!

1. Guess the Team Badge Can you identify these Euro 2016 team badges below?

!

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

SPECIAL PRIZES UP FOR GRABS!

Giant Wordsearch

2.GUESS THtowEeriAngNcraTg,HEM

Find all 24 of the teams who qualified for Euro 2016!

In valley green, on e us, Our fathers fought befor same old flag the And conquered ‘neath o’er us.

That’s proudly floating

NAME:

A.

A.

COUNTRY:

3. What country is hosting Euro 2016?

A.

A.

A.

4.Who am I?

Born on February 5, 1985 in Madeira Was the youngest player to play in the Euro 2004 final.

He was nicknamed ‘cry baby’ as a child. (Some things never cha nge.)

?

!

A.

A.

5. How many countries have been crowned European Champions since the competition began ? a. 10

b. 7

c. 9

d. 8

A.

A.

HHHHHHHH

H

Abbie, 12 - Match the flags Lawrence, 14 - Guess the Song Zara, 11 - Who am I? Jay, 14 - General Know ledge

AGE: PHONE:

HHHHHHHH

WC?S WORKER:

A I K A V O L S R U S S I A D

A I T A O R C N A J L Y C N I

D D D N R Y I E L O R T A U R

N Q N H H N L D B T Q L D D E

ALBANIA AUSTRIA BELGIUM CROATIA CZECHREPUBLIC ENGLAND

H LAST ISSUES WIN NERS ARE:

YOUR NAME:

JUST FOR FUN…

A P A A A A B E A F E A N V L

L A L T L M U W N R R A R B A

E U O U A R P S I I L A E V N

FRANCE GERMANY HUNGARY ICELAND IRELAND ITALY

C S P R I E E N A G A L N P D

I T U K O G R Z N S G R O C I

H R X E T E H E T I E R K T E

A I C Y H C C O U I T L A U Z

NORTHERNIRELAND POLAND PORTUGAL ROMANIA RUSSIA SLOVAKIA

P A J T E D E M H U W L A E B

D U R I Z G Z N G E Y S W W T

G O W U P M C A H U N G A R Y

N I A P S J L R O M A N I A R

SPAIN SWEDEN SWITZERLAND TURKEY UKRAINE WALES

HH

22

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

!

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

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

23

NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

IN IT TO WIN IT… Are you in it to win it? This issue’s competition page is themed around the UEFA European Championships, past and present, and we have some extra special prizes to give away to 5 of our readers. To be in with a shot of winning, correctly complete this page, tear it out and either give it to your WC?S worker or send it back to the WC?S National office. Don’t fancy the competition, check out our GIANT wordsearch on the Just for Fun page!

1. Guess the Team Badge Can you identify these Euro 2016 team badges below?

!

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

SPECIAL PRIZES UP FOR GRABS!

Giant Wordsearch

2.GUESS THtowEeriAngNcraTg,HEM

Find all 24 of the teams who qualified for Euro 2016!

In valley green, on e us, Our fathers fought befor same old flag the And conquered ‘neath o’er us.

That’s proudly floating

NAME:

A.

A.

COUNTRY:

3. What country is hosting Euro 2016?

A.

A.

A.

4.Who am I?

Born on February 5, 1985 in Madeira Was the youngest player to play in the Euro 2004 final.

He was nicknamed ‘cry baby’ as a child. (Some things never cha nge.)

?

!

A.

A.

5. How many countries have been crowned European Champions since the competition began ? a. 10

b. 7

c. 9

d. 8

A.

A.

HHHHHHHH

H

Abbie, 12 - Match the flags Lawrence, 14 - Guess the Song Zara, 11 - Who am I? Jay, 14 - General Know ledge

AGE: PHONE:

HHHHHHHH

WC?S WORKER:

A I K A V O L S R U S S I A D

A I T A O R C N A J L Y C N I

D D D N R Y I E L O R T A U R

N Q N H H N L D B T Q L D D E

ALBANIA AUSTRIA BELGIUM CROATIA CZECHREPUBLIC ENGLAND

H LAST ISSUES WIN NERS ARE:

YOUR NAME:

JUST FOR FUN…

A P A A A A B E A F E A N V L

L A L T L M U W N R R A R B A

E U O U A R P S I I L A E V N

FRANCE GERMANY HUNGARY ICELAND IRELAND ITALY

C S P R I E E N A G A L N P D

I T U K O G R Z N S G R O C I

H R X E T E H E T I E R K T E

A I C Y H C C O U I T L A U Z

NORTHERNIRELAND POLAND PORTUGAL ROMANIA RUSSIA SLOVAKIA

P A J T E D E M H U W L A E B

D U R I Z G Z N G E Y S W W T

G O W U P M C A H U N G A R Y

N I A P S J L R O M A N I A R

SPAIN SWEDEN SWITZERLAND TURKEY UKRAINE WALES

HH

22

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

!

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

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

23

Laurie’s ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

SO JUNIOR

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Facts

WHY IS POO

BROWN?

Pet Corner

F

aeces, jobbies, poopies, toleys, waste, poo – whatever you want to call it, we all do it.

Poo is something we all have a snigger about or something we may feel it’s rude to talk about, but poo is important. If we were never to poo, what do you think would happen? You’d probably become very ill, grow bigger and bigger, full of waste your body doesn’t want or need and eventually…. POP! Poo explosion. Poo everywhere. Poo on your face. Poo on your pal. And we don’t want that. So we go to the toilet.

Young people love to talk to me about poo, probably because it’s something they are often discouraged from discussing. A question I get asked a lot is, why is poo brown? It’s a good question!

Poo is brown because of the stuff that’s in it. Poo isn’t just made up of the food we eat, it’s mixed with lots of waste products from our body, mostly a substance called bilirubin, which is a yellowish-brown colour. Bilirubin comes from dead red blood cells, which our bodies don’t want or need anymore. This bilirubin gets mixed up with bile, which is yellow in colour (bile is produced by your liver and helps to break down the fat from the food you eat) and 24

the result is a brownish poo.

Poo is also important because it can tell us quite a lot about our health.

Doctors can look at poo to get clues as to what’s going on inside a person’s body and in fact, doctors find poo so incredibly useful that they have made a chart that ranks human poo on a scale of 1-7, depending on its consistency. I present to you the Bristol Stool Chart (see above).

So the next time you have to go to the toilet for a number two, have a peek at your poo and rate it on the Stool Chart – it makes doing a doody a bit more fun. …Unless you find yourself with a number 1 or number 7, in which case you should probably go to the doctor.

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

Lisa, 13

M

y hamster is called Shadow. I named her this because she is cute, black and white underneath. Shadow lives in a cage at my bedside and makes me feel really, really happy. She makes funny noises when she is happy but she is a little bit shy when I try to get her out of her cage. She is very fluffy and enjoys rolling around my room in her green plastic ball.

0 Sc ott, 1

Lisa’s Comic

M

udKip is my favourite Pokémon because he is so cute. He is a water Pokémon. I drew him because he is my fav and easy to draw.

Ellie, 12

L

isa was inspired by our new comic strip, TOUGH TIMES! that she made her own. Lisa’s comic shows a young person in care who is sad and confused about where she belongs, it ends by telling her to go to her Who Cares? Scotland worker who will help her.

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

25

Laurie’s ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

SO JUNIOR

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Facts

WHY IS POO

BROWN?

Pet Corner

F

aeces, jobbies, poopies, toleys, waste, poo – whatever you want to call it, we all do it.

Poo is something we all have a snigger about or something we may feel it’s rude to talk about, but poo is important. If we were never to poo, what do you think would happen? You’d probably become very ill, grow bigger and bigger, full of waste your body doesn’t want or need and eventually…. POP! Poo explosion. Poo everywhere. Poo on your face. Poo on your pal. And we don’t want that. So we go to the toilet.

Young people love to talk to me about poo, probably because it’s something they are often discouraged from discussing. A question I get asked a lot is, why is poo brown? It’s a good question!

Poo is brown because of the stuff that’s in it. Poo isn’t just made up of the food we eat, it’s mixed with lots of waste products from our body, mostly a substance called bilirubin, which is a yellowish-brown colour. Bilirubin comes from dead red blood cells, which our bodies don’t want or need anymore. This bilirubin gets mixed up with bile, which is yellow in colour (bile is produced by your liver and helps to break down the fat from the food you eat) and 24

the result is a brownish poo.

Poo is also important because it can tell us quite a lot about our health.

Doctors can look at poo to get clues as to what’s going on inside a person’s body and in fact, doctors find poo so incredibly useful that they have made a chart that ranks human poo on a scale of 1-7, depending on its consistency. I present to you the Bristol Stool Chart (see above).

So the next time you have to go to the toilet for a number two, have a peek at your poo and rate it on the Stool Chart – it makes doing a doody a bit more fun. …Unless you find yourself with a number 1 or number 7, in which case you should probably go to the doctor.

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

Lisa, 13

M

y hamster is called Shadow. I named her this because she is cute, black and white underneath. Shadow lives in a cage at my bedside and makes me feel really, really happy. She makes funny noises when she is happy but she is a little bit shy when I try to get her out of her cage. She is very fluffy and enjoys rolling around my room in her green plastic ball.

0 Sc ott, 1

Lisa’s Comic

M

udKip is my favourite Pokémon because he is so cute. He is a water Pokémon. I drew him because he is my fav and easy to draw.

Ellie, 12

L

isa was inspired by our new comic strip, TOUGH TIMES! that she made her own. Lisa’s comic shows a young person in care who is sad and confused about where she belongs, it ends by telling her to go to her Who Cares? Scotland worker who will help her.

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

25

SO JUNIOR

SO JUNIOR

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

26

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

our Who Cares? Scotland workers (called Advocates) might be able to help you. An Advocate can help make sure your voice is heard when decisions are being made “If your social worker or someone else is talking to you about where you are going to live and who with, this could leave you feeling a bit worried or confused. One of

S

ome of you may know me from a previous magazine where I talked about my trip to Blackpool. This year I will tell you about my trip to London, the capital of England.

Day 1: I had to wake up at 4.30am for the train from Glasgow to London which was at 7am. When we arrived 4 hours later we got to our hotel, it was a 5 star hotel. Later we went for a walk and saw Tower Bridge and got fish and chips and just looked at the view. It was cloudy but it was nice.

We then went to bed after a long day.

Day 2: We woke up at 8am and got breakfast, we had pancakes with Nutella. Then at 1.45pm we got the tour bus and got amazing views. We saw the London Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Big Ben and Downing Street. Then at night we went to the theatre to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, it was amazing. What a busy day!

Day 3: Our last day, we had to get the train at 4.52pm so we had a lazy day. We did the tour bus one more time and went to hear Big Ben strike 2pm. We had to then pack to leave for the 4-hour journey back home. I had an amazing time and can’t wait for my next holiday.

Episode 2: starring Pete and a Social Worker.

12 David,

Pete, 9

My trip to London

about you. On the back page of this magazine there is a list of all our Advocates - you can find yours, or ask someone to help you find them, and give them a call.”

S oc ial Worker

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

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

27

SO JUNIOR

SO JUNIOR

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

26

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

our Who Cares? Scotland workers (called Advocates) might be able to help you. An Advocate can help make sure your voice is heard when decisions are being made “If your social worker or someone else is talking to you about where you are going to live and who with, this could leave you feeling a bit worried or confused. One of

S

ome of you may know me from a previous magazine where I talked about my trip to Blackpool. This year I will tell you about my trip to London, the capital of England.

Day 1: I had to wake up at 4.30am for the train from Glasgow to London which was at 7am. When we arrived 4 hours later we got to our hotel, it was a 5 star hotel. Later we went for a walk and saw Tower Bridge and got fish and chips and just looked at the view. It was cloudy but it was nice.

We then went to bed after a long day.

Day 2: We woke up at 8am and got breakfast, we had pancakes with Nutella. Then at 1.45pm we got the tour bus and got amazing views. We saw the London Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Big Ben and Downing Street. Then at night we went to the theatre to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, it was amazing. What a busy day!

Day 3: Our last day, we had to get the train at 4.52pm so we had a lazy day. We did the tour bus one more time and went to hear Big Ben strike 2pm. We had to then pack to leave for the 4-hour journey back home. I had an amazing time and can’t wait for my next holiday.

Episode 2: starring Pete and a Social Worker.

12 David,

Pete, 9

My trip to London

about you. On the back page of this magazine there is a list of all our Advocates - you can find yours, or ask someone to help you find them, and give them a call.”

S oc ial Worker

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

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

27

NEWS & EVENTS tkins Yvonne A st APW Ea ire. sh Dunbartonenius G Spark of 3286 2 07540 8

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Pamela Hynes APW Crossreach, Kibble 07739 078 244 Laurie Goldie Development Officer 07769325162

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Lynne Will iamson APW Aberdeensh Aberdeen ire.

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Euan Graham Development Officer 07793 447 250

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Jantine Van Loon Senior Practitioner Moray. Highland 07850 852708

Paula Campbell Highland & Moray APW 07712 870 335

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Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2016

Telfer Charity ast APW E ire sh Renfrew 4 168 47 07971

Sheryl True APW So sdale u Ayrshir th e 07738 195 69 2

Julie Develo MacTaggart pm 07769 ent Officer 326 1 01

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