SpeakOut Winter 2020

SpeakOut WINTER 2020

WHO CARES? SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Meet our New CHIEF EXECUTIVE :

Louise Hunter DECEMBER 2020 MARKS THE START OF A NEW CHAPTER FOR WHO CARES? SCOTLAND WITH THE ARRIVAL OF OUR NEW CEO

Read INTER VI WITH EW LOUI SE PAGE ON S 10-1 1

OUR

PLUS!

CARE EXPERIENCED WEEK 2020, CHRISTMAS QUIZ PAGES AND SO JUNIOR

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

1

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

Welcome to the latest is s

...

Check out what’s inside Dear Readers, We can’t believe it’s December already! What a strange year 2020 has been! We hope you’re all holding up and looking forward to the Christmas holidays. We’ll be keeping everything crossed that 2021 starts to see some sort of return to normal.

We can’t wait to see you all again!

Here’s what we’ve got in store for you this issue: Meet and get to know our new CEO Louise (p10-11).

Catch up with how we celebrated Care Experienced Week back in October (p12-13), even COVID-19 couldn’t stop us celebrating you! Find out how you can elect your new WC?S National Representatives at next year’s Members’ Assembly (p9). Try making our Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats (p27) and remember to take part in our IN IT TO WIN IT competition to be in with a chance of winning a £20 voucher (p26).

We hope, if you’re reading this, you’ve received your Christmas Parcel and you’ve hung your decoration and enjoyed your chocolate Santa. Merry Christmas from everyone at WC?S and we’ll see you in 2021!

The SpeakOut Editorial Team x

5

12

Inside this issue

2-3

Welcome Pages

LIFESTYLE 4 5 6-7

8 9

Celebrating You Page of Positivity Care 2 Re-imagine: Renfrewshire Museum Group Save with Stephanie Elect your Representatives to the NRB

NEWS & EVENTS 10-11 Meet our New CEO 12-13 Care Experienced Week 2020 14 Meet your Advocate 15 Annual Participation

Programme Update 16-17 Newsflash 18 Meet your Local Officer 19 What’s Been Happening in

South Lanarkshire 20 Meet the WC?S Board 21 Fiona Checks In 23 Volunteering at WC?S

ENTERTAINMENT 26

Quiz Pages

SO Junior 18 2

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

27

26-27 So Junior 28 Contact Page

sue of SpeakOut

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

Meet the Editorial Team

STEPHANIE

IE KATITOR)

(ASSISTANT ED

ITOR)

(ED

(ASS

JEMM

ISTA

(ASS

RYAN

ISTA NT

EDIT OR)

(ASS

EMMA

ISTAN T

EDITO

R)

(ASS

WANT TO SEE YOUR NAME IN PRINT?

NT E

DAM

ISTA NT

A

R)

IEN

EDIT OR)

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

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

Our readers

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

2956

members 75 1

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

We do!

DITO

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.

@whocaresscot

WhoCaresScotland @whocaresscot

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 Did you know?

We send out a monthly e-bulletin which is jam packed with details of what’s going on at Who Cares? Scotland and how you can get involved. If you’re not currently receiving it, please contact membership@ whocaresscotland.org and we’ll get your email added.

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

If you would like to opt out of receiving SpeakOut please email membership@whocaresscotland.org WWHHOO CCAARREESS?? SS C C O T L A N D

33

CelebratingYou! NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

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 done, your favourite hobby or a new ething you’ve pet, and we’ll include it in the next issue of SpeakOut. membership@whocare

sscotl

and.org – 40 Wellington Stree t, Glasgow, G2 6HJ

Lifetime of Lockdown

Have You Seen our Care Family Christmas Plan?

S

adly, because of Covid-19 we are not able to host our Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day this year. But we want our members to know that we will still be here and so have come up with a plan to make sure that you feel loved and supported this Christmas.

Christmas Parcel: This issue of SpeakOut is part of your Christmas Parcel.

We’ve sent out parcels to all of our members, that’s over 2,900 parcels! They include: a Christmas Card, the Winter issue of SpeakOut, a chocolate Santa and a tree decoration. We hope you like them!

A Christmas Wish: Care Experienced people have been

given the opportunity to make Christmas Wishes, which we are doing our best to make come true.

A Calendar of Digital Connection: We are offering our members opportunities to connect digitally over the Christmas period. Have a look on our website and our social media platforms to see what’s available!

The Helpline: Remains open throughout the Christmas period. Monday-Friday 12noon4pm, this includes Christmas Day. You can phone 0330 107 7540 or email help@ whocaresscotland.org to talk to someone.

Thank You to the Collective

O

n behalf of everyone at Who Cares? Scotland, we would like to say an extra special ‘THANK YOU’ to all the members of Who Cares?

Scotland’s National Representative Body – the Collective, who completed their 2 year terms on December 12th.

The Collective was made up of Who Cares? Scotland members from across Scotland who were committed to contributing to our ambition of a lifetime of equality, respect and love for all Care Experienced People.

From the very first gathering in December 2018, to all of the influencing moments with Scottish Government, the First

4

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

Minister, Corporate Parents and many more – each of you should be proud of all your hard work over the last two years.

Find out what the future holds for Scotland’s National Representative Body and how you can have your say on page 9.

By Megan , 19

Lockdown, the dreaded word, Suddenly your life is now all backwards, Well for us, This is the norm.

The norm of feeling trapped, Not knowing how our life is going to be mapped, No choice, No voice.

Waiting on an answer, As we feel our emotions getting chucked into a blender Anxious ball of nerves, Our life stories filled with things no one deserves.

We miss our family, The ones who were my anchors, Such as my cousins, and my little brother.

I wished the time without them felt like blur.

But it doesn’t, it’s destroying me, Only wishing I had the key, To a happy and successful time, But instead all I can do is climb.

Climbing, climbing, all day long, Up and down, left to right, up against the walls, Down again, down again, Constantly asking – when?

When am I going to be free?

Free of the uncertainty, Free of the blurring.

Free of THIS life.

See this life I’m talking about, Don’t be in doubt, Isn’t about lockdown in 2020.

This is the life of care experience, A constant act of balance, So please remember to give us a voice, And remember we didn’t get a choice!

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

Page of

NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS

y t i v i t i s o P T

his page is full of little messages of positivity. Words and pictures to make you smile and give you the strength to keep going, even through the most difficult of times. If you’d like to share some positivity with others, it could be a specific message to someone or just generally good vibes, send them into membership@whocaresscotland.org.

October Holiday

Trips

Barry Colquhoun

M

embers from groups across Renfrewshire met up during the October holiday week to enjoy some time together visiting some cool places in and around Glasgow, whilst still going along with social distancing rules with impeccable maturity.

First, we took a group to the Kelvingrove Museum to see some art and culture. We also played ‘Where’s Denny?’ – Denny would take a picture of himself somewhere in the museum and we would need to find him.

One member said, “I enjoyed our trip to the museum because I am learning about World War I at school and to see some real life stuff from that time in the museum has made me more interested in the subject.”

Another day, we went to the Transport Museum as requested by the kids we were taking that day, followed by a visit to The Tall Ship – a restored Victorian sail ship turned into a museum on the river Clyde.

We took another group out for a day out to Mugdock park.

We got to see some lovely countryside and it was really nice to have a day just simply enjoying nature.

Care to Connect?

Care2Connect is a safe space for Care Experienced people to explore their well-being, get useful tips on self-care and selfdiscovery. It’s a great opport unity to unload and get support dur ing these uncertain times. This group runs fortnightly, Thursd ay at 7pm on Zoom! Contact the Renfrewshire team for more information.

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

5

NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE

Speak SUMMER2020 2019 SpeakOut OutMagazine Magazine||SUMMER WINTER

Care 2 Re-Ima

Renfrewsh Museum Gr Theighan McGirr, Communities that Care Support Officer

Hello Renfrewshire Members!

I know, I know you’re probably away to do ANYTHING else right now instead of reading this because museums are soooo boring. Watching paint dry would be more fun right? But please give yer gal a chance and if I can’t convince you to give Renfrewshire’s museum group a chance by the end of this page I’ll let you go watch your freshly painted wall dry in peace.

Right, so take a minute to picture a museum for me and the people you’d find in it (weesht, you said you’d give me a chance stop sighing!) What are they doing? What do they look like? What do they sound like?

Let me guess, you imagined just a boring, sterile looking building and everything is mostly white inside. It echoes when you speak above a whisper and conveniently there’s always a group of old, middle class people waiting nearby to give you a disapproving glare when you laugh because the statue of the Greek god is naked. The old, posh people are also all white and might even have a pocket watch or a monocle. Basically, you just feel super out of place (even in your imagination) and you don’t want to hang out there.

OMG guys we’re the same! Because that’s exactly what I pictured when I thought about museums. Well, before the Renfrewshire museum group that is. I’ve been coming along to this group for months now and I’ll be honest with

6

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

you, I thought I was going to be bored the entire time and there was no point in the group. But thank god I was wrong because I’ve had SO. MUCH. FUN. at this group.

We’ve done so many fun activities, including: picking something in our house and sharing it with the group as if it’s a museum exhibit, scrapbooking, writing poems about Paisley (or where people live) and so much more! We recreated the museum exhibit activity recently at a park in Paisley and it was a super fun day.

NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS

SUMMER2020 2020 2019 Speak Out Magazine | WINTER

agine:

hire roup that you are free to go watch some paint dry now. BUT if I’ve shocked you with the weird and wonderful types of museums out there or even just got you interested a wee bit, then here’s some info for you:

The amazing people that come along to the group each week from the Paisley museum (Stef and James) have also taught us that museums aren’t like what we imagined.

Did you know that there’s a toilet museum, a lawnmower museum, a potato museum, an underwater museum and even a museum for ramen noodles?!

This group isn’t just super fun and it doesn’t just teach us about the weird and wonderful world of museums, it also gives Care Experienced people like us the chance to shape Paisley’s museum which will reopen in 2022!

James and Stef come along and listen to our thoughts and views every single week. They’ve listened to us express how we want people of colour to feel welcome in the museum, along with all members of the LGBT+ community. We want more diverse exhibits that are more creative and interactive. We want a room in the museum that is a safe space for anyone and everyone. Gender neutral toilets, jobs for Care Experienced people, access for all types of people with disabilities. Basically, we’re having loads of fun AND making the museum a place where everyone can go, laugh as loud as they want and have fun (not just the old poshies)!

If I haven’t convinced you to give the Care 2 ReImagine museum group a chance yet, I hereby declare

• The Care 2 Re-Imagine group is a partnership with the WC?S Communities that Care team and Paisley Museum Re-Imagined.

• The museum is closed and will reopen around 2022.

• The purpose of the group is to ensure that the museum is a caring space where Care. Experienced people from Renfrewshire feel like they belong when it reopens.

• The group is on every Monday at 4.30pm on Zoom with some options for face to face meetings.

If you want to come along and join the fun, then contact someone from the Renfrewshire team (contact details are on the back of this snazzy magazine. I mean look at how glossy it is, smells not too bad either).

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

7

SAVE NEWS & EVENTS LIFESTYLE

SUMMER2020 2019 Speak Out Magazine | WINTER

WITH STEPHANIE A

s a Care Leaver, finally living on my own, I understand the importance of budgeting and being financially responsible. But just because we have responsibilities doesn’t mean we can’t have fun! Please join me in trying new activities and adventures, that won’t break the bank. It will be worth it!

Due to our most recent lockdown, this edition is going to include lots of free online activities that anyone of any of any age can get involved in. I know times are tough, but these activities always cheer me up when the lockdown blues hit.

Mental health is extremely important to your overall wellbeing, make sure you are also taking care of your mind with these relaxing classes: ν www.wemeditate.co/live ν www.mindfulnessassociation.net/latest-news/ free-daily-online-meditation/

Do you love day trips to museums? Don’t feel like you’re missing out with these amazing virtual tours: ν www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne ν www.britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/ ν www.naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour/ current-exhibits

Before lockdown one of my favourite things to do with friends was to watch films and give my unwanted commentary through the whole thing. I miss that and if you do too, all you need is a Netflix subscription and your friends, with the below link you can host you’re your own watching party from home! ν https://www.netflixparty.com/

Visits to Blair Drummond Safari Park and Edinburgh Zoo are some of my best childhood memories. Now you can relive these memories from the comfort of my couch with London and Edinburgh Zoo’s live streams.

Have fun checking out what mischief the penguins and lemurs are getting up to during this lockdown. ν www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/virtual-london-zoo ν www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/webcams/panda-cam/

Were you planning a holiday this year that couldn’t go ahead? These live streams of Niagara Falls and other fascinating locations might just fill that void! ν www.earthcam.com/canada/niagarafalls/

My House Rocks are hosting a range of amazing activities online. Why not pick up a new skill if you have the time? From guitar lessons to cooking classes, Zumba classes and Spanish lessons - they have everything you would want a lockdown to consist of! ν www.myhouserocks.co.uk/things-to-do/

Are you a fitness buff or just looking to get healthy?

This lockdown is the perfect chance to kick off whatever exercise regime you want! Here are some fun workout activities that you can do online. ν www.readingleisure.co.uk/exercise-classes/ ν www.restless.co.uk/health/healthy-body/5-freeonline-exercise-classes-to-try-during-lockdown/

8

Stephanie Eregbu

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

Lockdown w ont last forever but I hope that these fun (m ostly free!) activities wil l help get you through . See you on the other sid e.

NEWSLIFESTYLE & EVENTS

SUMMER2020 2019 Speak Out Magazine | WINTER

Elect your Representatives to the NRB R

ecruitment for the next cohort of members to the WC?S National Representative Body is underway and we want to ensure you are kept informed of the opportunity for each of you, as members, to elect your representatives.

We will be in touch in early 2021 with more information and you will have the opportunity to review the candidates video manifestos and show your support by casting your votes.

Voting will open the week before the Members Assembly (AGM) and the new representatives for 2021-2022 will be announced at the Members Assembly on the 27th February 2021.

This is a call to all members to get involved in supportin g the democracy of Who Cares ?

Scotland by being involved in the election of your representatives.

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

9

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

Meet our New CEO :

Louise Hunter Ryan Bazga, Editorial Assistant

W

ho Cares? Scotland has just welcomed its new Chief Executive, Louise Hunter into her role. Louise replaces Duncan Dunlop, who was previously Chief Executive for 9 years. I got the chance to interview Louise for SpeakOut before she started, so that our members could get to know her a little bit. We would also like to extend our thanks to Duncan Dunlop for his hard work over the last 9 years and we look forward to seeing what Louise has to offer in her new role.

Ryan: Can you tell us a little bit about your journey to becoming Chief Executive of WC?S?

Louise: I went to university to study psychology despite being encouraged to leave school at 16. I see myself as being determined more than academically clever. During Uni I had a couple of primary school placements. There I saw lots of vulnerable children and realised how powerless teachers were given the nature of their role. So I moved onto RAMH (Renfrewshire Association of Mental Health) where I was a Support Worker. Then I worked in Homeless Units. Whilst working for Quarriers I witnessed the Care System – young people would arrive, dragging bin bags full of their belongings. I saw how little they had, and how important those few possessions were to them.

Then I worked for Glasgow City Council in the Criminal Social Justice department. Unfortunately, here I felt there was too much system and not enough engagement, which didn’t sit with my values. So then I moved to SACRO (Scottish Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders) and worked as a Youth Practitioner. Here I feel there was a recognition that punishment for crime doesn’t work. Kids just get records. I worked on an interesting project here that looked at bringing young people who had committed minor crimes together with the people they had committed crimes against.

I then worked for Community Safety Glasgow which was affiliated to Glasgow City Council. I led many services including restorative justice and human trafficking.

Then I became a Director at YPeople which was a national organisation supporting people who were homeless and young Care Experienced people.

During that time, I adopted my son who was 20 months old.

I then became Chief Executive

10

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

at Visibility Scotland. Here I learnt lot of transferable skills, about what it takes to be a Chief Executive. When I heard Duncan was moving on, I knew I wanted to apply and get back to working with Care Experienced people. It was a tough recruitment process. You don’t just turn up for an interview. You invest emotionally and have to be prepared to make yourself vulnerable.

I have cared about all the causes I’ve worked for, but this means something deeply to me. My heart is in it.

Ryan: That sounds like a very interesting journey.

What do you hope to accomplish for the Care Experienced community as Chief Executive of WCS?

Louise: I hope to bring my past work experience and my personal experience with me. It’s difficult to say exactly because I’m not in post yet. But I want to create an organisation that is sustainable. I like the fact that Who Cares? Scotland and its members see themselves as a family. I want to do what I can to support that family. I’m also very aware that this is job isn’t about me – the Care Experienced voice must be paramount.

I would like to get WC?S around the right tables. Get it noticed by some new faces.

There is huge opportunity in The Promise and I want

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

to make sure WC?S are alongside that and make sure that Care Experienced People are represented.

Archie and my son, who is now 5 year old, we all love going for walks on the beach.

Ryan: What are some of the challenges you expect to face whilst in your new role?

Ryan: Do you have a favourite TV show/film?

Louise: My favourite film is Eat, Pray, Love because it’s about finding yourself and going with your heart.

Louise: Getting to know a new organisation is always the first challenge but I am already making an effort to do this. I have attended a Board committee meeting and will do as much as I can so I can hit the ground running when I officially start in December. Most importantly, I want to listen to our members, because what is an organisation without the voice of its members being taken into consideration?

I want to work with members. What’s working for them? If people aren’t members, why not? Also, whilst acknowledging we are in a different time with the pandemic.

I want to listen to make sure that people’s voices are heard. I want to acknowledge the past, but I am here for the future.

I want to be effective quickly. Things are happening now.

Ryan: What is your favourite food?

Louise: My husband is a fussy eater, so he makes things tricky but I like all sorts. I have been eating a lot of Thai food recently because some of my family are vegan, and you get great vegan Thai recipes.

Ryan: Are you into sports?

Louise: During lockdown I’ve been using the Couch to 5k app, which has surprisingly been very enjoyable.

Ryan: What is your dream holiday destination?

Louise: I would love to go back to South Africa. My brother lived there for 8 years so I have fond memories of being there. It was a magical place. I even did shark diving.

Ryan: We are obviously in difficult times with the Coronavirus pandemic, which poses new challenges for the Care Experienced community. Do you have any words of re-assurance for our members, some of whom may be struggling in the current situation?

Ryan: And to round things off, JAFFA CAKES. Are they biscuits or cakes?

Louise: Biscuits! If someone told me they had cake and I was handed a Jaffa Cake, I’d be disappointed!

Louise: Re-assurance is difficult right now because of the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. But no matter what, WC?S will be there for members – however we can be.

We will still be here, and we will continue to reach out to people who aren’t members too.

Ryan: Thank you very much for taking part in this interview Louise. On behalf of WC?S members I’d like to wish you the very best of luck in your new role.

Ryan: On a lighter note, what are some of your hobbies?

Louise: I’m an outdoorsy person. I have a westie called

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

11

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

Care Experienced Week 2020 This year there was a focus on connecting with the Care Experienced community, as well as celebrating it, as this is particularly needed in the current lockdown climate.

The Love Rally We kicked Care Experienced Week off this year with the first ever Digital Love Rally. We received a message of support from the First Minister which has been seen by over 80,000 people before hearing from speakers from across the globe about what love means to them and the importance of community.

The conversation spanned over three different time zones, with input from as far as Washington D.C. and New Zealand. Each of our guests explained what love means to them and how that has changed over time, how important love is and why we should continue to fight for it. Keri from Washington D.C. explained that love is strange for Care Experience people who haven’t felt it before, and compares it to a hot bath, which may be

uncomfortable at first but is soothing once we have accepted and gotten used to it. #LoveRally was trending on Twitter in Scotland and the UK as people used it to let us know what love means to them as well as sending messages of love, hope and solidarity. (See photos) Our Interim CEO Claudia Macdonald on the importance of the Love Rally and celebrating love: “From me it’s a huge thank you for connecting with love. It’s an emotive, complex & personal feeling. But it matters; it makes us, pushes us and it protects us. We won’t stop until all our members experience love in this way.”

The Love Rally can still be watched on our YouTube channel, and the conversation can be caught up with on Twitter.

Beth’s Supper Club Well as we all know this year Care Experienced Week was so different for everybody. But our advocate in West Dunbartonshire, Beth Simpson, decided to host a Zoom dinner party. It was the cutest!

Who would believe that me and Beth are coming up for our 9 year anniversary, crazy eh! She made homemade chilli and delivered it in a bag with rice, jalapenos, chocolate brownies, a face mask, bath salts, a wee card with a wee message. Also there was a Hawaii flower necklace.

We all logged onto Zoom at 5, ate our dinner and all chatted about how things have been. It was really touching and just

12

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

By Chelsea Ely

what I needed. We had a wee card in the bag as well which had a question on it.

My question was ‘If you could have any superpower, what would it be?’ and my answer was to be able to turn back time.

I thought this was such a nice way to spend time with each other, especially with how difficult life is just now. And the food was amazing! Rosemary, another West Dun advocate who covered for Beth when she went on maternity leave, also made an appearance which was lovely.

However you spent it, I hope everybody had a nice Care Experienced week.

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

#C EW2020

t n u H r e g n e v a c S e Renfrewshir

e n i h S o t e m Ti

We brought the week’s celebrations to a close with Time to Shine Online, a digital version of our annual celebratory festival.

This year 51 members registered to take part and our friends from Musicares and SoundLab led out on virtual activities including: ukulele lessons, Kintsugi art, hip hop production, plus live music performances.

Members who attended said: “Well It was my first WC?S event, so it will be hard to forget, but I will defo remember the tips that Steg G gave me on how to be a

To celebrate Care Experienced Week, our Renfrewshire member Charlie came up with a brilliant way for us to do something together safely – a huge scavenger hunt…with a twist! We split into small teams and each team was based at a different place in Renfrewshire or North Ayrshire. We had to find as many things on our list as we could, including coloured leaves, berries, geese and even cows! We also had to complete different challenges like doing the Time Warp and 100 star jumps and making a love heart out of things that were nearby. It was a great day out and everyone had lots of fun, even when it started raining. The teams called each other over Zoom during the

successful rapper and the tips Rachel gave on singing and song writing.”

“It was fun!”

In the current climate we’ve come to rely on digital events as a way to spend time with our members, we know this isn’t anyone’s preferred way to interact, but when we asked the festival delivery team why it was important that we keep offering our members these opportunities, this person’s answer summed it up:

activity to make it feel like we were all together!

Well done to all of the teams for taking part and a special well done to the Glencoats Park team for winning! Thank you so much to Charlie for this brilliant idea, where we could all have fun and celebrate together while keeping safe!

Quote from Charlie, age 19: “I came up with the idea for the Scavenger Hunt because I remember doing something similar when I was doing my Duke of Edinburgh Award in school. My favourite part of the day was that we all had a great laugh. It was important for us to do this because getting together keeps people’s mental health up at this time.”

vents ital e try g i d , c o demi nue t s for e pan s to conti r h e t b g m n “Duri allowed u to our me hope they have er spaces lusion. I ten them ff inc s? orgot and o tion and not f Who Care e c v e a n t h a ng.” con hat we er wh somethi t t t a w m ng sho hat no e doi and t and will b Scotl

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

13

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

Meet Your AdvoJocate McLeod

Jo McLeod is the Advocacy and Participation worker for Children’s Hearings in Aberdeen. Jo joined the Who Cares?

Scotland team in August during the global pandemic. Jo has a wealth of experience working with Care Experienced people and our wider community. Her passion and drive to elevate voice and create meaningful engagement and to elevate voice are clear to see. Jo finds fun and happiness in music, dance, animals and travel.

I

’m Jo, I’ve worked with children and young people for over 10 years and I just love it! I’ve worked in schools and children’s houses in Scotland and New York, and with amazing young people leaving care. I love being outdoors and my favourite place is anywhere near the sea, but I’ll take hills and the woods too! To chill out I like to roll out my yoga mat and get some good tunes on. To have fun I love a dance, unfortunately I haven’t been to any gigs for ages because of lockdown, I can’t wait to get out and see some live music again! I love hugs, from people and from dogs, cats, rats or just about any animal!

Why did you want to become an advocate?

I came across Who Cares? Scotland while working in Social Work and I was so impressed by their strong values and their motivation to change things for the better for all Care Experienced people. In all my jobs before, people told me they did not feel listened to and that decisions were made for them instead of with them. I wanted to be a part of changing that! Being an advocate means that I am kind of like a parrot - I listen rcarefully to what young people tell me and repeat it. I want to make sure that every child and young person is fully involved in decisions about their life, so I am delighted to be working at Children’s Hearings.

Why do you think independent advocacy is important?

It’s important to be independent - I don’t work for social work, school, or anyone else so you know I am here just for you. I don’t make choices or decisions for young people, I only help them to have their own views heard on what is happening in their lives and what might happen in the future. Advocacy is important because it can be really scary to speak up for yourself - having someone alongside you just

14

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

makes it that little bit easier.

It can also be a bit confusing to know what all your rights are so it’s important to have someone explain these to you make sure they are respected.

so that you can

What is it like being an advocate during a global pandemic and lockdown?

I started this job in lockdown so it has been so strange to not meet any children or young people face to face, or even my workmates! I found it really awkward on video calls to start with but I guess I am getting used to it, just like everybody else is. I really can’t wait to see people in real life! It can be difficult to build relationships with people without actually meeting them which makes me feel a little sad. But I know If you are attending that we all have a Children’s hearing in to do what we Aberdeen soon and think you need to do to would like advocacy you can get in get through touch with Jo on 07598 580316. If this and we you live somewhere else but think you will come out would like advocacy look at the map stronger!

on the back of this magazine where you will find the contact details for all of our APWs.

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

The Annual Participation Programme

e t a d p U

I

n the last edition of SpeakOut, we spoke about the launch of ‘The Annual Participation Programme’.

This programme of opportunities will help Who Cares? Scotland plan for participation activity throughout the coming year, and it will allow members to choose how they get involved.

Whether this is as an individual, part of a local group, or by taking part in national workshops.

The first theme of the programme was Child and Human Rights. We had several sessions running where we engaged with our members on this issue. Children’s Hearing Scotland also joined us for these discussions and provided feedback on their new Inclusion Strategy.

Our amazing Kari-Ann, APW and Development Officer, shared her reflections on the first few sessions!

“With the first Children and Human Rights national session fast approaching, I was incredibly excited to be facilitating the session but also very nervous! In the first two sessions we were joined

by Juliet from Together Scotland. Juliet created an interesting and informative presentation of the work she and the organisation have been involved in.

Most notably, the incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots Domestic law. Juliet spoke highly of Who Cares? Scotland’s role within campaigning for this law change to happen. Ryan McShane and other MSYP also got high praise and recognition for their role in pushing decision makers to act in making this important law change.

Juliet then handed the virtual mic over to me to lead a discussion around Child and Human rights. I cannot emphasise enough that in both sessions, the participants contributions were

incredible, thoughtful, and insightful. The conversation was enriched with ideas, embedded with lived experience and solution focused, with everyone bringing bravery to these sessions. I always feel privileged to do the job I do, no more so than when I facilitate sessions.”

Our second theme within The Annual Participation Programme was COVID-19 Recovery Planning.

Since March 2020, the global pandemic has changed everyday life as we know it and has impacted every individual in society. Who Cares?

Scotland have continued to support the Care Experienced community through this unprecedented situation, and we have seen the significant impact that Covid-19 had, and continues to have, on many Care Experienced individuals’ lives.

We want to understand the impact of the global pandemic for our members and explore with them the

wider implications of this lifechanging event. We also wanted to understand what it felt like and meant to our members to live through this strange and stressful time.

These sessions have run between October and December and continue to be very engaging!

The next theme will kick off in the New Year and will be Realising The Promise. Look out for how you can get involved in our national engagement sessions.

If you have any questions please get in touch with the Policy Team – policy@whocaresscotland.org We will be creating new themes for the rest 2021/2022 soon, which is very exciting! So keep an eye out on the Who Cares? Scotland website - https://www.whocaresscotland.org/ the-annual-participation-programme/ and on social media to sign up for the upcoming themes!

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

15

H H H

H HH

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

NEWSFLASH

Flash to our members. However, we know that not very month we send out a digital newsletter called News to the internet. That’s why we have decided to start all of our members will have an email account or access couple of months and sharing them again, here in including a roundup of important headlines from the last SpeakOut, so you don’t miss out! ng email address, just email membership@ If you haven’t been receiving NewsFlash but have a worki whocaresscotland.org and we’ll update your details.

E

H

Care Experienced History Month - April 2021

H H H

We announced our plans to dedicate April 2021 to be the first ever Care Experienced History Month. We think that by exploring the past together, we can learn, grow and remember this rich and important history.

Throughout history, and in the present day, all children have needed love, stability and positive relationships to grow and develop. At different points, as far back as 4,000 years ago, the state has intervened in family life when that isn’t being offered to some children.

In Scotland, our conversation about Care Experienced history came to focus on Care Day 2020, when the

First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and Scottish Labour party leader, Richard Leonard, joined Care Experienced people to learn about the history of Care Experienced people across the world.

They joined us in hearing the stories of the Sons of the Mars, the children of Symllum and Quarriers Village and the displaced Care Experienced people who were separated from their families, stripped of their identities, and sent across the world to former UK Colonies.

We think that we are doomed to repeat history if we do not learn about it honestly.

Black History Month Article Member, Amy-Beth, and Melissa from our Public Affairs team, explored the intersectionality of race and Care Experience in this blog for Care Experienced Week and Black History Month, hosted

by CRER (Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights).

You can read the full article here – www.crer.scot/post/it-s-time-to-talk-about-careexperienced-people-of-colour

16

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

More information can be found on our website – www. whocaresscotland.org/what-we-do/ campaigns/history-month/

The Promise Oversight Board Recruitment is now underway for Oversight Board members.

The Oversight Board is a key component in the work being carried out by The Promise. Chaired by Fiona Duncan, it will meet for the first time in January 2021. At least 50% of its membership will have lived experience of care.

It will hold Scotland to account. It will recognise that there are both national and local bridges and barriers to change which are of critical importance to the lives of children and families.

Turn to page 21 to get a full update on the work of The Promise directly from Fiona Duncan.

HHH H H H H H Children’s Hearing Advocacy NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

The law says all children and young people who need to go to a children’s hearing should be able to get support and representation from a children’s advocacy worker. It doesn’t matter how old you are; if you would like an advocacy worker to help you, you can have one.

Who Cares? Scotland are one of the organisations now providing advocacy support for Children’s Hearings. You can find out who you local work is by visiting www.hearings-advocacy.com/ about-advocacy

Giving Evidence to the Equalities and Human Rights Committee

Period Products (Scotland) Bill On the 24th November the Period Products (Scotland) Bill was unanimously passed by the Scottish government with the goal of tackling “period poverty”.

This means that by law, the Scottish Government must provide free period products for anyone who needs them.

This includes products being provided in school, college and university toilets.

Scotland is the first country in the world to provide free and universal access to period products, which should help tackle period poverty – the struggle to pay for basic sanitary products on a monthly basis.

On the 26th November our Policy Manager, Carly Elliot, gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities and Human Rights Committee for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill on behalf of our members.

When questioned, Carly’s answers were shaped by our advocacy knowledge, the work we have done on the UNCRC and strengthened by members’ voices. We fully support the incorporation of the UNCRC in Scots law, it is a historic step for Scotland’s children and remains a key theme in our work.

We have also submitted a written response to the Committee.

This year alone, three fostering campaigns have received widespread criticism from the Care Experienced community across social media. So we decided to use our resources and time to host conversations between a cross UK group entirely made up of Care Experienced people including some with professional experience of marketing, advertising, delivery of care and therapeutic support.

Together, they have created an open source, free to use resource that shows how this group of Care Experienced people want conversations about fostering to be go.

H H

H

#ShareOurLife

H

H

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

17

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

Meet your Local Officer W

ho Cares? Scotland constantly strives to better the relationships between the Care Experienced community and their Corporate Parents. Awareness raising, training and open communication is at the heart of moving forward positively with your Corporate Parents.

Over the last while, we have been working hard with Police Scotland

to break down barriers and build lasting relationships between the Care Experienced community and Officers. ‘Meet Your Local Officer’ gives space for passionate Officers, who we believe champion the Care Experienced community, a place to introduce themselves and show how they are changing the culture within their organisation.

It is my great privilege to introduce myself to you. I am chief inspector Lex Baillie and I am responsible for operational policing in South Lanarkshire. I have been in the police service for more than 26 years and I love the challenges which policing brings every day.

Despite meeting with loads of great people from Who Cares? Scotland and being involved in some work with Care Experienced young people, I still feel under qualified for this unique opportunity to feature in this wonderful publication!

I was honoured to be involved in the Independent Care Review and worked with some wonderful Care Experienced people whose lived experience was fundamental to the review.

From the outset, I made it clear that I was representing Police Scotland and that I was committed to learning as much as I could from the review. I am pleased to say the biggest thing I learned was that the best care system in the world would be all about love and that Care Experienced young people deserve to be loved.

In my current role, I have the wonderful opportunity to speak to every new police officer who comes to South Lanarkshire.

I share my knowledge and learning with them and I

particularly enjoy talking to them about the importance of ensuring Care Experienced young people are treated fairly.

Positive engagement with children and young people will influence their perspective on policing for the rest of their lives - a huge part of my job is to make their perspective positive. I wish you all the very best and thank you for the chance to appear in this fantastic publication.

PC Baillie, South Lanarkshire

If you have a question for or would like to get in touch with your local Police Officer, please email our Corporate Parenting Team – corporateparenting@whocaresscotland.org

18

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

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

What’s Been Happening in South Lanarkshire?

Callum Holt, South Lanarkshire Development Officer

Preparing for our Champions Board South Lanarkshire Council and Who Cares? Scotland have been working hard to get the right structures in place to make sure the Champions Board in South Lanarkshire will be able to properly work with corporate parents and other third sector partners to truly make South Lanarkshire the best place to grow up!

Covid-19 might have slowed us down slightly but it hasn’t stopped us, so here’s a whistle stop tour of what we’ve been doing: • Helped to recruit to the new throughcare/aftercare team with our local members • Created a new corporate parenting board – this board will be made up of senior corporate parents and other adults Care Experienced people think need to be at the table • Worked with housing to make sure care experienced people get priority support for repairs and tenancy issues • Started a new project with NHS Lanarkshire to improve how Care Experienced young people can get access to different types of healthcare • Had a Chat & Listen session between the Director of Health & Social Care, the Chief Social Worker and some of our members • Created a new Corporate Parenting framework, this means that all corporate parents in South Lanarkshire will work to the same principles and values, meaning all Care Experienced people should be supported and treated exactly the same way, regardless of what corporate parent is working alongside them.

We also launched our new brand!

After running a logo competition, our steering group of Care Experienced people, graphic designers and other corporate parents decided on 3 winning entries that together created the South Lanarkshire Champions Board Logo: • The heart created by hands symbolises the diversity of care experience and Care Experienced community and the loving relationships and connections that all Care Experienced people should have with each other and their corporate parents.

• The tartan background references the Care Family tartan to remind all Care Experienced people in South Lanarkshire that they are still part of a care family.

• The lines in the word ‘Champions’ represent all the different people who need to work together to champion for and alongside Care Experienced people.

All we need now is you! If you’re a South Lanarkshire Care Experienced person and interested in getting involved in our Champions Board, then contact me: 07769 325162 or cholt@whocaresscotland.org

Rosslyn’s Macmillan Coffee Morning R

osslyn Children’s House held a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, to raise funds in honour of survivors and sadly those we have lost. The young people spent time with staff to cook their individual recipes – these included a snickers cheesecake, caramel shortcake and fairy cakes, to name but a few.

Their efforts raised a grand sum of £100 which is a massive achievement during Covid restrictions.

This money will help to provide a range of support services to cancer patients and their families.

A massive well done to all who took part!

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

19

Meet the WC?S Board NEWS & EVENTS

What skills and experiences do you bring to the board?

I am a Care Experienced, former professional wrestler, current Educational Psychologist. I am hugely driven to make a difference to the lives of Care Experienced People. On a personal and professional level, I have been impacted by the injustices our community faces. Involvement with Who Cares? Scotland has changed my life for the better. It supported me to accept myself for who I am and push myself towards who I want to be. This happened at the

most difficult point in my life. For the empowerment and love and hope that this organisation has given me, I will forever be grateful.

I bring to the board, personal and professional awareness, understanding, and knowledge, of where things go wrong, every day, for our most vulnerable members of society. I bring a true and relentless passion to change this. And, perhaps most importantly, I come with a belief that change is possible.

If you could be any animal, which would it be?

A dog. Because I love dogs (I have three). But I would also consider being a shark, because I am fascinated by sharks and I love water.

What was your first job?

•

• •

Sales-person in Claire’s Accessories. If you are not counting my attempts at setting up my own businesses as: A car washer – but then I was allergic to the soap I bought.

An artist – but it transpired people are not willing to pay much for tracings of my favourite Disney characters.

•

•

A magician – but…I didn’t have the patience or determination to learn any decent tricks and spent much of my performances milking the simplest of card tricks.

A writer…I never completed anything I started, but the door on this one has not closed.

What is the most important lesson that life has taught you?

Do you have a message for Who Cares? Scotland’s Care Experienced members?

‘Don’t let the things in life that you cannot control define you’. My Gran used to tell me that, over and over.

All the time. It has now become a daily exercise for me. Completing my circle of control vs. concern.

Identifying where it is worth targeting my energy. Not everyone deserves your energy.

I am with you. I am one of you.

We deserve a lifetime of equality, respect, and love.

20

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

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

This issue we’re introducing

Carmel Jacobs

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

Fiona Checks In I

t’s been a tough year and it’s hard to believe that Christmas is almost here. Although it will feel different, I think that one of the best presents we would all benefit from giving and receiving is kindness – being kind to one other and also to ourselves.

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

On 5th February, after three years of careful listening and detailed research, the Care Review – which only happened because you demanded it – published reports outlining its conclusions.

The Care Review would never have reached its destination if it hadn’t been for you telling me what was needed, at every stage, and for sharing your experiences to tell Scotland what had to change.

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

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

In the summer, a team was put together to make sure that promise is kept and an organisation called The Promise

is being created. I have been asked to chair this and so am making the same promise to you that I did almost four years ago when I was asked to chair the Care Review: you will continue to be at the heart of driving the change you have demanded.

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

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

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

Meantime, there is work underway to set up a Promise Design School to train the care community to be Promise Design

Champions. This will make sure that the care community’s skills and experiences are at the heart of all future service design and decision-making. A virtual workshop took place in November to hear from the care community about how this should work.

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

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

Thank you. Hope you have a happy holiday.

Fiona

Would you like to know more about The Promise?

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

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

21

a g n i r e e t Volun Who Cares NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

Heather Donaldson , Volunteering Development Officer

Meet our new volunteers!

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

22

Zoë - Renfrewshire

Jim - Moray

My name is Zoë. I’m a primary school teacher and I’ve got two daughters aged 7 and 10. I love singing in choirs and anything musical. I also love getting outdoors to cycle and swim in the open air. Can’t wait to meet you all!

I am a Care Experienced adult, WC?S Family Member and Children’s Panel Member.

I know how it feels and truly believe that we should always be proud. If I can make even a tiny little difference but more importantly bring a smile to a young person’s day, then that will do for me.

Judith - Renfrewshire

Jeanette - Fundraising

I’m really looking forward to getting to know the young people and other volunteers at WC?S, and to having fun in the groups and try out new things during the activities. I love food, going to the gym and reading, and would love to learn how to do some arts and crafts!

Hello! I am 23 and I am one of the Fundraising volunteers.

I’m also a third year public sociology student at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh. I love cycling!

Robert W - Renfrewshire

Lucy - Moray

I’m retired, and I love open water swimming. I celebrated my 40th wedding anniversary this year and look forward to my first grandchild sometime in mid-January next year, just before my 70th birthday! I’m married to a French lady, Christine, who is a schoolteacher, so pre-Covid, we would spend the school holidays in France.

I’m a proud mum and gran, retired now but worked as a youth worker, road safety officer and approved driving instructor during my working life. I also serve on the Children’s Panel in Moray.

In all jobs, I have had the privilege of working with many wonderful young people.

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

at s? Scotland

NEWS & EVENTS

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

Meet our Volunteer Marta Why did you choose to volunteer with Who Cares? Scotland?

The first time I heard about Who Cares?

Scotland was while I was a student at the University of Strathclyde. It was during my final year when my tutor and I thought that Who Cares? Scotland would be a perfect organisation culminating with my learning journey. Throughout my studies, I was really passionate about making a difference in the society we live in and working with children and young people was always important for me. While on placement with Who Cares? Scotland, I met people who really made a huge

impact on my life. I realised that this is exactly what I wish to be part of.

I chose to volunteer with Who Cares?

Scotland because I have come across people who are really determined and passionate about making that difference and they do an amazing job. Through my placement, I have seen how life can pose difficulties to children and young people.

Who Cares? Scotland dedicates their time to making this journey a little bit easier for them and I am thankful I can be a part of this.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

What I enjoy most about volunteering is how rewarding these opportunities are. Through my support, I hope I can have even the smallest positive impact on the day of every child and young person I

meet. I am glad I have an opportunity to spend time and get to know members of the Who Cares? Scotland family and I look forward to the opportunity of meeting many more!

What qualities do I bring to the young people I work with?

I would like to think that I am a friendly, compassionate and supportive person who knows how to listen. With these qualities, I wish to encourage children and young people’s self-confidence and high self-esteem in their abilities because I understand what difference it makes when someone believes in you. This is exactly what Who Cares? Scotland has done for me. They helped me to come a step closer in overcoming my fear of public speaking by giving me the opportunity of being involved in their Listen and Learn sessions. Everybody encouraged me to believe in myself and, with their support, I have done it. My confidence and self-esteem grew and now I would like to give the same thing back to children and young people that might need this too.

I am proud to be a part of this amazing organisation.

All their work and passion towards change is beautifully reflected in the famous quote by Marian Wright Edelman: “If we don’t stand up for children, then we don’t stand for much”. This quote stuck with me through the start of my professional and personal journey and has driven me to be committed to something bigger in life.

I understood the complete meaning of the message that Marian Wright Edelman tried to put across only when I started being a part of Who Cares? Scotland.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of this beautiful organisation and I can’t wait to see what wonderful things you will do in driving for change for all Care Experienced people. I know all of you will make it happen.

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

23

IN IT TO WIN IT… NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

O

nce you’ve completed the IN IT TO WIN IT page, please return it to your Who Cares? Scotland APW or send it to Who Cares? Scotland, 40 Wellington Street, Glasgow G2 6HJ by March 5th 2021 to be in with a chance of winning a £20 voucher of your choice.

as m t s i r h C The

Quiz

Q1: Why did the other reindeer pick on Rudolph?

Q2: What is the first name of Scrooge, the main character of the novel (and movie(s)), A Christmas Carol?

Guess the Mov ie ??? ???

A

B

C

D

Q3: What are the two other most popular names for Santa Claus?

Q4: In Home Alone, where are the McCallisters going on vacation when they leave Kevin behind?

Q5: How many gifts in total were given in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song?

YOUR NAME: AGE: PHONE: WC?S WORKER: RETURN YOUR ENTRIES TO: Who Cares? Scotland, 40 Wellington Street, Glasgow, G2 6HJ 24

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

E

ffffffffffff

fff

LAST ISSUES WINNERS ARE:

Rockcey, 12 - Cacey, 12 - Declan, 18 Liam, 16 - Leah, 12

ffffffffffff

fff

… N U F R O F T S U J NEWS & EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT

Speak Out Magazine | WINTER 2020

JUST FOR FUN

WINTER WORDSE ARCH Winter Wordsearch

R E R N Y D W J E T U K N W J E L B

S U Y S Q F N O V C J D W E A K F L

H E D H G W T S E Q D L Q V Z A Y R

Y V R O P E T S U Y C B A B P L W G

ANGEL ANGELELF ELF FIG GRINCH

FIG GRINCH MANGER MERRY MISTLETOE NATIVITY PRESENT RUDOLF

U W B A L O Y B U X G T S U C F I J

A G E T C F Q U M C Y T F J N W B M

H L S K I O F P R M A N G E R O H Y

I I I Q K P H I Y R S V L V T N Q P

M N R H L R A W G O K F I P X S W C

G D H K O E T L N K I L E G N A D A

MANGER MERRY MISTLETOE NATIVITY

N U C K Y S N S W Y T I V I T A N D

G K A X I E A Y A Z T Q B T R M K L

PRESENT RUDOLF SANTA SNOWFLAKE

M Q N A P N S P R Z K H D C L Y K I

G C E A S T Z X T R C Y Q Y E Y N E

Q O R K U P D P D N E U Y M L I N F

P I X Q A Q V L I W L M U S F U N W

W P G S A O C R J B G Z K R F T M I

D F T P G N G B U T G K T D C Y F N

STAR STOCKING WHOCARES

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

25

NEWS & EVENTS SO JUNIOR

Speak SpeakOut OutMagazine Magazine||SUMMER WINTER 2020

R O I N U J O S t our younger a h w t u o g in d n fi ves t him know! le Buddy the Bear lo u o y re su e k a en up to! M members have be

How to make a Snowflake Decoration You will need: • 4 lollipop sticks • Glue • Gems • Glitter • String • Sellotape

4. Once the glitter and gems have dried in the glue turn the snowflake over. Make a loop out of the string then use sellotape to attach it to your decoration. The loop can be as big as you want it to be.

Instructions:

Well done! Now hang your awesome snowflake decoration up around your house or gift it to a friend, teacher or relative.

1. Glue the 4 lollipop sticks together to create your snowflake shape.

2. Leave the snowflake to dry.

3. Once the glue has dried decorate the snowflake with the gems and glitter. Spread PVA glue along each lollipop stick then sprinkle over the glitter and add on the gems before leaving to dry again.

Dare to Dream

By Maggie Everest

Margaret is a Children's Services Practitioner with children and young people. She was inspired to write this poem as a result of the young people she’s worked with over the past several years.

The world can be your oyster If YOU believe in YOU. So strive to be the very best And make your dreams come true.

Conquer every challenge Spread your wings and soar Soak up all that knowledge And always look for more.

Embrace all opportunities Never miss a thing Open every door ahead And see what life can bring.

Over the Festive season see how many of the items on this Scavenger Hunt you can tick off!

Nothing will pass by you When you keep that fire within Take every step with passion And watch your life begin.

Make your life so awesome Let every moment count Create a better future And never cast a doubt.

Your talents are immeasurable Your dreams WILL reach the sky So remember your potential And always aim real high.

26

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

NEWSSO & EVENTS JUNIOR

Speak Out Magazine | SUMMER 2020 WINTER 2020

Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats Ingredients: • •

• •

8-inch Round Cake Pan 4 tablespoons 1/2 stick butter, plus extra for greasing the pan 10 ounces mini marshmallows 6 cups crispy rice cereal

•

• • • • •

Follow this recipe to make these delicious and easy festive treats! Your safety is very important so you should always ask an adult for help when cooking with fire. Safety first!

2 ounces white chocolate baking chocolate, candy coating, or melts, DIVIDED 16 candy eyes 16 chocolate covered pretzels 7 brown M&Ms 1 red M&M Christmas sprinkles

Instructions: 1. Generously grease an 8-inch cake pan; set aside.

2. In a large pot set over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows, stir to coat with the butter, and allow to completely melt, stirring frequently. Remove the pot from the heat and gently mix in the cereal until fully combined.

3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press into an even layer. Allow to cool completely.

Run spatula around the edge of the pan, lay a baking tray or cutting board on top, and turn upside down.

Carefully lift off the pan.

4. Melt half of the white chocolate according to package directions.

Spread a small amount of melted white chocolate on the back of the candy eyes and stick them to the top of one of the triangular Rice Krispie Treats. Do the same with the M&M nose and the pretzel antlers.

Repeat for each reindeer.

Melt the rest of the white chocolate.

Finish each reindeer by spreading some melted white chocolate between the antlers, covering with sprinkles, and gently pressing them to stick. Allow the white chocolate to harden before serving the treats or storing them in an airtight container.

TOP TIPS! Be sure to generously butter your pan so that the cereal mixture will pop right out when you flip the pan.

The secret for pressing Rice Krispie Treats into a pan without the mixture sticking to everything is to use wet hands. If your hands and fingers are wet, the gooey marshmallow won’t stick...it really works!

Christmas Card Competition Winner This year’s Who Cares? Scotland Christmas Card has been designed by Maisie, age 13.

The judges were super impressed with Maisie’s avocado and they loved the joke.

Well done Maisie!

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

27

Sian Wild APW Shetland 07599044615

Donna Bentley Schools Advocacy and Participation Development Officer 07748494341

Sharon Edwards West Lothian APW 07779 451 117

Candy Preater APW Rossie 07712 866 835

Cindy McNaughton Senior Practitioner Dundee 07810 570222

Lynne Williamson APW Aberdeenshire 07712 869 576

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

Heather Nailard APW Argyll & Bute 07769325000

Beth Simpson APW West Dunbartonshire 07787 560 467

Lynne Morris South Lanarkshire 07786 068 138

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

Donald Walker APW Renfrewshire 07712 865958

Kari-Ann Johnston APW East Lothian & Champs Board Dev Officer 07841 033 100

IRVINE OFFICE: Sovereign House, Academy Road, Irvine, KA12 8RL

Kieran Platts APW Fife and Cairn Mhor 07841 033 104

Fiona Simpson APW Glasgow 07787 560 472

Kim Campbell APW Glasgow 07712 870 343

Ellie Barrow APW Edinburgh & Harmeny 07970 515 440

Sheryl Kay APW South Ayrshire 07738 195 692

Michelle McAtear APW South Lanarkshire 07841033107

Brenda Ann Murphy McKenna APW North Lanarkshire 07805 541 262

Sophie Morris APW East Lothian 07985 046739

Jemma Kerr North Ayrshire Dev Officer 07712 870 390

Ray MacLean APW North Lanarkshire 07523 512 800

Ewen Kerr APW South Lanarkshire 07970515442

LANARKSHIRE RENFREWSHIRE SOUTH EAST SOUTH WEST

NORTH NORTH EAST NORTH WEST CENTRAL

Laura Campbell North Lan Development Officer 07849086191

Lisa Allan APW North Lanarkshire 07790341265

RENFREWSHIRE OFFICE: c/o West Primary School, Newton Street, Paisley, PA1 2RL 0141 887 5563

Lynsey Emery Development Officer 07980956140

Caroline Ironside APW Stirling 07849 084 996

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

Mags Corr APW North Lanarkshire 07841033018

Jacqueline McLachlan APW North Lanarkshire 07841033020

Heather Donaldson Development Officer (Volunteering and Influencing) 07523 512 797

Caroline Breen APW Renfrewshire 07394 418 025

Julie MacTaggart Project Coordinator 07769 326 101

Jordan Ray APW East Dunbartonshire 07849086681

Amy Goodwin APW Spark of Genius 07971474168

Lindsay Cook APW East Renfrewshire 07973801709

Karen Kearney APW West Lothian 07523 512 796

Lauren Hall Development Officer West Lothian 07731 153 702

Jantine van Loon APW Highland 07850 852 708

Pamela Hynes APW Argyll & Bute & Crossreach 07739 078 244

Sorcha Tams APW Falkirk & Clackmannanshire 07598 580 320

Ross Thomson APW Clackmannanshire 07523 512 799

Angelina Gould APW Orkney 0784 9087478

Mel Hunter APW Angus 07748 308 338

Jemma Kane APW Kibble 07540 823 286

Mary Bateman APW Falkirk 07739 078 247

Morag Cantwell APW Clackmannanshire 07523512612

Judith King APW Highland & Moray 07583 050 179

Laura Graham Development Officer Highland (MAT cover) 07825269678

Paul Lamont APW Dundee 07787436681

Peter Melrose Aberdeen Champs Board Dev Officer 07849 083 246

Jo McLeod APW Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire 07598 580 316

James Cameron APW Highland 07841 878 953

Paula Campbell APW Moray 07712870335

Kirsteen Wood APW Highland (MAT cover) 07523512610

Kiera Kerracher APW Edinburgh 07849083003

Calum Holt Development Officer South Lanarkshire 07769 325162

Kerry Connor APW North Lanarkshire 07841 033 019 Susan Armstrong APW Midlothian & Borders 07712872078

Lesley-Anne Rafferty APW Edinburgh 07787560471 Sarah Bailey APW North Lanarkshire 07715 312 658

Denise McMillan APW East Ayrshire 07932 101 076

www.whocaresscotland.org

Geo Welshman APW Inverclyde 07849087806