Dear Editor,
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition is pleased to support ‘Care Day’ today (Friday 17th February) and to celebrate the lives and listen to the stories of care experienced young people across Scotland.
The monumental commitment from the First Minister to listen to 1000 Care Experienced Voices, as well as the Scottish Government’s commitment to an independent ‘root and branch’ review of care, has the power to change so many lives and is a bold first step towards rebuilding our broken care system.
This Care Day, led by one of our members, Who Cares? Scotland, will see charities from across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland come together to celebrate care experienced young people and hear their stories so that together we can combat the negative stereotypes and stigma they face on a daily basis.
Improving the lives of looked after children is a desire that transcends party lines and days such as today go a long way in helping the general public become more informed about the lives of care experienced young people and the hurdles they face. That is why it is so important on this day for us all to stand together with care experienced young people in our communities to positively recognise their identities so that all of Scotland’s care experienced young people receive the love and support they deserve.
Yours faithfully
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:
Duncan Dunlop, Chief Executive, Who Cares? Scotland
Tom McGhee, Managing Director, Spark of Genius
Sophie Pilgrim, Director, Kindred Scotland
Stuart Jacob, Director, Falkland House School
Niall Kelly, Managing Director, Young Foundations
Liz May, National Co-ordinator, Action for Sick Children Scotland
