Council’s across Scotland are celebrating Care Day 2019.
Care Day is the world’s biggest celebration of children and young people with care
experience. This group includes children and young people who are or were cared
for by parents or other family members with the support of social workers; or by foster
carers.
It also includes children and young people who live in children’s homes and
residential units. They deserve to be celebrated, on care day, and every day.
Today marks the fourth year Care Day has been celebrated – commemorating the anniversary of the Scottish Parliament unanimous passing of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill 2014.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen’s care experienced young people were feted in the Town House today in a special event to celebrate Care Day 2019.
The annual celebration, now in its fourth year, saw young people who have care experience cut a special cake with red icing and council staff wear red to show their support of the event organised by Integrated Children’s and Family Services.
Care Day was the brainchild of voluntary organisation Who Cares? Scotland to celebrate the first anniversary of the Scottish Parliament’s unanimous passing of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill 2014 which saw more rights for care experienced young people.
“You have made me braver and bolder through your bravery and boldness. It never fails to astound me, the generosity of your hearts – sharing your stories knowing it won’t change what happened to you, but will change what happens for someone in future” @fionacarereview #CareDay19 pic.twitter.com/eNA5iz6QkL
— Who Cares? Scotland (@whocaresscot) February 15, 2019
Attending today’s event was Councillor Lesley Dunbar said: “I’m proud to be here representing Aberdeen City Council today as a corporate parent and to be able to welcome some of our care experienced young people, who have been instrumental in co-designing today’s event, to our Care Day celebration.
“As a corporate parent, it is my role to help ensure that the council, collectively, takes on the responsibility for providing the best possible outcomes for, and safeguarding of, the children and young people who come into our care.
He could remember his first hug.#CareDay19 pic.twitter.com/k1NwDRnt32
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) February 15, 2019
“Our Integrated Children’s team play a hugely importantly role in making sure that these responsibilities are fulfilled. I must also thank them for the effort they have put into today’s celebrations working alongside the young people who have joined us today”.
Highlands and Islands
Shetland Council are proudly flying a Care Day flag above the Lerwick town hall.
Today we’re flying the #CareDay flag above #LerwickTownHall to show our support for and to celebrate the lives of #lookedafterchildren and those who have experienced care. #Shetland #CareDay19 #CareDay2019 pic.twitter.com/YbXUVrgyRP
— Shetland Islands Cll (@ShetIslandsCll) February 15, 2019
Moray
Students at Moray College UHI have been celebrating with inspirational notes pined to a stand at their reception.
It's #CareDay19! Our students have been joining in on celebrating the lives and voices of Care Experienced people ?? Visit our stand at Reception today to find out more. #CareToTalk #AboutLove #MCStudents #ChooseMoray #ThinkUHI #CareDay #NationalCareDay Who Cares? Scotland pic.twitter.com/HRyN4hM2Pv
— Moray College UHI (@MorayCollege) February 15, 2019
Who Cares Moray is also hosting an art exhibition created by Care Experienced young people. MSP Maree Todd will also be attending.
What is Care Day?
Since 2015, the day has grown and is now recognised across the UK and other European countries, as an opportunity to celebrate the lives and voices of care experienced people.
It's #CareDay19 on Friday 15th February and we are inviting everyone to show they care.
Find out how to get involved – https://t.co/xFliLOz6FP pic.twitter.com/1LGozVOteZ
— Who Cares? Scotland (@whocaresscot) February 13, 2019
With events taking place across the country, Care Day 2019 aims to celebrate, connect, champion and motivate the care experienced community, their allies and corporate parents.
Aberdeen City Council has been sending out a series of Twitter messages, with the hashtag #CareDayAberdeen, inviting people to like and re-Tweet.