National Care Day celebrated in Moray
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A flag has been raised over Elgin to celebrate the positive achievements of youngsters going through care in Moray.
Celebrations for National Care Day first saw the emblem hoisted above the local authority's headquarters.
This ceremony was followed last Friday by a reception at the Harvest Centre on Greyfriars' Street.
Leading the celebrations were members the Moray Champions Board, which is comprised of care-experienced young people from across the region.
One of the champions is Isla MacDougal who's aged 21.
She said: "I'm afraid there's still a stigma about being in care – you get some adults who think you must trouble.
"But that's not fair and that's not true.
"We want to alter attitudes and create positive change.
"It’s good to get the care community together to hear about what the Champions Board has been doing and what we have planned."
Amongst the young people at the get-together were Shannon MacPherson and Katrina McKeown (6), plus pipers Jack Phillipson and Rhys Sutherland.
The dignitaries included both Moray Council's leader and its civic leader – Kathleen Robertson and John Cowe.
The reception celebrated the Champions Board’s achievements over the past year.
One was to secure funding to look at how relationships between care leavers and corporate parents can be maintained.
Another achievement was to lead the way in commissioning the new Moray Children’s Rights advocacy service.
A short film was shown at the reception. Created by the champions this drew attention to the issue of stigma.
In 2020 the Scottish Government issued ‘The Promise’ which is a mandate for improving the lives of care-experienced children and young people.
Tracy Stephen, chief social officer for Moray, said: "As corporate parents, it’s really important we celebrate the success stories of our young people, and don’t shy away when they tell us we haven’t got things right.
"The Moray Children’s Services plan launched last year has at its heart the voice and experiences of children, young people and families.
"We have pledged to continue listening, hearing and understanding as we work to deliver our Promise that all our children and young people grow up loved, safe, respected and equal."
Dennis Robertson chairs the Moray Integration Joint Board which has responsibility for social care services connected to children and families.
He said: "Addressing stigma is key to ensuring the life chances of every child and young person in our care are the best they can be. Together we can create a supportive community where everyone feels proud of their journey."
