Why?
Findings from the Bright Spots pilot in Scotland showed that care leavers in Aberdeenshire were almost four times as likely not to have a really good friend as children and young people in care (11- 18yrs).
What?
Aberdeenshire have established a participation group for young people leaving or who have left care called the ‘Vineries’. The group provides a safe space for social connection and is led by the voices of the group members.
What difference did it make?
As well as supporting relationships and connection, 3 of the young people from the group have also been recruited as co-researchers in a project on friendships in the care-experienced community.
They have been working alongside Dr Autum Rosech-Marsh at the University of Edinburgh and Professor Ruth Emond from the University of Stirling, as well as the Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum (STAF) and two Throughcare and Aftercare team members.
Throughout this process, the young people have shared their experiences, and their voices have been listened to. They will be named as one of the authors of the ‘Framework and Ideas for Change’ materials being developed and have had the opportunity to present findings at events such as the STAF national conference.