Shannon’s Box, a Staf project delivered in collaboration with East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, has been recognised as a finalist in for the Pioneering Project award at the SCVO Scottish Charity Awards. 

Staf supported Shannon, a care-experienced young woman from Kilmarnock, to use her own experience to develop a box of items to support children entering care, including a night light, colouring pens, a book, a teddy and a letter. The box also supports workers to build the relationships that are key to overcoming adversity and trauma at such a crucial time. 

As well as being a finalist for Pioneering Project, members of the public can vote for the project to win the People’s Choice Award – by visiting scvo.org.uk/vote - before 5pm on Friday 4 September 2020. 

Vote for Shannon's Box

Shannon Brown, who was supported by Staf to deliver Shannon’s Box said:  

 “I’m so happy that the project has been shortlisted for this award. I came up with the idea of doing a nice hamper for young people going into care because I know what it felt like for me and I wanted to make it easier for other young people.  

“Thanks to Staf and East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership I’ve been able to use my idea to help children going into care.” 

Jo Derrick, Staf CEO commented: 

“Staf is so proud to have supported Shannon to develop the box, which has been designed by and for care-experienced young people.  

“This is a box full of love, care and compassion that is already make entering care a little easier for children and young people. 

“Shannon’s Box helps support of culture of welcome and belonging, nurturing relationships between children and those who care from the outset.  

“I hope people can show their support for such an important project and vote for Shannon’s Box!"

Eddie Fraser, Director of East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership said:

"In East Ayrshire, listening to our young people with experience of the care system is key to providing a service that is person-centred to meet the needs of each child and young person. Shannon's Box has been a comfort to many children adjusting to change. We are proud of Shannon and are also proud to support this initiative to make the transition into care a little bit easier for our young people."

 

Notes:  

• Shannon’s Box has been delivered in East Ayrshire to over 50 young people in and entering care. You can hear what the young people who received the box and those who support them in our podcast here.  
• The Shannon’s Box project was funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and continues to be delivered by East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership. 
• If you want more information about Shannon’s Box or are interested in working with Staf to deliver a similar project in your area, please contact our Policy and Communications Manager Liam Furby at [email protected].