#ShineALight

Christmas 2020 is not one we are likely to forget in a long time, and sadly for mostly all the wrong reasons. We knew that for care experienced young people who experience isolation and lonliness more than most it would be especially tough. We also knew that the many organisations that work with them would go that extra mile to ensure some joy was had.

Here we list just a few examples of the great work carried out in December 2020. 

In pre-COVID times Who Cares? Scotland would normally have hosted their annual Christmas Dinner for the young people they work with but in 2020 they became Christmas fairies and granted wishes instead. In addition they sent parcels, hosted digital activities and kept their Helpline open over the festive period, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

The media team at The Good Shepherd Centre wrote, performed and filmed their very own panto, Munro and the Magical, Mysterious Mountains! With a special guest appearance from panto legend Karen Dunbar we are sure it was a hoot. Oh yes we are!

The fantastic team at Kibble created a shining winter wonderland as the children and young people took part in a house decorating competition! You can see some of the fabulous displays at https://kibble.org/news/kibbles-great-christmas-light-switch-on/

Edinburgh's Throughcare and Aftercare team put on 12 fantastic days of events from online baking, soup making and gingerbread house designing. Facilitated online and with packs sent out in advance for everyone to use, it was a great example of ensuring relationships were maintained despite difficult circumstances.

East Renfrewshire's Continuing and Aftercare team sent care leavers personalised gift hampers and they also provided food parcels and helped with travel expenses so that some young people could be with their loved ones at Christmas.

Includem counted down to Christmas by sharing pieces of artwork created by children and young people inspired by what Christmas or Includem meant to them.

Thank you to all of our members, those mentioned here but also everyone else who we know has worked hard to make sure care experienced young people were not forgotten about.