Staf is committed to ensuring, as far as possible, that we continue to deliver support to our members and amplify the voice of care leavers throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Given the current situation, we are taking a number reasonable and responsible steps to protect our members and the young people we engage with.

 

As a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety of our young people, we are modifying the way we engage with our participation groups – Youth Justice Voices, Project Return and Building Relationships. We will put in place steps to support the young people involved in the groups over the coming weeks because we know that this can be a potentially overwhelming, isolating and anxious time.

 

We have not cancelled our planned Focus Groups and Forums but will continue to keep this under review. We are working on plans to ensure that, if required, these can take place online via video conferencing. If you would like to be involved in any of these meetings please book as normal.

 

We are moving to a home-based working model for all our staff. While we will endeavour to deliver the same high level of service to our members, if you have difficulty in reaching in members of our team, please get in touch at [email protected]. Our main phone line number (0141 465 7511) will continue to be contactable during office hours.

 

Finally, thank you to all of those supporting care-experienced young people – we know how hard you work all year round and we know that you will continue to assist and reassure them at this challenging time.

 

If Staf can be of any assistance to members, in terms of guidance or advice, please do get in touch.

Further guidance:

• Latest information and advice from the Scottish Government.
• Advice and information from Young Scot for young people
• UK charity Become have a Care Advice Line, which offers help and advice for young people in care and care leavers. They can be called on 0800 023 2033 between 10:30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, or emailed at [email protected].