Young people were invited along to ‘Our Voice Promise event’, which was arranged by 91����’s Promise Lead, Natalie and co-hosted by Who Cares? Scotland.

The dedicated time together gave young people the opportunity to share their opinions about their daily lives from the adults who are part of the staff team to what makes them happy and if they’d like to see any changes being made.

To make sure everyone enjoyed themselves and felt settled and relaxed, we started with cake-making. Each one of us felt proud of our creatively decorated cakes. Starting from scratch, we watched our own cakes take shape and during that time, caught up with one another and had fully open discussions amongst ourselves.

By completing an activity as a group, we can take the time to understand how we feel before voicing our opinion. A safe space is formed.

Going to college, moving into a flat, horse-riding and helping another person carry their shopping. All are moments young people described as a time they felt proud of themselves. The event let young people reflect on themselves and their actions and feel a sense of achievement.

It is extremely uplifting to hear our talented young people accomplish greatness from small to monumental milestones.

The conversation moved onto young people describing what makes them feel loved with the heart-warming responses confirming each one had someone or a particular thing in their life that helps them feel fulfilled with happiness.

“I feel loved when the adults around me make sure I am ok”
– Young person

“I feel loved when seeing my family and friends.” – Young person

“My cat makes me feel loved” – Young person

Young people also agreed they felt safe by either an adult or their friends. The group spoke about their house being nice and quiet with great laughs being had by all.

All children have a right to be heard and involved in decisions that affect them and our event encouraged young people to express their views. Listening to young people is part of 91����’s overall culture as we have a commitment to keep the promise and fully incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The annual event run by Who Cares? Scotland, provides an opportunity for Scotland’s Care Experienced community and their friends to get together, celebrate and have fun.

This years Festival transported party-goers to glittering Hollywood and the world of cinema with the theme “Film Characters”. This cinematic theme was chosen by Who Cares? Scotland members, and its fair to say that young people across 91���� embraced the theme with gusto!  Among the film icons lining the red carpet from 91���� included ‘Daisy Duke’ from Dukes of Hazard, ‘Cassie’ from A Promising Young Woman, ‘Stitch’ from Disney’s Lilo and Stitch, and “Maverick” from Top Gun, to name a few.

The iconic celebrities were treated to an evening of dancing at a silent disco, a DJ, bucking bronco, a movie room playing Toy Story, a delicious street food stall and lots of party games from pass the parcel to musical statues.

When it came to the dancing, young people at 91���� did not hold back and were first on the dance floor throwing some shapes and entertaining fellow party goers. They also encouraged the younger children to get onto the stage and dance, showing them the moves and giving them the confidence to shine!

It was a fantastic evening and everyone was in high spirits. Events such as this provide a great opportunity for young people to meet new friends, come together and celebrate Care Experience week which seems to get bigger and better every year. Huge thanks to Who Cares? Scotland for organising another fantastic event, and to all the star-studded young people for their amazing costume efforts. We can’t wait to hear what next year’s theme will be!