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'Care experienced' is an umbrella term, defined by the Scottish Government, that means any child or young person who is:
Looked after at home through a Compulsory Supervision Order (CSO);
Looked after away from home in a residential children’s house, in a foster placement or in a kinship placement (Looked After or Not Looked After)
Previously looked after, where at some point in their lives they have had any of the above experiences. The child / young person may never have been formally looked after.
These are the main terms for being looked after but there are more types of care experience, such as, Adoption.
The language we use to describe being in care is important; everyone needs to be respectful and inclusive in the words we use.
Click on the website above. It is for children and young people who are Care Experienced, parents/carers and professionals working with our Looked After children.
You will find information, advice and guidance on education supports, best practice and hear about the multi-agency work which goes on in support of East Lothian's Looked After Children.
Who Cares? Scotland is Scotland's only national independent membership organisation for Care Experienced people. Our strategic vision is to secure a lifetime of equality, respect and love for Care Experienced people in Scotland. At the heart of our work are the rights of Care Experienced people and the power their voices have to bring about change.
What they do
Membership - https://www.whocaresscotland.org/members-hub/
Advocacy - https://www.whocaresscotland.org/get-support/advocacy/
Participation - https://www.whocaresscotland.org/get-support/join-a-group/
Education & Influencing - https://www.whocaresscotland.org/members-hub/shaping-our-work/
The also have resource library with a wealth of information and materials.
WHO CARE SCOTLAND MEMBERSHIP
There are many new Membership offers available for Care Experienced people; ranging from free tickets to football games to driving lesson discounts to days out and holiday discounts. More offers and discounts are being added regularly.
Membership is FREE to any Care Experienced person. They can register themselves or they may need adult support to register here and start to enjoy the benefits. Adults or Care Teams or Foster Parents can contact the Membership team to find out how to book activities on behalf of young people and get the discounts offered: membership@whocaresscotland.org
Reward - We want to make sure our members’ benefit from our offer. So once you’re signed up, keep your eyes peeled for treats we might send you. We’ll also let you know about any unique opportunities on offer, such as give aways and competitions. We also highlight employment opportunities. These opportunities may come from us or partner organisations. See the Members’ benefits section below for more detail.
Connect - The chance to connect with people who have similar or shared experiences helps everyone to feel understood, respected and like they belong. We support and resource safe and valued local, regional and national spaces, bringing members together to explore their identities and build peer relationships.
Shape - We support and empower members to develop as representatives who can speak on behalf of the membership community. Our members help shape and inform Who Cares? Scotland’s decision-making processes as well as having the aspiration to positively change Scottish culture to ensure a better future for all Care Experienced people.
WHO CARES SCOTLAND PARTNERS with TESCO
ELC has partnered with Tesco Café in the big Tesco Extra in Musselburgh, to provide a FREE hot drink and portion of toast to any Care Experienced customer. Mum’s with toddlers can also get a FREE carton of juice or milk for their wee one.
We’ve secured this generous offer of support from the Café in TESCO Musselburgh, for all Care Experienced people in East Lothian.
Criteria:
The Care Experienced person must be (or become) a WCS member (no age limit). This is FREE to do, and it doesn’t matter if they’re not using our advocacy service.
Once they join, they’ll receive (or can ask for) the Offer Letter they need to display from their phone to the cashier in the Café, to qualify for the FREE hot drink + toast.
Any other food or drink they want, they’ll need to pay for themselves.
Here is the email to contact our Membership Team if there’s any issues or questions: membership@whocaresscotland.org
FUNDING SUPPORT FOR
CARE EXPERIENCED YOUNG PEOPLE
Young Scot has created a very useful summary of the benefits, support and places to go for help if you’ve been in care or are a care leaver in Scotland.
This can be accessed here
Sign up and further information can be accessed here.
Enjoy Leisure provide free or discounted access to a variety of groups along with those under the carer experienced umbrella.
https://enjoyleisure.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Access-to-Leisure-APRIL-2024-editable-version.pdf
Save the date Carefest 2025.pdfCarefest Schools Information Booklet 2025.pdfOTHER USEFUL WEBSITES
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