What does connection and belonging mean for you?
Who do you call family? Where do you feel most at home? Who do you turn to when life gets stressful? Who celebrates the things that you achieve?
For many people, these connections are woven into our everyday lives, providing comfort and reminding us that we matter. At Who Cares? Scotland, we know that belonging and connection are not simply nice things to have, they are essential.
Loneliness and isolation remain significant issues for Care Experienced people across Scotland, as evidenced in our Belonging and Connection paper. We know that many Care Experienced people experience disruption to important relationships throughout their lives. Some have to navigate adulthood without the same support networks that others rely on, and others continue to face stigma and misunderstanding because of their care experience, which can feel very isolating.
That is why our local groups and connection spaces across Scotland matter so much. We hear time and again about how important they are. Care Experienced people tell us that connecting with others who share similar experiences helps them feel understood and less alone. It strengthens their confidence and helps them develop a positive sense of identity.
Our Glasgow Drop-In group is open to Care Experienced people aged 16 and over from any care background and it has become a vital source of connection and support. It offers members the opportunity to connect with others, play games together, talk privately to our lifelong advocacy workers about any issues, share a meal, and celebrate each other’s achievements. For some attendees who have left care and live alone, the Glasgow Drop In is the only reliable point in their week where they will have company or leave the house.
“The [Glasgow] Drop In has really filled that void for me because it’s somewhere familiar I can go to and although we don’t often talk about our experiences of care we all know how it is. I always feel welcome and accepted and although I struggle to make friends, I still have a laugh.”
We know that lifelong relationships, equal treatment and strong communities and networks help Care Experienced people thrive. We know that when people feel connected, they are better able to exercise their rights and reach their full potential. We know how much our groups and events matter.
However, across Scotland, youth groups are struggling to secure the funding they need to continue. Who Cares? Scotland are not immune to these struggles, and we need your help and support to keep them going.
Connection changes lives and that is why we are asking for your support. Our target is £5,000, click here to donate.
