Delivering the Promise in West Lothian
A special event was recently held to celebrate care experienced young people in West Lothian and those who support them
The Promise Celebration Event was a youth focused get together designed by and for young people, staff, parents, and carers marking five years since West Lothian joined the rest of the country in pledging to keep 'The Promise'.
The Promise was set in February 2020 following a report by the Independent Care Review. It declared "that all Scotland's children and young people will grow up loved, safe and respected so they can realise their full potential."
The event at Howden Park Centre provided a meaningful opportunity for care experienced young people and those who support them to come together, celebrate progress, and strengthen connections within the community.
With support from staff at West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, young people took the lead, organising a variety of fun and engaging activities for everyone to enjoy.
A number of organisations ran stalls at the event with representatives offering opportunities to connect with others in the community and learn more about the support and services available to families with children in care.
One of the stalls was run by 'Having Your Say.' One of the longest running children's rights groups in the country, they are celebrating 25 years of upholding children's rights and ensuring young care experienced people are part of the conversation and have their views heard and acted on.
Other services represented on the day included a mix of West Lothian Council services along with public sector and third sector partners.
Director of West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, Alison White welcomed everyone to the event.
She said: "Firstly a massive thank you to our young people for designing and planning such a wonderful event that celebrated the voices and vision of West Lothian's care experienced young people. Thanks also to our staff and partners who supported them to make this possible.
"In February 2020, a national promise was made that every child and young person will grow up loved, safe and respected, so they can reach their full potential. Five years on, we can reflect on how far we've come and look at how we continue to build on the brilliant work happening across West Lothian to ensure that collectively, services continue to uphold the Promise."
