The Together Trust at a care leavers event in Glasgow

In November 2022, Marie, one of the care leavers supported by the Together Trust, took part in a policy event for care leavers in Glasgow.

The Care Leavers Association ran the event in partnership with Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum (STAF) and International Foster Care Organisation. It brought together care leavers from Scotland and England to discuss policy and practice issues, with the aim of setting priorities for policy makers.

Care Leavers from both countries worked together to explore the differences and similarities of the leaving care experience. Hayley, a Senior Residential Social Care Worker at Crosskeys, one of the Together Trust’s residential services where the young lady was cared for, shared: 

“Marie and I felt humbled to be given the opportunity to attend. We met different people from varying backgrounds who shared experiences of moving on from residential and foster provisions. It was nice to meet the people that had been responsible for organising the event and to see how invested they were in this. I have learnt so much during the event which I wasn’t aware of. I can now take some of the information back to the service and implement it.

“Marie had an amazing time and loved the hotel and very comfy bed, which she struggled to get out off! We had the opportunity to look around the city of Glasgow, which was lovely and with it being so close to Christmas, it was full of beautiful lights. 

“It was also nice catching up with her and hearing some of the things she has accomplished. The whole staff team think very highly of Marie and we’re glad that she continues to stay in touch with us.”