Children in Care Day sees launch of “My Journey” journal to empower care-experienced young people in Scotland

A new book aimed at helping care leavers in Scotland reclaim their stories launched today in celebration of Children in Care Day. The book titled “My Journey” was created by care experienced young people in The Highlands, in collaboration with Aberlour Children’s Charity, Barnardos, Highland Council and The Promise Scotland. The journal allows young people aged 12 and up with care experience to record important information about themselves. The Corra Foundation provided funding for the journal, and the young people behind it hope that every care-experienced young person in Scotland will receive a copy.

The journal was created in consultation with young people in the Highlands who expressed a desire to have more control over their lives. Growing up in care, the young people sometimes felt lost in what was going on around them, and it was difficult for them to hold onto information about themselves, such as where they lived, the names of adults they trusted, and important details about their life. That’s why they created “My Journey,” a secure space where they can record their stories, accomplishments, rights, and plan for the future.

Young people who created the book shared how it would help them to feel more confident in their care journey.

Lyndon said, “It’s going to help me keep record of important things that I might forget – like things I’ve achieved!”

Biz another young person, said, “I can use it as and when I want and at my own pace… This is my book, my journey and my goals are my own. It’s going to help me understand things – like what are my rights.”

Kelly Blackmore, Service Manager at Aberlour’s YouthPoint Moray service and head of the “My Journey” project said, “We couldn’t think of a better day to launch this empowering book. This journal will enable Scotland’s care leavers to document their histories, thoughts, and goals in their own words.”

The launch of “My Journey” aligns closely with the principles of The Promise, set out in Scotland’s Independent Care Review. Applying The Promise throughout this project has given young people with care experience more control over their lives, allowing them to have a voice and feel empowered once more.

Copies of the book will be distributed to care leavers across Scotland through local councils and social workers. The goal is for every young person with care experience in Scotland to receive a copy.

To request free copies of the “My Journey” journal, please contact Liz Nolan at Aberlour via email liz.nolan@aberlour.org.uk