Dear Friend

Hello and welcome to our latest newsletter and a special shout out to those who have recently subscribed, thank you for your interest.  
 
As many of you will know, October is a very busy month for those in the care community as it culminates with one of my most favourite times of the year (no, not Halloween although I do like treats), care experienced week where there is a national focus on celebrating care experienced people. Following a few years of pandemic and post pandemic uncertainty, 2023’s care experienced week has proved to be one of the biggest and best yet. 
 
It was great to see many important and brilliantly organised events and messaging from across our membership, all aimed at celebrating care experience. Here at Staf I was incredibly proud to see the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs which were organised by Project Return’s Cheryle, and actively supported by Annie and our team, go so well. Well done Cheryle and thank you to all the brilliant organisations who highlighted their work with us and those who attended. 
 
Last week we also launched the 100 Days of Listening which we are working on in conjunction with Promise Scotland. Until the end of January 2024, we are looking to hear from as many ‘Moving On’ experts as possible, be that people with care experience or members of the workforce, or indeed both. You can find out more about how to take part, including completing an online survey, at our Moving On section of the website. Thank you to the care experienced people who were able to take part in our first official listening session. It was great to hear how meaningful this was and how they felt supported to share their Moving On wants/asks. Check out Jasmin’s video which neatly sums up the day. 
 
This group, plus a few additional care experienced young adults were then invited back to the Staf participation space to meet with the First Minister Humza Yousaf. We were delighted to welcome him to meet the team and the care experienced people and to share the discussions from the 100 Days of Listening but also to help launch the Scottish Government’s consultation on a Care Leaver Payment which opens on the 3rd November. You can read more about the First Minister's visit and the payment here.  
 
Our care experienced week celebrations came to a joyous end on Sunday as we joined many more care experienced people and their supporters at the Who Cares? Scotland Love Rally. Despite the soggy start, it was a wonderful event full of love, hope and ambition. The speakers were phenomenal, and we are looking forward to hearing more from Beth-Anne Logan at our upcoming Conference. 

Speaking of which, I’m pleased to note that the National Conference is now sold out. Thank you to those who have booked and to those who haven’t been able to join us, keen an eye out on our socials and website for live stream updates on the day and resources following the event.  
 
As you may know, Staf is the lead partner for the National Leadership Network. One of the many exciting projects they are working on is looking at active travel and the experiences of individuals with experience of care when it comes to travel and any barriers they face. Barry and Toni have recently joined the team here to lead on this work and are asking to hear about any existing research done in this area. If you know of anything in your neck of the woods, please drop Barry a line at Barry@Staf.scot  
 
Alongside welcoming Barry and Toni to the team, we have also welcome two new care experienced Board members; Josh and Christine. We are loving their enthusiasm and dedication and are so excited to have them literally on board!  
 
Youth Just Us, our central belt steering group for care and justice experienced young people is always looking for new members and for those with an interest in virtual reality we would encourage them along to their Nae Danger VR event in association with No Knives, Better Lives on Monday 20^th November. Email ruth@staf.scot for more info. 
 
One of our last events of the year is our Staf Info Session which is a fantastic way to hear about all the different projects we are working on and how to get involved. Join the team for a whistle-stop tour on Wednesday 6^th December by signing up for free here. 
 
Looking ahead to 2024, we will be shortly sharing dates for our focus groups and forums alongside plans for our Summit and the Participation Network gathering. We are also delighted to confirm that the next Cross-Party Group on Care Leavers is taking place on Wednesday 21^st February and following the success of our last meeting, it will also take place at the Scottish Parliament with an option to join remotely. Find out more about the meeting and how to sign up here.  
 
Care experienced week is but one week of the year and I know that myself and the team here at Staf, and our members, will continue to champion voice; facilitate change; and make sure we listen, we care, and we love, each and every day. 
 
 All the best 

Jo Derrick
Staf CEO