Dear Friend

I’d like to start this month’s newsletter with our tribute to Bella McOuat who very sadly died on the 1^st January. Bella, who some of you may recall spoke so passionately at our National Conference in November, was a rising star in the youth justice realm. Thanks to the support of Ruth, Kev and members of Youth Just Us she used her experiences to fight for change and I know that the team will ensure that her drive continues through them. You can read our full tribute to Bella here.  
 

Thanks to people like Bella, the work of Youth Justice Voices will go from strength to strength and we are delighted to share that Chris Kelly has joined us this month as Youth Justice Participation Worker. Chris will be focusing on moving the work of Youth Justice Voices out of the central belt and into the Aberdeen area. If you know any care and justice experienced young people in that part of the world then we’d love you and them to join us at our info session on Thursday 16^th February. Find out more about this great, free event here.  
 
As one Chris joins, another Chris (Walsh) sadly is leaving Staf for a new exciting opportunity with Falkirk Council. Chris has been a passionate and engaging member of the team since he joined us as our Throughcare and Aftercare Workforce lead last year and we wish him all the success in his new role which I’m sure will mean that our paths will continue to cross. As a result of Chris’ departure the focus groups and forums which he facilitated will now be managed by Bobby Jones who many of you may know from their work with the Champs Board network. We’re delighted to have Bobby on board.  
 
Speaking of events, tickets for our Staf Summit have been selling like the proverbial hotcake and as we are back in person for this year (hurrah!) we are strictly limited on numbers so please don’t leave it too long to book. We are especially interested in those who work in the housing sector to join us as we discuss the role of housing policy in relation to care leavers and the Promise. Please do share this with any housing colleagues you know.  
 
In other exciting news, thanks to Promise Partnership funding, last year we at Staf carried out an internal review of our trauma informed approach to working which was a fascinating and often challenging journey which some of you supported us with along the way. We are now in a position to share the lessons learned in two webinars on the 22^nd (PM) and 24^th (AM) February to give you an honest and hopefully useful insight into what we did and perhaps inspire you to do the same. In addition, for those who are in a position to drive forward their own organisations internal review of trauma informed practice, in March we are hosting 4 in person workshops in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling and Dundee. Here you will hear about our journey but also get support from our trauma informed specialist, Eva Roussou, to begin to think and plan out your own process and potential action plans. Places are free for members and numbers are limited to ensure those participating get the most out of their experience so make sure you book soon.  
 
Feedback from our members is vital to our work and to ensure we are doing the very best by them. If you are from a member organisation (if in doubt please check here) and you’d like to share your thoughts on the last year, please take 5 minutes to complete this short survey. One lucky entrant will win a £50 voucher of their choice. Thank you.  
 
Finally, I’d like to share that the next Cross Party Group on Care Leavers is taking place online on Wednesday 22^nd February from 6pm – 7.30pm. If you aren’t already a member and would like to join the meeting please email marion@staf.scot  
 
2023 has got off to a difficult start for us but I know that we will keep Bella in our thoughts and her passion to improve outcomes for all care leavers will drive us to do more and do better for our members and the care experienced people we work with. As Bella said at the Conference, “When we’re winning, you’re winning.”  

Best wishes, 

Jo Derrick

Staf CEO