Dear Friend

Welcome to the last newsletter of 2023. I can’t believe how quickly the last 12 months have passed by. It’s certainly been a whirlwind of a year, but in the best possible way.  
 
We’ve looked back at what we have achieved as a team, a lot considering our diminutive size. From the Conference and Summit to wellbeing hubs and membership focus groups galore to supporting those with lived experience to challenge and engage with those in positions of power, it has been an eventful time. Check our 2023 in 2 minutes video for a snapshot of what’s been going on.  

Whilst it’s a time for reflection and looking back, it’s also a time to prepare for an exciting time ahead. I’m delighted to share that our two National and in-person events of the first quarter of 2024 are now available to book. The Participation Network gathering will be taking place on Wednesday 28^th February at Articulate in Glasgow. Open to participation workers and young people, the group will be coming together to discuss power and its role in participation work. Expect a fun, engaging and inspiring day. You can sign up for this free event here.  
 
Our second largescale meeting is our annual Staf Summit, taking place at the Studio in Glasgow on Wednesday 13^th March. Following feedback from last year’s events and discussions with our members and those with lived experience, we will be focusing on how we can collectively improve the health and wellbeing outcomes of care experienced young people. We are inviting those in senior leadership positions from social work and health sectors to come together to identify best practice and collaborate to create action points for those in a position to make change. Tickets are on sale now, with early bird booking available until Friday 2 February. Click here to secure your place.
 
As you should know by now, since the start of care experienced week we have been facilitating the 100 Days of Listening in conjunction with the Promise Scotland. Thomas Carlton and colleagues have been very busy visiting Moving On experts across the country from Shetland to the Scottish Borders. Last week we reached the halfway mark and were able to gather the Story So Far from Thomas, Fiona, and Rachel. Thank you to everyone who has signed up to take part. There’s still plenty of time left to share your thoughts. Sign up or complete the online survey at https://www.staf.scot/sign-up-to-the-100-days-of-listening 
 
Also a reminder if you’ve haven’t already taken part in the Care Leaver Payment consultation you can do so here or if you would like to share your views with us, we can share on your behalf. Please email info@staf.scot The consultation closes on the 26th of January so make sure you set some time aside to share your views. 
 
Our focus groups and forums are all scheduled for next year, and you can access the dates here. Our first meeting of 2024 is Implications of Continuing Care focus group where will be discussing how we map Continuing Care delivery across the country. We will also be joined by Rachel and Fiona for one of the 100 Days of Listening sessions so would be a terrific opportunity for anyone wishing to share their views. You can sign up here.  
 
With a new year comes changes in the Staf team. I’d like to take this opportunity to say a very fond farewell to our Operational Support Officer, Annie Wildman who has been a fantastic addition to the team since she started with us as at the end of 2022. 

We also have some exciting new opportunities to join the Staf team which we are desperately trying to get advertised before our offices close for the festive period from 22^nd December and re-opening on the 3rd of January. Stay tuned to our vacancies page for more info or make sure you follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.  

Finally, if you work for a Staf member organisation, we'd love to hear your feedback on how you have experienced the membership over the past year by completing our short survey. One lucky entrant will win a £50 voucher of their choice!
 
Thank you to everyone who has made 2023 such a busy but enjoyable year. We would not be here without our members, allies, and the young people whose lived experience we strive to amplify and support. Here’s to another year of connection and participation. 

Wishing you and your families a healthy and happy Christmas and New Year. 

Best wishes,

Jo Derrick
Staf CEO