Children and young people who are care experienced have a lot to celebrate, and Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership’s (HSCP) Care Leavers Open Day is one way that we support and recognise the achievements and talents of our care experienced individuals. 

This is an annual event which takes place at the end of October during Care Experienced Week. 
Care Experienced Week is a national event that offers the opportunity for people who are care experienced, and those who work with and support them, to demonstrate and celebrate the resilience and accomplishments of those with a care background. 

This year, the theme for the Care Leavers Open Day was inspired by ‘Cochella’ - one of the world’s largest arts and music festivals, Glasgow’s event was called “Carechella”. The festival theme was evident with a plethora of talent on display in a bright colourful atmosphere. 

The event is always led by care experienced young people and is a chance for them to celebrate their achievements, as well as an opportunity to browse partner stalls for support and information on education, accommodation and other creative services.

During the event, we witnessed powerful words in a young person’s video about his life and struggles with crime and young people writing and performing songs and talking about gaining a full-time job and pursuing further education. In addition, we were entertained over lunch by a young DJ mixing up some great tunes that kept the celebratory atmosphere going.

At this year’s event some of the highlights were:

•    Aayisha sharing her education journey that has led her to university 
•    Sir Cerise performing an original song called ‘I’m Sorry’ reflecting the struggles of care experience
•    The WAC Ensemble, a group of care experienced young people that express themselves through acting, presenting a short film about the history of the Barras Market
•    Eyve, a young asylum seeker from Zimbabwe, singing original hip-hop songs about the oppression and challenges she faced
•    The Money BNK promoting their free Money House programme where they help 16 - 25 year olds learn how to manage their own home
•    Rabiya talking about her positive experience of living in a residential home and calling it a home
•    Josh McGuire performing acoustic songs about his experience and
•    a short film by Arts in the City featuring Clare MacAulay in honour of her retirement.
 
The day was finished off with a Massaoke – Mass Karaoke led by Toni - a young person who spoke eloquently at last year’s event – where we all sang ‘We are the Champions’ together and were joined in by all the performers.

Liz Simpson, Head of Children’s Services (North West) for our HSCP, said: “The Care Experienced Open Day is a fantastic day of celebration. This year we were treated to amazing singing and short films, and led by two fantastic comperes. It’s also a strong reminder that we still need to improve the experiences for young people in care, and everything they need to become successful adults, employment opportunities, access to supports and a home that’s right for them.  As we look to review and improve services, I hope that the young people involved in this event will help us transform services so young people can thrive and reach their potential."
 
Thanks to Clare MacAulay, Development Worker for Arts in the City and Noel Bridgeman from Bridgeman Arts for organising the Open Day and ensuring this is a great day for young people, staff and support organisations to get together to promote resilience for all.