Financial compensation/redress scheme
The SHRC InterAction Action Plan Review Group, in partnership with CELCIS (the Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children) has today (Thursday, 6 September) published a set of reports and recommendations regarding a potential financial compensation/redress scheme for survivors of abuse in care in Scotland.
The reports and recommendations have been presented to Scotland’s Deputy First Minister John Swinney. CELCIS has worked in partnership to support the work of the Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Review Group.
For more details, visit the CELCIS website https://bit.ly/2CqVyXL
Survivor Andy Weir has shared how what happened to him in care
Sharing the truth
Survivor Andy Weir has shared how what happened to him in care has affected his life in a blog post in Third Force News – here’s an extract and a link to the article:
“I really enjoy my job as a peer support worker with a homeless charity – it’s challenging but rewarding. I’ve got a nice flat in Glasgow, and I feel that life is good.
“I imagine that most people who meet me these days would be shocked to learn that I was once addicted to alcohol and was living on the streets – and it wasn’t even that long ago.
“My start in life was bad – I was in care. I suffered from abuse by the people who were supposed to be caring for me. Both were difficult – however one care home was particularly problematic as I was surrounded by older negative influences. I saw and experienced a lot of stuff in care. We were encouraged to never question anything, and I suppose in a way I was taken from a chaotic environment and placed in another. I went in problematic and came out of care at 16, no life skills, confused, scared.
“Future Pathways has been so important to me. It has enabled me to live the comfortable life I live today, and I’ve been reassured about my own abilities and skills, encouraged to college and ultimately to work, I can speak to my support coordinator on an even keel, she doesn’t judge or assume anything, I can share my issues no problem. I’m consider myself very lucky to be in the position in in today and FP has had a huge influence. It puts the faith back in people.”Read the full article by clicking here.
Talking to us changed her life
Survivor Shirley Caffell has spoken to the East Lothian Courier about her experience and how she is encouraging people to contact Future Pathways for support.
Read the article here.