Above: Caring Scotland – Ten Portraits and Sound Collection, photograph by Kirsty Anderson
Ten Portraits is a photographic exhibition featuring Care Experienced people. We spoke to Chris, the photographer on the project. He tells us more about the work and how it shaped his own view of being Care Experienced.
How did you become involved in the project?
I saw an advert for the Ten Portraits project and thought it had my name on it. There was an application process then an interview. About 130 people applied, and this was then narrowed down to 20. After that, 6 of us were invited to an interview with National Theatre of Scotland.
I brought a selection of examples my printed work, as well as a photograph that spoke to me personally to discuss. I chose an immensely powerful image by my favourite portrait photographer Sarah Edmunds. I also talked about how I would approach working with people so that they felt safe and comfortable taking part.
I left the interview feeling like no stone was left unturned. A few days later I got a call to say they had chosen me as the photographer for the project. I couldn’t believe it. My partner Elaine, who pushed me to apply, was blown away, too.
How did you work with each person?
Each person was Care Experienced so I shared that I was too. The fact we had that connection put a lot of minds at rest. I also listened to their audio stories before we even thought about the photo shoot. This put the photo shoot in a broader perspective, so it aligned with what they wanted to share.
I did video calls, or met in person along with Genna (trainee project manager) with the participants, asking them about special places in their memories and what was important to them. And we’d allow for changes too. One person felt the approach didn’t resonate with their experience and comfort, so we changed plans and came up with a new approach. I was totally prepared to learn on the move regarding how people would react to ideas.
The team at National Theatre of Scotland was brilliant. They made sure people’s needs were met, and they understood potential triggers. They really made sure that people were safe, that they could open up, and would never be judged.
How do you capture someone’s personality?
Really, it’s about just listening to someone’s story and being able to relate to that story. Some might be happy memories, others might be serious situations. It’s also important that a person really feels comfortable and is OK. You let the person be themselves – with that relaxation there’s a moment, which is what you capture in that image.
And people chose specific locations which worked for them: one person chose a beach, another chose their old children’s home. We really left it open to each person to tell us what was important to them. That was key to making people feel at ease: that they could choose the places which stood out to them.
For example, Gemma had a lot of memories about travel and so we had Waverley Station as a backdrop for her. She brought the red coat herself and that really made the image ‘pop’. After the station, we knew another location wouldn’t have surpassed that for her portrait.
Above: Gemma, copyright Chris Scott Photography Dundee
What do you think was most important about this project for you?
It was a very personal journey for me as well. I was able to meet other Care Experienced people, listen to their stories and really connect. It was actually quite a healing process. I felt a real sense of belonging. It was an honour to meet these people and take their photograph.
I was given a lot of responsibility, so I guess an important aspect was living up to the challenge. But I got there and we made this happen. Being able to work on such a significant exhibition sort of removed any doubts that I might not be able to do something like this. It was a fantastic opportunity to work with participants and also the National Theatre of Scotland.
By doing this work, I’ve learned that there are other experiences. My own experience of care wasn’t great, but it was inspiring to hear people who had positive experiences. It was eye-opening and comforting. I would never have had that opportunity if I hadn’t done this project. I would have been stuck in my bubble. This opened my eyes a bit. I saw that everyone has their own story.
What do you hope this project might mean for other people?
For people who do not have experience of care, I hope this project shows diversity. There are different ages, jobs, backgrounds. Each portrait is different, each individual shines through. I hope the exhibition can spread some light and show that there are positive experiences alongside negative ones. People have made incredible successes in their lives, and some have used their own experiences to help others too.
It’s interesting to see how people have made it through their own experience of care. If you’ve not had that maternal or paternal encouragement, you must learn it yourself. That’s what I really picked up on: the grace of people who have used their own experience to move forward.
In essence, this is a listening project as it’s part of the broader Caring Scotland project. So really this is about Care Experienced people being heard, being able to speak and not being afraid to talk about your experience.
Find out more
Ten Portraits tours alongside One Hundred Voices, an interactive audio installation based on the testimony of the Care Experienced community in Scotland.
They are both part of the Caring Scotland listening project, documenting the lives and experiences of at least 100 members of the care experienced community in Scotland.
Caring Scotland aims to raise the profile, celebrate the achievements and empower the care experienced community.
The project is delivered by National Theatre of Scotland in partnership with Who Cares? Scotland and the National Library of Scotland. It was funded with an award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Above: One Hundred Voices, photograph by Kirsty Anderson
Ten Portraits as part of One Hundred Voices is on display at the following venues:
The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh
Wednesday 12 to Friday 28 August 2026
Citizens Theatre, Glasgow
Wednesday 2 to Saturday 12 September 2026
Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries
Thursday 17 to Saturday 19 September 2026
Millennium Centre, Stranraer
Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September
Reid Hall, Forfar
Thursday 1 to Saturday 3 October
Rothes Halls, Glenrothes
Thursday 8 to Saturday 30 October
As part of her support with Future Pathways, Louise chose to explore her creativity through ceramics workshops. We spoke with her about learning new skills, building confidence and how creativity can bring change.
Exploring support
I’ve always been interested in ceramics. When I started with Future Pathways, my Support Coordinator explained that I could get support to do different things. I thought ‘maybe I could do pottery?’. This was like a dream for me. So, I did two short courses and then got a year’s membership for the workshops. I was so happy and, honestly, I’m still so happy even just talking about it now.
Confidence and connection
I do my course at Creative Bloc in Glasgow. They’re a social enterprise so they do a lot for the community. At first, I was anxious about going along. My Support Coordinator at Future Pathways talked me through it, and this calmed me down. In my first couple of months on the course, I was quite quiet. But that’s OK because when you’re doing pottery, you don’t have to really talk to people.
Now my confidence has built up. I look forward to seeing people and I can chat away to everyone. There is such a warm atmosphere, and everyone is so helpful and friendly. I know a lot of other people come to the workshop for their mental health. For me, it takes away all the anxiety.
The learning journey
When I first joined, I thought ‘I’ll never be able to do this.’ It takes practice but you see improvements. I’ve learnt how to create a pot on the wheel, trim it and glaze it. I’ve learned how to make mugs and add handles. I’ve also learnt sgraffito, a technique where you carve into the clay. And we learnt ‘hand building’ which is rolling out the clay and making sculptural pieces.
Originally, I was tense because my pots were falling apart. But that happens to everyone. So, even now, when they collapse, it’s still an enjoyable experience. I don’t feel frustrated. And when it goes well, I think ‘wow’, as I know how much concentration it takes to do it. I feel good about myself as I’ve managed to focus my mind. I get a great sense of satisfaction, such a lovely feeling.
Seeing the change
Now I feel really proud. I’ve made little bowls, cups, plates and even fruit sculptures. I’m still classed as a beginner, but I feel I’m seeing progress. Creative Bloc let me use the space to hold a charity event. I had my ceramics there and my friends brought their paintings and jewellery along too. The event was busy all day, people just kept coming! I sold almost all of my pieces and I raised £500.
I used to feel anxious about going out of the house. Now, I’m excited. I never thought I’d get the chance to do something like this. I just feel so privileged. My daughters love that I do this too. They like seeing what I make and that I’ve got something for myself. Doing this has changed my life completely.
Here, a person supported by Future Pathways describes how they feel about the service, the support and their life now.
“I have been supported by Future Pathways over the last few years and from the start it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for me. My workers have all been down to earth and real people who have made me feel genuinely supported and cared about and, most importantly, at no point have I felt judged or treated in a negative way about any of my terrible past. Thank you to yous all for that.
I am a single dad and today it is roughly four years I have been back out of prison and on my positive life path so feels good to be writing this today. Future Pathways have supported me through house moves, a driving course and exam, and my full family history.
Future Pathways funding all of this, and just knowing I have a Future Pathways worker to support me through it as well, is literally life changing for me and my kids. I have been able to provide my kids with a permanent home we are all proud of and happy to live in. I could not have done this without Future Pathways.
I have been on – and am on – a journey of staying in a positive mindset and way of life. Today, ‘we’ as a family unit live comfortably and happy in our permanent house thanks, in a big way, to Future Pathways. My life is positive and healthy, and I am grateful for being able to achieve all of this over these last few years.”
Share your views too
You can give feedback on Future Pathways. For example, what you think we do well or what you think we need to do better. We really value your comments and ideas. There are lots of ways you can give feedback. You can:
- Fill in our feedback form here
- Email us at engagement@future-pathways.co.uk
- Talk to your Support Coordinator and they can share your feedback with us
- Send us a letter to Future Pathways, c/o Health in Mind, Links House, 15 Links Place, Edinburgh, EH6 7EZ
- Ask for a chat with our Impact and Evaluation Lead
Feedback can be anonymous. You do not have to give your name if you do not want to.
This year, Michelle published her memoir. It’s called Bringing Truth to Light. Here, she tells us more about raising awareness and fighting for change.
In June, my book Bringing Truth to Light was published. Writing the book was an emotional experience, but it was important for me to get my message out there. I wanted to raise awareness about the impact of abuse, fight for change and send a message of hope to other survivors.
Though my book covers my time in residential care, I thought it was important to also talk about my earlier life. People often experience traumatic events before they enter the care system, not just during it. By sharing my experiences, I hope to really challenge systems, services and people to do better.
When I disclosed abuse, I either wasn’t believed. Often, we were labelled simply as ‘attention-seekers’. Many times, people didn’t do the right thing. So I thought the consequences would be worse if I did speak up. With my book, I really want to call on adults to listen to children, ask how they are, give them a safe space where they can share and – crucially – believe what they say.
By stepping in and taking action, adults can make a life-changing difference. We need to create legislation where we can empower services to act immediately. When children are protected and given help earlier on, their adult lives can be so much better. I’d been seen as a ‘problem’ when I just needed safety and support. If I’d been listened to and helped, I could have been more stable and done more things.
I have a fire in my belly and I was determined to show my worth. But sometimes you need other people to see your potential. Once someone gave me a chance, I knew I’d shine. I’ve gone on to do courses and get into work. At my job, I’m given thanks and appreciation. I cry when I get this because I am grateful but also because I always knew I deserved it. When I was younger, I wasn’t acknowledged.
Now, I want to be an ambassador for survivors. The scars might stay, but you can learn to live with them. Don’t give up, keep fighting for justice and get the support that’s right for you. I want services to listen too: protect, listen and believe children. Everyone needs the chance to have a life.
When you get the opportunity, you can change paths. I’m now working on a new book and this one is completely different. It’s a war-time romance. And, like my writing, my life is going into a new chapter too.
Bringing Truth to Light
Michelle’s book is available on Amazon. It is a powerful memoir about breaking free from the past and reclaiming your voice – no matter how long it takes.
Jo was one of our first members of the Alliance Leadership Team. She highlights the determination of people with lived experience to speak out and fight for change, and how this created key changes in justice, acknowledgement and support.
In 1956 I was boarded-out from a children’s home with my younger siblings, to a guardian in the north-east of Scotland. After 10 years of physical and mental abuse, I left for Aberdeen to train as a nurse. I was so distraught at having to leave them behind that I wrote to Glasgow Cooperation to report the extent of the abuse but was not believed. My siblings’ lives were now destroyed, and there was no help available to adapt to life beyond the care system or to heal the mental health difficulties linked to their childhood abuse. This eventually led to my sister’s fatal overdose in 1993.
From that moment onwards I knew that I had to do everything in my power to change that.
After reading Tom Shaw’s Systemic Review of historical abuse in Residential Schools and Children’s Homes 1950-1995, I noticed that there was no mention of the boarded-out generation. I know this is just terminology at its best, but I was determined to find a way to bring this into the public domain, so I wrote to the Scottish Parliament. We deserved to be recognised alongside foster care.
I took it a step further by writing a book called Say Nothing, detailing my family’s experience and found a publisher in 2012. But that was not enough.
It was not until I began posting poetry online, did I come across a man who inquired about the subject matter in my poems, and he invited me to Glasgow in 2015 to attend several survivors’ meetings run by representatives from the Scottish Parliament and Professor Kendrick from CELCIS at Strathclyde University. It was then that I became aware of Time to be Heard, a pilot forum for historical child abuse which had been set up in 2009. It allowed individuals to share personal testimonies before a panel in a safe environment, laying down the groundwork for subsequent national support and inquiry structures which eventually led to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.
The door was now open.
I was invited to an interview for the Alliance Leadership Team who met in Glasgow and, after my CV was approved, I joined several other survivors and potential Delivery Partners. The main aim was to set up services for people who were abused while children in care of the state in Scotland, to provide a safe place to be heard and most importantly to be believed, resulting in the creation of Future Pathways.
This was the place I needed to be but, after a time, it became too much for me. Being in the company of other survivors and listening to their stories, made me realise that I wasn’t OK. My past trauma was coming to the surface and I needed to look after myself and get support.
Future Pathways went on to create a unique system where services along with Delivery Partners are tailored so that everyone can access the support that is right for them, all trauma-informed. Providing urgent assistance, how to access records, help survivors re-enter education (which many abused children did not get the chance to complete); to open career opportunities once beyond their reach, encourage hobbies to improve their mental health, to obtain a safe environment and help to apply for grants. Users were encouraged to join workshops and attend peer support meetings on their journey to heal from past trauma.
After encouragement from Future Pathways, I joined the Interaction Action Review Group, again with Scottish Government, Professor Kendrick and other representatives from INCAS, Quarries Home, Independent Survivors and Social Services to campaign for a Bill for Redress. As an Independent, I was able to stand for the boarded-out generation at last. In 2019, we attended Parliament to hear the First Minister announce the Redress Bill for Scotland had been passed and the most important word in that document for me was ‘boarded-out’.
My journey was complete.
Since then, I have continued to keep in touch with Future Pathways through their monthly newsletters and attend Peer Support workshops. The confidence and strength they gave me at the beginning allowed me to go on and help other survivors to pass on their experience to relatives by presenting their stories in booklet form. This enabled their truths to be known without causing further distress.
It’s nearly ten years since Future Pathways pointed me in the right direction and, without their encouragement, I would not have achieved what I set out to do.
Find out more
Say Nothing by Josephine Duthie
Josephine’s memoir covers her time when she and her siblings were boarded out to a small croft in the north-east of Scotland. There, they experienced physical and mental abuse. Say Nothing was written as a voice of support for all abused children who are afraid or were never given the chance to tell their story.
Historical Abuse Systemic Review
Tom Shaw’s report was the direct outcome of a debate in the Scottish Parliament, seeking an inquiry into past institutional child abuse. Independently appointed, Tom Shaw was to look at the systems of laws, rules and regulations that governed residential schools and children’s homes in Scotland between 1950 and 1995. The review highlighted the range of people’s needs resulting from their experience of abuse and neglect in residential child care.
Time to be Heard
In 2010, the Time to Be Heard Forum was launched by Scottish Government. The aim was to listen and validate survivors’ experiences, create a historical record, signpost to services available and test out a confidential committee model. The forum heard from 98 former residents of Quarriers (which, before 1983, was the largest children’s home in Scotland), with the aim of making recommendations on the wider rollout of such a forum.
A year later, the Time to be Heard report was published. The report firmly advocated for a forum which was inclusive of a range of experience of provision, such as being ‘boarded out’, residential provision for children with special needs, hospital provision for children with acute medical and mental health needs, detention centres and other youth justice provision and boarding departments of schools.
Alliance Leadership Team
Future Pathways is delivered by the In Care Survivors Alliance. The Alliance is made up of four organisations. These are: Glasgow Psychological Trauma Service (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde), Health in Mind, Penumbra Mental Health and the Scottish Government. Staff members from each of these organisations are on the Alliance Leadership Team which runs Future Pathways. The team also includes people who have been supported by Future Pathways.
Interaction Action Review Group
In 2012, the Scottish Human Rights Commission commissioned CELCIS to deliver the ‘InterAction’ project. The project aimed to agree and coordinate how to implement the recommendations from the Human Rights Framework for Justice and Remedies for Historic Child Abuse.
To do this, CELCIS created a series of meetings and events called ‘interactions’ between 2012 and 2014. These activities brought together, for the first time, people with lived experience of abuse and neglect in care, child care service providers from local authorities, the third sector and religious orders, Scottish Government and others.
Scotland’s Redress Scheme
In December 2021, Scotland’s Redress Scheme was launched. This offers financial and non-financial redress to people who experienced abuse or neglect as children in the Scottish care system.
Redress Support Service
Redress Support Service offers emotional and practical support to people accessing the scheme. Delivered by the In Care Survivors Alliance, the Redress Support Service offers personalised support to people throughout their redress journey. This includes supporting people to prepare for applying, during the application and after they have applied.
Rikki is a member of our lived experience group, Voices for a Better Future. He also took part in Caring Scotland, a creative oral history project from National Theatre of Scotland. The project documents the lives and experiences of at least 100 members of the care experienced community in Scotland. Here, Rikki reflects on taking part.
Voices For A Better Future is 4 years old. We’re a group of survivors who were abused by the Scottish care system. My time with Future Pathways is almost 10 years. Future Pathways was the signpost that I found and I raised a hand and asked for help and the rest is how a tapestry comes together. We were destined to come together.
I was interviewed for the One Hundred Voices project way back in February and March 2025. Karen Allan, the producer with The National Theatre Of Scotland, thought, ‘I want to put Rikki’s story forward for the One Hundred Voices at the Scottish Parliament’.
And the weird world of Rikki begin to sow seeds to bring everything together. There’s no magic or trickery, it’s a burning love in a man to bring memoirs and tales together with the possibility of bringing light to peoples heart’s.
I’m going to Edinburgh for 3 days because I have a Voices for a Better Future meeting coming up on 11 August. Travelling the same day would break me, so I’m going up the day before.
I will be going to One Hundred Voices at the Scottish Parliament on 13 August. It matters because my voice and story will be kept for millions of people coming behind me. I want things to change for the better.
The reason I’m writing this is to help others live a light life again. The only way to close that can of worms is to open it, pour it out, and get it out without fear or anger. Let the tears and the rain wash it down the drain.
Find out more
One Hundred Voices
One Hundred Voices is an interactive, audio-guided installation, bringing creative insight into living in the care system. It serves as an artistic act of recognition and celebration of the one hundred testimonies recorded through the Caring Scotland project.
The One Hundred Voices installation opens at the Scottish Parliament on 12 August 2026, before touring to Glasgow, Dumfries, Stranraer, Forfar and Glenrothes.
Caring Scotland is delivered by National Theatre of Scotland in partnership with Who Cares? Scotland and the National Library of Scotland. It was funded with an award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Voices for a Better Future
Voices for a Better Future is a lived experience voice group. The group brings together people who are, or have been, supported by Future Pathways. Members of the group want to make a difference for others with experience in care.
In May 2026, Voices for a Better Future reached their 4-year mark. They have helped to shape services and advocate for change, all while supporting each other in their own personal journeys. Here, members reflect on what the group means to them.
Our tailored approach to support is made possible by working with our dedicated Delivery Partners. As we mark 10 years of Future Pathways, we say a big thank you to all the organisations and professionals we have worked with over the past decade.
Support at Future Pathways is tailored so that everyone can access the support that’s right for them. To do this, we work with a network of Delivery Partners across Scotland, the UK and beyond. Our commissioning model creates access to an extensive range of support, including record search support, counselling, coaching, support work, education, advocacy and creative interests.
Since Future Pathways began in 2016, we’ve worked with almost 150 Delivery Partners, many of which we’re still working with today. Relationships are at the heart of what we do, and this includes the partnerships we hold. By creating a genuinely collaborative commissioning approach, we can navigate complexity together and offer flexible, holistic support.
Our trauma-informed approach extends to our Delivery Partners too. We support them to make informed choices about working with us, and in turn we build trust through transparent and consistent processes. We offer clear contracts that nurture safe relationships, while empowering our Delivery Partners to help shape support through focus groups and joint projects. This word cloud shows the words our Delivery Partners used to describe our approach.
Our commissioning approach itself is designed to balance structure and flexibility so people can access support in the way that works for them. Throughout, we recognise the value and expertise of our Delivery Partners who bring wide-ranging knowledge and practice to our work together.
We’re really looking forward to the next steps on the journey in creating effective and impactful support for people registered with Future Pathways.
Find out more
We love shining a light on the work of our Delivery Partners. Here, we have a range of interviews across counselling, coaching, creative support and more.
Become a Delivery Partner
We have a guide for organisations and professionals. This tells you more about Future Pathways, who we are and what we do. It also tells you how people can register with the service and how you can make a referral, plus information about our trauma informed approach to working with Delivery Partners.
As we mark 10 years of Future Pathways, we want to make sure we keep improving. You can help us. Find out more about how to give us feedback. Your voice makes a difference.
Miriam is our new Impact and Evaluation Lead. She helps us to see what we are doing well and how we can improve. And she wants you to get involved and share your views.
What sort of things can someone give feedback on?
It is up to you! You can give feedback on anything you would like us to know. For example, what you think we do well or what you think we need to do better. We really value your comments and ideas.
Can you tell us a bit more about why we want feedback from people?
We want to understand more about what you think of Future Pathways. Feedback is important because it means we can see what works and what we should change. The more feedback we have, the better we can make Future Pathways for the people we support. We want to make sure Future Pathways is shaped by the people who access the service.
Will feedback make a difference?
Yes.We know that feedback makes a difference at Future Pathways. For example, we now have Peer Support at Future Pathways. This is because lots of people told us this was something we should do.
So, if you have a suggestion, let us know. We might not always be able to do things straight away and we might not be able to do everything that people suggest. But if we know your feedback, we can do more to improve Future Pathways.
How can someone give feedback?
There are lots of ways you can give feedback. You can:
- Fill in our feedback form at www.future-pathways.co.uk/feedback
- Email us at engagement@future-pathways.co.uk
- Talk to your Support Coordinator and they can share your feedback with me (Miriam)
- Write to us at Future Pathways, c/o Health in Mind, Links House, 15 Links Place, Edinburgh, EH6 7EZ
- Ask for a chat with me (Miriam)
Feedback can be anonymous. You do not have to give your name if you do not want to.
The timeline below covers the key milestones of the last 10 Years. While the focus is on Future Pathways, we do include additional information on other significant dates. It is important to recognise that the work of Future Pathways sits within a timeline of key changes in justice and reparation.
2016
Our service is launched on a pilot basis
In June 2016, Scotland’s In Care Survivors Support Fund is launched on a pilot basis. It is set up make sure people can get support to live full, healthy and independent lives. To do this, the fund focuses on what is most important to people. The fund supports people to make the changes they want to see in their life. And helps people to set goals for what they want to do or achieve. The fund is delivered by the In Care Survivors Alliance, at the time made up of Glasgow Psychological Trauma Service (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde), Health in Mind, Mental Health Foundation, Penumbra Mental Health and the Scottish Government.
Future Pathways formally launches
In Care Survivors Support Fund (later renamed Future Pathways) formally launches on 29 September 2016. The service has three Support Coordinators and within the first three months almost 100 people register with the service. People seek support to access their records, reconnect with communities, specialist support work, counselling, physical activity, advocacy and group work.
Working with Wellbeing Scotland
Wellbeing Scotland (originally known as Open Secret) works closely with us from the start, bringing significant experience in supporting people affected by childhood abuse.
2017
Listening to lived experience
In May 2017, Future Pathways sets up an Advisory Group through an open call. The group is made up of people who are registered with, or accessing support at Future Pathways. Members offer advice to Future Pathways about how to shape the service and aims to encourage other services to improve support for people with lived experience.
Developing our network
By the end of the first year (29 September 2017), Future Pathways has working relationships with 23 support providers (later called ‘Delivery Partners’), including Action in Mind, Aspire, Birthlink, Break the Silence, Carr Gomm, Mind Mosaic, Moira Anderson Foundation and Wellbeing Scotland.
2018
Scoping the service
In 2018, Future Pathways completes a scoping study. This helps us feel confident that we have an effective model of support. The report also highlights that Future Pathways works in a challenging context where demand for the service is high. People also experience high levels of need but there are few trauma-informed services and supports available. As we have a pioneering approach to support, we are continually learning, developing and refining what we do.
Quality and Improvement
In August 2018, we have a Quality Framework. Through this, we embed the principles of trauma informed practice into our approach to quality and improvement at Future Pathways. We monitor how well we are doing and what we can improve. We measure, identify, plan, inform and improve through a continuous cycle of learning.
Growing the service
By the end of its second year, September 2018, Future Pathways has 53 support providers and has supported over 350 people, 190 of which have been supported through partner Wellbeing Scotland.
Sparking creativity
To mark the second year of Future Pathways, the service creates an exhibition around the theme ‘What Makes Me Happy’. There is an open call and anyone who has experienced neglect or abuse as a child in care in Scotland can submit their artwork. The exhibition opens in October 2018 at the Museum of Edinburgh.
Strengthening support
In December 2018, with many more people accessing Future Pathways, the service is given additional funding. This allows us to prioritise people over the age of 70 or people who are living with a terminal illness. It also allows us to better respond to people living outwith the central belt of Scotland.
2019
Broadening engagement
In April 2019, Future Pathways broadens the engagement and feedback approach. Instead of an advisory group (which had been set up when the service supported only 200 people), we create more flexible and inclusive ways to make sure people can engage with the service. With more than 1100 people registered with the service at the time, it was important that more people can help shape the service by sharing their views.
Supporting people in payment scheme applications
In April 2019, the Advanced Payment Scheme is opened by the Scottish Government. The scheme offers government-funded payments to people who are elderly (aged 68 or over) or have a terminal illness. The was an important first step prior to the subsequent launch of Scotland’s Redress Scheme. Future Pathways offered support to people applying for the Advanced Payment Scheme, helping them with their applications.
Listening to our support providers
In September 2019, Future Pathways completes its review of Support Providers. Findings show that they view Future Pathways as trauma-informed and trustworthy, and view the partnership as beneficial and open. We also see that they feel working with us has improved access to their own service and that they’d like more opportunities to highlight the work they do with other providers and professionals who work with Future Pathways.
2020
Looking at our impact
Future Pathways publishes our first impact report. It includes people’s accounts of how support has made a real difference. The report highlights that we want to keep listening and learning so that we can bring lasting improvement to people’s lives.
Support during the Covid-19 pandemic
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the people we support also experienced unexpected and life-altering challenges during this time. It was important for us to respond to challenges quickly. Between March and July 2020, Support Coordinators made almost 1000 wellbeing calls to people registered with us to offer immediate support. Almost two thirds of those contacted accepted this offer of support and many people who had concluded their support returned to the service during the Covid-19 pandemic.
2021
Partnership changes in the In Care Survivor Alliance
In April 2021, Mental Health Foundation withdraws from the In Care Survivors Alliance to focus on research, policy and campaigning. Health in Mind takes on the responsibilities of communications and engagement, in addition to existing Support Coordination.
Listening and learning
In October 2021, Future Pathways’ consultation report is published. The report is created by CAPS, an Independent Advocacy Organisation. It shows that people found the service welcoming and consistent and had positive experiences in getting support with therapy, accessing records and daily life. What people valued most was the support from, and relationships with, individual Support Coordinators. However, we also heard that waiting times could be difficult, that information could be more accessible, and that people wanted more ways to connect with others. People also highlighted that independent voices for people with lived experience should be more present.
Scotland’s Redress Scheme
In December 2021, Scotland’s Redress Scheme is launched. This offers financial and non-financial redress to people who experienced abuse or neglect as children in the Scottish care system.
Redress Support Service
Alongside Scotland’s Redress Scheme is the launch of Redress Support Service in 2021. Redress Support Service opens to provide emotional and practical support to people accessing the scheme. Delivered by the In Care Survivors Alliance, the Redress Support Service offers personalised support to people throughout their redress journey. This includes supporting people to prepare for applying, during the application and after they have applied.
2022
Voices for a Better Future
In May 2022, a lived experience group is set up. It’s called Voices for a Better Future. Every member is registered with Future Pathways and they each bring their own personal insights and lived experience of Scottish care settings. Together, the group works on projects to improve services, challenge stigma and raise awareness.
Delivery Partner review
In September 2022, we complete a review of our Delivery Partners. We focus specifically on counselling and record search Delivery Partners, finding out what helps and what hinders meaningful support. We see the positive impacts of counselling, such as supporting people to develop self-awareness, a sense of identity, coping strategies and self-care. We also find that counselling should be outcomes-focused and boundaried. We see that record search support creates a more connected sense of identity, as well as broader mindset shifts that can have a positive impact on the choices people make. However, we also find that the record search process itself can be challenging when records containing upsetting content, or are incomplete or redacted.
Making Pathways Together
In November 2022, we complete our Making Pathways Together project. This was a feedback project in partnership with Journey Associates. The project highlighted room for improvement across three broad themes: communications, structure, engagement and events. People wanted more opportunities to share their experiences, find out more about Future Pathways, have clear information, and take part in peer activities.
2023
Developing Peer Support
In 2023, Future Pathways looks at developing Peer Support by working with Voices for a Better Future, alongside IRISS and Scottish Recovery Network. Through this co-design project, we explored the opportunities people were seeking and how we could develop these in future.
Improving information, sharing experiences
In April 2023, we refresh Future Pathways’ website, creating a more clear, consistent and informative site. It also now includes a dedicated Features space for content created by and with people registered with the service.
Stepping Stones
In August 2023, Future Pathways publishes Stepping Stones. Covering 2016 onwards, the report tells the story of the service at scale, weaving together feedback, reflections and accounts of people’s experiences. The data tells us that it’s not just what we do, but how we do it, that makes the difference.
Impactful partnership working
In October 2023, we publish a report from the Action Learning Programme. Created by The Lasting Difference, the report highlights the learning and feedback from engagement sessions held with a group of services we work alongside. We found that our collaborative approach brings trust, choice and flexibility to our outcomes-focused support. It also creates a network of support, knowledge and learning with Delivery Partners which, in turn, helps navigate complexity and offer holistic support.
2024
A new approach to commissioning support
In 2024, we launch a new approach to commissioning support from Delivery Partners. We focus on embodying the principles of trauma informed practice to create a framework of support, knowledge and learning with Delivery Partners. This then helps us navigate complexity and offer holistic support to people accessing Future Pathways.
Identity, Equality and Access
In June 2024, Future Pathways publishes Identity, Equality and Access. Focusing on the demographics and life experiences of people who were abused or neglected in the Scottish care system, the report offers a valuable contribution to an under-represented area of research.
Accessing Records in Scotland
In July 2024, we support the publication of Accessing Records in Scotland. This report was made possible by participants with care experience who generously gave their time, knowledge and insights, along with partners Aberdeen City Council, the Champions Board of West Dunbartonshire Council, The City of Edinburgh Council, Social Work Scotland and Who Cares? Scotland. The report looks at what it is like for people with care experience to access their records and makes key recommendations for how the process can be improved so people can access records in a safe and supported way.
Support While You Wait
In November 2024, Future Pathways launches Support While You Wait. This is a dedicated strand of support specifically for people on our waitlist. Through this, people can access emotional support, counselling and group work from Wellbeing Scotland, and record search support from Birthlink. We also offer Brief Waitlist Sessions for time-limited support with urgent areas like housing and access to education.
Future Pathways’ review
In November 2024, independent organisation BDO undertake a review of Future Pathways. Scottish Government Ministers asked for this review to better understand how Future Pathways is working , and to see how the service could improve. BDO’s final report was made available in September 2025.
2025
Being There
In January 2025, Future Pathways publishes Being There. Looking at the prevalence of unmet basic needs among people we support, the report also considers how circumstances can affect engagement and how we can help people navigate barriers to support.
Access to Records
In March 2025, lived experience group Voices for a Better Future publishes Access to Records, which includes information and personal reflections to help anyone who is trying to access their records from when they were in care as a child.
Walking this path with you
In April 2025, we share a new animation, created with Voices for a Better Future. They helped us to show the perspective of someone on a journey of support, taking us on the path from before to during and after support. They helped us authentically convey what Future Pathways does, who we are for and the support we offer.
Peer Support is launched
In June 2025, Future Pathways launches Peer Support. We host sessions online and in person across Scotland, and we have workshops around specific themes, like healthy eating, first aid and stress management. Our programme offers a way to create connection, meet new people and build supportive relationships.
Better Records Together
In December 2025, Future Pathways and members of Voices for a Better Future support Better Records Together, a campaign from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Better Records Together calls for urgent improvements in how services can better support people to access their records, exercise their rights and understand their history.
2026
VOICES film series
In May 2026,VOICES series launches. VOICES brings together individual films from 6 members of Voices for a Better Future: Bradley, Gordon, Joyce, Pauline, Rikki and Yvonne. Each person has their own unique story to tell; together they show resilience, change, determination, hope, healing and inspiration.
Voices group marks four years together
In May 2026, Voices for a Better Future group celebrate four years together. In this time, they have created hope, support and connection. Members help to shape services and advocate for change, all while supporting each other in their own personal journeys.
10 Years of Future Pathways
In September 2026, Future Pathways will have been running for 10 Years. As we mark 10 years of the service, we want to make sure we keep improving. You can help us by sharing your views and giving us feedback. Your voice makes a difference.
Looking back over 10 Years of Future Pathways, we’re highlighting our key facts and figures, including our work with people we support, Delivery Partners, Peer Support and more.
These figures are up until 31 May 2026.
Who can get support?
You can get support from Future Pathways if the abuse or neglect happened:
- in a care setting
- in Scotland
- when you were under 18
You also need to be over 18 now. Find out more about who can get support from Future Pathways.
About our support
You might know what support you are looking for or you might need some help to find out. Everyone is different. Watch our short animation to find out more about who we support and how we can help.
Delivery Partners
Future Pathways commissions a range of services to support people. We work with a network of Delivery Partners across Scotland, the UK and beyond. Through this, we can facilitate access to support that is trauma-informed, person-centred and outcomes-focused.
Accessing records
Voices for a Better Future is a lived experience group. They created information and guidance to help anyone who is trying to access records from when they were in care as a child.
Accessing Records in Scotland is a report which brings together findings about what it is like for people with care experience to access their records. Researched and written by Aberdeen City Council, the Champions Board of West Dunbartonshire Council, The City of Edinburgh Council, Future Pathways, Social Work Scotland and Who Cares? Scotland.
Peer Support
Peer Support is a way of connecting with people who have gone through similar things in life. People can come together to socialise, learn and support each other. Peer Support at Future Pathways is open to anyone who is registered with the service, including people who are on our waitlist.
Voices for a Better Future
Voices for a Better Future is a lived experience group. Every member is registered with Future Pathways. The group works with staff at Future Pathways and at other services on different projects to improve services, raise awareness and make a difference.