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.
On the right pathway
Survivor Carol has spoken to the Edinburgh Evening News about how Future Pathways has helped her to find a new lease of life.
Read the article here.
What makes me happy
A woman who survived abuse in care as a child has spoken about how art has helped her to move on in her life.
Paintings by Joyce feature in the “What Makes Me Happy” art exhibition which recently opened in the historic Museum of Edinburgh in the centre of the Capital city.
The show is made up of a range of pictures, sculptures and photographs created by people supported by Future Pathways, Scotland’s in-care survivor support fund.
All the pieces were submitted by people who are currently being supported by Future Pathways to find a way forward in their lives after the negative experiences they had whilst in care as children.
Speaking after the launch, Joyce said that she was delighted to be part of the exhibition. She added: “Art has given me the skills to express myself. Studying art has also helped me to cope with the pain, and to find peace.”
Flora Henderson, Alliance Manager for Future Pathways, said: “We asked survivors to create art which made them feel happy because we want to notice and celebrate how people find hope and joy. The exhibition shows the many different ways people have achieved this.
Heartfelt Pieces
“I am overwhelmed by the response we had to our calls for artwork, and it is wonderful to see such heartfelt pieces being featured in this way. Thank you so much to the Museum of Edinburgh for hosting What Makes Me Happy, and for all of the support we have received from their staff.”
Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Our museums are famous for telling the history of Edinburgh and its people, but we are increasingly opening up temporary spaces for local people to share their own stories.
“We regularly welcome displays from community groups and I’m pleased the Museum of Edinburgh has been able to support Future Pathways in this way. Its’ work has a huge impact helping those who have suffered from abuse while in care.
“Participating in art and culture is known to have positive therapeutic benefits, and this particular exhibition will provide survivors with the chance to see their journeys and artworks exhibited in the heart of the Capital. Sharing this exhibition with visitors to the Museum of Edinburgh is an important step for all involved.”
The exhibition is running until January 20th, 2019 in a dedicated space on the ground floor of the Museum of Edinburgh, 142 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DD. It is open daily from 10am until 5pm.
Register with us today
To begin the registration process, you can:
Phone us on Freephone 0808 164 2005. Our lines are open 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Email us at registration@future-pathways.co.uk If you email, please include a phone number so we can contact you to complete the registration process.
Or click REGISTER YOUR INTEREST to fill out a simple form.
© Future Pathways. All Rights Reserved 2019
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Our statement
With regards to media reports about arrests relating to allegations of historical child abuse at Smyllum House, Alliance Manager of Future Pathways Flora Henderson has issued this statement:
“Future Pathways is here to give support to people who experienced abuse or neglect whilst in care in Scotland.
“If anyone feels they have been directly affected by the arrests made in connection with Smyllum House, I urge them to contact Future Pathways for support by calling us on Freephone 0808 164 2005.”