Jo was one of the boarded-out children who were sent away from their urban homes to live in the Highlands and Islands. Here, she talks about speaking up for others who had similar experiences. Jo was one of our first members of the Alliance Leadership Team at Future Pathways.
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 my siblings behind that I wrote to Glasgow Cooperation. But I was not believed.
I later read a review about historical abuse in Residential Schools and Children’s Homes. There was no mention of the boarded-out generation. I was determined to find a way to raise awareness. We deserved to be recognised.
I wrote a book called Say Nothing, detailing my family’s experience. But that was not enough.
More was needed. I joined the Alliance Leadership Team at Future Pathways. The main aim was to make sure people who had been abused in care had access to services, a safe place to be heard and, finally, the chance to be believed.
Since then, Future Pathways went on to create a unique service that works with Delivery Partners. This means people can access tailored, trauma-informed support that is right for them. People could access education, develop hobbies, improve mental health, and begin their journey of healing from past trauma.
Future Pathways encouraged me to join a review group. This was run by Scottish Government, Professor Kendrick, representatives from INCAS, Quarriers Home, social services and independent survivors. Together, we campaigned for a Bill for Redress. As an independent survivor, I was finally able to speak up for the boarded-out generation.
In 2019, we attended Parliament to hear the First Minister announce the Redress Bill for Scotland. For me, the most important word in that document 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, enabling their truths to be known.
