We are privileged to share the latest project from 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.
Voices for a Better Future started in 2022. Since then, the group has flourished. They have worked together on a range of projects and supported each other through their own personal challenges and achievements.
Throughout their work is a real sense of hope for the future and that change is possible. Members were keen to create a film project to share their own powerful messages, and to inspire others to speak up and speak out.
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.
With thanks to creative communications agency Electrify, who bring a genuinely collaborative and caring approach in supporting people to share their experiences.
“When we talk about our work being a privilege, none exemplifies that more than working with Future Pathways and (especially) the Voices for a Better Future group. Getting to know this incredible group of people has been a joy, hearing about their experiences was an honour, and getting to film them as they talk about their lives is one of the best things I’ve done in my career. I hope these six films help others who have had negative experiences of the Scottish care system to reach out and seek support, and to see that hope and a future is possible.”
Pete, Senior Communications Partner, Electrify
Yvonne
From being unheard to standing up in court for others, Yvonne’s story shows the power of someone saying “I believe you”.
“I am sharing my story to remind fellow survivors that there is hope. You are not alone and your past does not define the beautiful, fulfilling life you are capable of living.”
Bradley
Owning his story and finding the courage to speak up, Bradley shows that justice is possible – and that one voice can inspire another.
“I wanted to speak out. Justice is everyone’s right. It doesn’t fix the damage, but helps deal with it all.”
Joyce
Through sheer determination and creativity, Joyce built a life and a home for her family – and now uses her strength to help others.
“I took part in the video to reach out to other survivors. Future Pathways are there to help all survivors and making that first phone call is the first step to dealing with your past. You will get help and support tailored to your needs. Today can bring about a better future.”
Gordon
From the East End of Glasgow to a military life of discipline and fighting for those who can’t, Gordon proves you are not defined by where you start.
“I know that I am honoured to have been able to participate in the project. The message I would like my video to relay is that, for people that feel that they are stuck in a way of life that appears to have no future, you can change things if you change pathways. You can make things better when you plan your future and work at it.”
Pauline
Volunteering and working with an organisation that supports those leaving care, Pauline shows how support and connection can turn survival into purpose.
“I wanted to let care experienced people know that they have a voice and they should be listened to. I feel proud of being an advocate of Who Cares? Scotland – they are a really strong, sincere and supportive community. I’m also glad that people can get support from Future Pathways, wherever you are on your journey.”
Rikki
After a life of helping others, Rikki’s journey reminds us that true strength comes from learning to heal yourself too.
“I took part because I wanted to show that survival isn’t the end of the story — it’s the beginning. Speaking openly about my journey felt like laying down a stone on the path for someone else to step on. If my film helps another survivor find their rhythm again, or feel even a moment of belonging, then it’s done its job.”
