Care Day 2018 celebrated in Moray

CARE Day 2018 has been marked in Moray with the raising of a flag at Moray Council HQ, designed with input from Moray’s care experienced young people.

The flag was hoisted as Moray Council social worker, Neil McConnachie, played the bagpipes, surrounded by corporate parents from other public and third sector organisations, children and young people at the Elgin headquarters.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Roddy Burns, who raised the flag alongside 15 year-old Millie Burns, said that as well as celebrating children and young people, those who care for and support them should also be recognised.

“Today is an opportunity to celebrate the rights of care experienced children and young people. We all want a world where children and young people can thrive and achieve their dreams so they can go on to have a future that is fulfilled and they are proud of.

“I am proud to be a part of the Moray-wide partnership celebrating the care experience in Moray through a worldwide Care Day, and 2018 will see us continue to work in partnership to champion the rights of care experienced people across Moray.”

Jennie Williams, Service Manager for Children & Young People within Health & Social Care Moray, said it was a ‘privilege’ to be celebrating Care Day in Moray.

“It’s great to see all the partners come together, and especially to have our young people celebrate with us.”

Gavin Morgan, Development Co-ordinator for Who Cares? Scotland, added: “I’m so proud to be a part of Moray which celebrates Care Day as a community. The flag is an amazing symbol of all that has been for these young people and all that will be for them in the future.”

Convener of Moray Council, Cllr James Allan, said that the ceremony marked a culmination of events for care experienced children and young people in the area.

“As councillors we see the huge amount of the work that goes into providing services for these young people – all partners play their part in making sure the best opportunities are available. For me, this is a time to recognise the achievements of our children and young people and look to their future.”

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.