The balabalis a part of the Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum.The group was set up in 2002/2003 by some young people who have had experience of leaving care, and who wanted to make a difference to the lives of young people who will leave care in Scotland.  

At the time we realised that there was a great need for change, and decided that young people and decision-makers needed to get together to talk things over a debate if you like.   We want to gather as many opinions and information about what it is like to actually leave care in Scotland as we possibly can. This means that we can paint a very realistic picture for the people who have the power to make the changes needed to improve things for young people.  It also gives us a chance to remind these decision-makers that they are mums and dads, and that young people leaving care are more than just a number. 

All the information that we gather also helps us to come up with some reccomendations about how things should be done.   After nearly seven years, the Debate Project is going strong and still welcoming new members to the group as it did when it started.  We are always looking for new ideas and ways of making decision makers sit up and pay attention to what is actually going on out there.   We are a group of young people that have left care, but that’s not all we are. We all use our different talents and skills to make a difference.  We all met through the work we do in the Debate Project.  But the Debate Project is more than just 'work'.  We are quite a social group and enjoy just getting together to go bowling or have pancakes!  We have all managed to make good friends, and when new members get involved, it feels like they have been part of the group for years within a few minutes.  

It's very easy to get involved if you want to. Whether you live in Orkney or in Glasgow City Centre, there's always a way for you to get involved, even if you can't make it into the office. If you have any ideas or a story to share, contact us.  And if you want to come and meet us (or want us to visit you), get more involved at the meetings, or even just with a particular piece of work that we are doing, contact us.  Or if you just want to find out a bit more about us, you can find our details in the ‘contact us’ section.   Hope to see you soon!  

Funding

The Debate Project was given a 3 year grant from the Big Lottery. This grant lasts until May 2010. As we are part of a larger organisation called the Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum we also benefit from the funding they receive from the Scottish Government.

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