The Cafe drop-in at Calderglen Country Park Cafe, which runs from 12-noon to 1.30pm on Wednesday 5 April, is open to all those would like to find out more about helping young people who need care.

Each new year brings a renewed passion from the Council’s Family Connections team to improve the lives and outcomes of children and young people across South Lanarkshire.

Margaret Walker, the Chair of the council’s Social Work Resources Committee, said: “Foster carers provide care in emergencies or on a short term, long term or a permanent basis while others can provide permanent care by way of adoption.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest in helping young people to come along to what will be an informative event.”

Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, said: “There are many ways that carers can provide assistance and enhance the lives of young people.

“I continue to be inspired by the opportunities and experiences that carers in South Lanarkshire have helped provide to so many of our young people throughout the last year.

“These reflect the generosity and compassion across our diverse communities which truly make a difference to so many lives.”

Here are some examples of how young people have thrived with the support of local carers (names have been changed for the purpose of anonymity):

• Isla learned to walk
• Graham learned to ride his bike
• Jade used her craft skills to raise money for charities supporting the homeless and those from the Ukraine
• Scott passed his driving test
• Liam became vice captain at his school
• Natalie went on a plane for the first time and loved it
• Findlay completed a charity walk for his chosen charity
• Cara won an award for the poem she wrote
• James and Claire secured full time apprenticeships
• Abi secured a place at university

The sporting talent has also been exceptional this year with awards and medals won for gymnastics, cycling, boxing and taekwondo.

Aspiring artist and creatives have been busy utilising their skills in baking, drawing and arts and crafts, some of which can be seen below.

Soumen Sengupta, added: “The young people were able to achieve and thrive thanks to the nurture, love, support and guidance of our amazing carers.

“There are many more young people that need this support, now and in the future.

“If you feel you can support our young people and help them to reach their potential please contact our Family Connections team – they are here to help.”

This includes the local Café drop-in events or on the last Wednesday of the month there are virtual drop-in events between 5-7pm. To join a virtual event just email: familyconnections@southlanarkshire.gov.uk and request your preferred 30-minute time slot and you will receive an invite to join.

Please see below how to connect with the service in 2023.

• Wednesday 5 April 2023 - Café Drop-In at Calderglen Country Park Café
• Wednesday 26 April 2023 - Virtual Drop-In - Microsoft TEAMS
• Tuesday 2 May 2023 - Café Drop-In at Chatelherault Country Park Café
• Wednesday 31 May 2023 - Virtual Drop-In - Microsoft TEAMS
• Wednesday 28 June 2023 - Virtual Drop-In - Microsoft TEAMS
• Wednesday 26 July 2023 - Virtual Drop-In - Microsoft TEAMS
• Wednesday 2 August 2023 - Café Drop-In at New Lanark Mill Café
• Wednesday 30 August 2023 - Virtual Drop-In - Microsoft TEAMS
• Wednesday 27 September 2023 - Virtual Drop-In - Microsoft TEAMS
• Wednesday 18 October 2023 - Café Drop-In at Rutherglen Town Hall Café
• Wednesday 25 October 2023 - Virtual Drop-In - Microsoft TEAMS
• Wednesday 13 November 2023 - Café Drop-In at Calderglen Country Park Café
• Wednesday 29 November 2023 - Virtual Drop-In - Microsoft TEAMS

Or if you would just like to find out more, our friendly staff at Family Connections are always on hand to answer your questions. You can get in touch by emailing familyconnections@southlanarkshire.gov.uk - phone 0303 123 1008 or by checking out the Facebook page SLC Fostering and Adoption.