THE lives and voices of care experienced young people was celebrated in the Wee County last week.

Friday, February 15, marked the fourth annual Care Day which originated in Scotland and was an opportunity to highlight local looked-after children’s involvement in shaping their own experiences.

Young people from Oor Clacks Voices, who have in the past shared their experiences with local authority chiefs, who in turn reaffirmed their commitments to being good corporate parents, raised their own flag at Clackmannanshire Council’s Kilncraigs HQ in the morning.

They were then hosted by Provost Tina Murphy for a chat over a cuppa before enjoying a tour of Alloa Fire Station, along with some demonstrations.

Last Friday's event came just days ahead of the participation group celebrating its first birthday.

Morag Cantwell, advocacy and participation worker at Who Cares? Scotland – an organisation working for and on behalf of care experienced young people – congratulated the group on what they achieved in the space of just 12 months.

At the flag raising ceremony, she said: “Oor Clacks voices are a group of care experienced young people who are changing the care journey of other care experienced children and young people by working in partnership with their corporate parents and decision makers.”

Quoting her CEO, Duncan Dunlop, Morag continued: “Where people stand up and recognise care experienced people and the need for a lifetime of equality, respect and love, we will commend them.”

Morag added: “Clackmannanshire Council has done this today and we know that our members across Clackmannanshire will feel more accepted as a result of this.

“On a personal level, can I just say how much I admire and respect this group of young people and the commitment they are showing to the other care experienced young people across Clackmannanshire and watch because there are big things coming from this group.”