Care experienced young people from across South Lanarkshire shared their journeys, ambitions and achievements as more than 200 young people and staff came together in Hamilton to mark Care Day 2026.
Held at the council’s headquarters, the event was planned and delivered by the South Lanarkshire Champions Board, reflecting a commitment to ensuring care‑experienced young people play an active role in shaping the decisions and services that affect their lives.
Beth-Anne McDowall, NHS Lanarkshire Public Protection Promise Lead Officer, said: “Care Day is the world’s largest international celebration of children and young people with care experience. It reminds us of the strength, insight and potential of children and young people with care experience.
“Hearing their stories today was powerful and inspiring and reinforces why we must continue to work alongside them, supporting their confidence, independence and the futures they choose.”
The Champions Board brings together care‑experienced young people to influence local decision‑making and contribute directly to work being taken forward by community planning partners as part of NHS Lanarkshire’s commitment to The Promise.
Care Day also highlights the collective work being undertaken across partners to ensure care experienced young people are supported, valued and prepared to face life’s challenges on an equal and positive footing.
Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer for Health and Social Care in South Lanarkshire, said: “Today’s event showcased the resilience, ambition and leadership of care experienced young people across South Lanarkshire. Their stories highlight not only the challenges they have faced, but the strengths they bring.
“Our role, as corporate parents, services and partners, is to stand alongside young people and ensure they have the support and belief around them to shape their own futures with confidence.
“My thanks go to all of our staff and partners, and most importantly to the young people themselves, whose honesty, leadership and determination continue to drive real change.”
