Oor Lives, Oor Ane – The Power of Peer-Led Research
By Kasey* supported by Children 1st
Children 1st received funding through Promise Partnership funding for peer-led research, Oor Lives, Oor Ane, to understand what might have made a difference when children were taken into care. Launched in March 2024, the research report, executive summary, and video shine a unique spotlight on the experiences and views of parents whose voices are rarely heard.
This community story is written by Kasey*, one of the parents from the Good Ideas Group, who co-designed, carried out, wrote up and shared the finding of the research Oor Lives, Oor Ane. Kasey shares the difference that taking part in the research has made to her family’s life.
“All of us who took part in the Good Ideas Group have children with care experience. Some of us have experienced domestic abuse and some of us have also been in care as children ourselves. None of us were used to having people want to listen to what we have to say. Taking part in the research has changed that; we are being listened to and feel heard.”
“When I first met Katy from Children 1st I felt nervous and anxious. I was with my social worker because I didn’t want to come on my own. Negative experiences I’ve had in the past, with professionals and in my community, meant that it wasn’t easy for me to meet people or get involved in things. Living in Moray, everybody thinks they know everybody else’s story and you can be judged for things that happened that you couldn’t control. “
“I spoke to Katy about maybe coming to a group and meeting other parents. I told her I’d come, but I might not speak much.”
“When I came to the group it was good. I knew someone who was there already and that made me feel a bit more confident. In the group, I was still a bit anxious about speaking up to start with, but I got there. It helped to have peer support, to know that people had been through similar experiences. I felt I could open up and trust people, without being judged. Everyone got on really well and it gave me confidence to share my experiences and opinions about what needs to change to make things better for children and families who are care experienced.”
“The first time Children 1st asked me to be involved in giving a presentation about the research findings I said I wouldn’t do it, but I came and helped with the planning. The parents in the group and the workers at Children 1st encouraged me; I stood up and did that presentation. It felt really good to do it.”
“There was a worker there who had supported me when I had my youngest daughter. She said she was really pleased to see me doing so well.”
“Sharing the research means that I’ve experienced being listened to by professionals without judgement. I’m more confident now talking to professionals and this is good for my youngest, Danielle, who lives with me. I can go up and talk to her teacher without feeling so anxious. I can ask for help for her when she needs it.”
“It’s also helped me to talk with Danielle about our family’s situation. She knows that she has siblings and I feel more able to answer her questions, so that she feels more connected to them. That’s really important for Danielle.”
“Coming to the group, and the wider support from Children 1st workers helped me feel able to do other things, which will help Danielle in the long-term, doing things like starting college and completing a childcare course. And because the research project was set within the wider Children 1st Moray service, we’ve been able to get other support. The Children 1st financial wellbeing team helped me to find out about what benefits I am entitled to and when I started college, they helped me out with vouchers for electricity and food shopping, until my bursary came in. Without that I wouldn’t have had any financial help at all and we would have really struggled.”
“Children 1st also invited me and my partner and our children who live with us to go on a Bide Oot residential weekend. At first, we were really nervous. We nearly turned back and decided not to go. I’m so glad we didn’t. We tried everything, even when it felt scary – the zip wire, climbing, archery and kayaking. The kids went swimming too. Everyone got on really well. The kids loved it and it helped my mental health. We had an amazing time together and with the other families.”
“I hope the research makes people act so it makes as much difference to other families’ lives as it has to mine. It’s so good to feel like our voices are being heard and listened to and that oor lives are oor ane.”
You can read Oor Lives, Oor Ane on Children 1st’s website.
*Kasey and Danielle’s name have been changed to protect their family’s right to privacy