Hundreds of care experienced people to take to streets for Love Rally

Hundreds of people with experience of the Scottish care system have organised a rally in Glasgow this morning. They are campaigning for a lifetime of love for people who grow up in care. They say that love is all too often absent from care.

Organisers believe this failure to show love has consequences that last throughout people’s lives. Many Care Experienced people speak about the impact this has on their self-worth, their place in the world and ability to love others.

Organisers say that they are planning to effectively shut down the streets of Glasgow during the busy October break because they want everyone in the city to stop and realise that all children deserve love.

Kevin Browne-MacLeod, of Who Cares? Scotland, an organisation that works for and on behalf of Care Experienced people said, “According to our records, Care Experienced people have been asking to be loved since at least the 1970’s. Procedures, resources and attitudes have all gotten in the way.

“Love isn’t a controversial idea. Somewhere along the way, someone decided that love wasn’t an essential part of a Care Experienced person’s day. We’re marching to change that.

“Almost three years ago today, the First Minister promised to build a care system built on love. This march is about holding her to that promise. It’s also about letting the people of Scotland know that we all have a role to play in supporting Care Experienced people be loved and reach their potential.

Charlotte Armitage, a campaigner who will be speaking at the rally said, “This is a historic moment for Care Experienced people. This rally shows that our strength is growing and our demands ever more relevant. This march is about helping society understand that like everyone else, we are full of potential and talent, what we’re missing is love.

“If we can create a society where Care Experienced people grow up surrounded by love, everyone will benefit. We hope that moments like this rally could help Scotland understand and connect with the idea that we just want love and we’re not strangers. We live beside you. We work beside you. We may very well be your friends.”