Subject: New Events & Resources: Staf May Newsletter

Dear Friend

Welcome to the May edition of the Staf newsletter.

We’ve been enjoying a rare spell of sunshine lately and hope you’ve had the chance to get outside and enjoy it. As ever, it’s been a busy month at Staf as we continue working towards our vision of care-experienced young people having the same life outcomes as their peers.

We were thrilled to launch our new REAL Toolkit animation, created in collaboration with the brilliant team at Braw Talent. Those who attended the event saw just how powerful the animation is, and how confidently our young consultants spoke about co-creating the resource and using the REAL Toolkit in practice.

We also welcomed local authority managers to a session on the Moving On Change Programme. It was a great opportunity to explore priorities for the year ahead and gather valuable feedback that will help shape our next steps. These insights will directly influence how we continue to support both young people and the workforce. Looking ahead, we’re now in the final stages of developing our Moving On outputs. These will bring together everything we’ve learned so far into practical tools and recommendations for policy and practice. We’re excited to share them with you soon.

Preparations are also well underway for IFCO2025: Brave Hearts in Care conference in Glasgow this June, which we’re hosting in partnership with The Fostering Network and the International Foster Care Organisation (IFCO). We’ve announced our two fantastic keynote speakers – Brenda Matthews and Fatima Whitbread. Don’t miss your chance to join us for what promises to be an inspiring event.

As always, thank you for being part of our community and for everything you do to support care-experienced young people. If you’d like to learn more about any of our projects or chat with a member of the team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re looking forward to the months ahead and the opportunities they bring for even greater member engagement and meaningful collaboration.

With best wishes,
Jo Derrick
Chief Executive, Staf

This June, IFCO 2025 brings together over 40 expert speakers, young people with lived experience and sector leaders under the theme Brave Hearts in Care: Building Trust, Confidence and Connections. Hosted at Glasgow Caledonian University in partnership with The Fostering Network and IFCO, you’ll explore innovative, relational and trauma-informed practices, share real-world insights and build networks that last far beyond the conference. Whether you’re a carer, practitioner, policymaker or care-experienced advocate, this is your chance to learn, connect and help shape the future of family-based alternative care.

Secure your early ticket to save your spot and join us in Glasgow this June.

IFCO2025 Conference Information & Sign-up

Thanks to everyone who joined our Winging It premiere and to the young people who co-created it. This animation brings The Real Toolkit’s resources to life by showing how simple, trusted tools and relationships can make a real difference.

If you missed it, you can now watch Winging It below—let us know what you think!

Upcoming Events

Participation Practitioners’ Forum

Join us on 18 June for the next Participation Practitioners’ Forum. Our free, bi-monthly online meet-up for anyone supporting care- and justice-experienced young people. It’s a relaxed space to share successes, reflect on challenges, and champion best practice together. Don’t miss out - reserve your spot today and connect with fellow participation workers!

Participation Practitioners’ Forum Sign Up

Participation Network Gathering – Thinking Outside the Tick Box: Moving Beyond Consultations and Surveys

Our last Participation Network Gathering sold out—don’t miss your chance this time! Join us in person on 25 June 2025, 10 am–3 pm at The Ramshorn, Glasgow, for our free Participation Network Gathering. Whether you’re a practitioner or a young person, come collaborate for change through fun activities, short talks, and hands-on workshops. Spaces are limited and lunch is included—let us know any access or dietary needs when you book. Secure your place today and help us shape creative, inclusive participation beyond consultations and surveys!

Participation Network Gathering Sign-Up

Staf National Conference 2025 – Booking Now Open

We’re heading back to the Stirling Court Hotel for Thriving Together in Complexity, our 2025 National Conference. Join us as we explore how relationship-based practice can thrive in today’s complex systems, with care experienced young people, practitioners, and leaders at the heart of the conversation.

Last year’s event sold out — don’t miss your chance to be part of it!

Book your spot for the Staf National Conference 2025

Recent Blogs

Youth Justice Voices North East: Aberdeen Sessions

Check out our latest blog from Jack, Staf’s Youth Development Worker, sharing what Youth Justice Voices North East have been up to in Aberdeen; exploring identity, change, and getting ready for the Participation Network Gathering in June.

Read the blog here to learn more and find out how to get involved.

Friendship as a ‘Sibling-Like’ Relationship

Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh shares insights from the Transforming Friendship Focused Support project, exploring the powerful role of friendship, especially sibling-like bonds, for care experienced young people.

Read the full blog here and stay tuned for the project’s final resources.

Let’s talk about Youth Justice Voices

Katrina discusses what Youth Justice Voices have been up to, including a recent creative project on stop and search led by young people with care and justice experience.

Read the full blog here.

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Subject: New Events & Resources: Staf May Newsletter

Participation Network Gathering – Thinking Outside the Tick Box: Moving Beyond Consultations and Surveys