Intandem

12/10/2026

"Listened to, yeah... but not always understood."

When we spoke with care experienced children and young people to inform the Oversight Board for The Promise's fourth report, one message came through clearly: voice is about much more than being asked for your opinion.

Young people spoke about the value of trusted relationships, the importance of not having to repeat their stories, and the need for better understanding of care experience. They also challenged us to ensure participation leads to something meaningful, to action - not just another conversation.

In our latest blog, Kieran Platts reflects on what we learned and what still needs to happen to turn voice into meaningful change.



Read more: https://www.intandem.scot/listened-to-but-not-always-understood-what-care-experienced-young-people-told-us-by-kieran-platts/

12/10/2026

Last week we were part of Children's Health Scotland My Health My Rights Conference. We shared our Waiting to be Heard Workshop and connected with so many others working across Scotland listening and working to help make health rights real. There was no doubt about the shared drive in the room to make support accessible, joined up and designed around children and their families.

12/10/2026

A fantastic day in Aberdeen with and the Intandem community!

Young people and mentors came together at Hazlehead Park for a day of fun, connection and new experiences. From scavenger hunts and arts and crafts to exploring the maze and meeting some amazing animals at Pets’ Corner, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

A highlight for many was getting up close to alpacas, donkeys, meerkats and even a huge python named Vader! 🦙🐍

Thank you to Befriend a Child for bringing everyone together for such a memorable day. 💙

30/09/2026

"I feel listened to."

Those were the words of a young person attending last night's Parliamentary Reception to mark the launch of the Oversight Board for The Promise's Report FOUR.

Young people supported by Intandem contributed to Report FOUR and attended the event, helping ensure their experiences and perspectives were part of the conversation. Their voices have been heard. But as the report itself makes clear:

'The issue now is not whether Scotland listens. It is whether participation has consequence.'

Report FOUR highlights that the next 6 to 18 months will be critical in determining whether the Promise can be achieved. It was encouraging to hear Siobhian Brown MSP, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, reaffirm the commitment to delivering change:

"We made the Promise and we must turn it into reality."

We particularly welcome the report's focus on children experiencing care at home and those growing up in kinship care, the young people Intandem exists to support.

Read Christine Roxburgh, Intandem Programme Manager’s full response to Report FOUR and hear directly from young people in the Supplementary Report: https://inspiringscotland.org.uk/news/inspiring-scotland-response-to-the-oversight-board-for-the-promise-report-four/

Read the Supplementary Report full response:

https://www.intandem.scot/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Report-to-the-Oversight-Board-for-The-Promise-.pdf

28/09/2026

Could mentoring be right for you?

Join us for a friendly online drop-in session and discover what it means to become an Intandem mentor. These informal sessions are available on a variety of dates and times, so you can choose the one that suits you best. Stay for just a few minutes or the full hour, it's entirely up to you.

During the session, you'll have the opportunity to:

- Learn what being an Intandem mentor involves
- Ask questions in a relaxed, supportive environment
- Find out about the training, guidance, and ongoing support available to mentors
- Connect with the wider Intandem mentoring community

You'll meet Intandem Fund Manager Debbie Zima, hear first-hand about the impact mentoring can have, and explore how you could help make a positive difference in the lives of children, young people, and families across Scotland.

🔗 Booking link:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/intandem1/2204545

18/09/2026

Could mentoring be right for you?

Join us for a friendly online drop-in session and discover what it means to become an Intandem mentor. These informal sessions are available on a variety of dates and times, so you can choose the one that suits you best. Stay for just a few minutes or the full hour, it's entirely up to you.

During the session, you'll have the opportunity to:

- Learn what being an Intandem mentor involves
- Ask questions in a relaxed, supportive environment
- Find out about the training, guidance, and ongoing support available to mentors
- Connect with the wider Intandem mentoring community

You'll meet Intandem Fund Manager Debbie Zima, hear first-hand about the impact mentoring can have, and explore how you could help make a positive difference in the lives of children, young people, and families across Scotland.

🔗 Meeting link : https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82870313046...
Passcode 264632

18/09/2026

Could you help support local families as a Kinship Navigator?

Kinship care is when family members or close friends step in to care for a child when their parents cannot.

Kinship is looking for a compassionate and dedicated Kinship Navigator to support these families and help them access the services and support they need.

Find out more in the post below and share with anyone who might be a great fit.

🚨 KINSHIP IS HIRING🚨

We are looking for a passionate, motivated and empathetic Kinship Navigator (Family Support Worker) based in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland.

This is the perfect opportunity for a committed, driven professional to be part of our first-ever programme in Scotland, working with Inspiring Scotland and Ysortit WestDunbartonshire to strengthen support for kinship families in West Dunbartonshire. 💛

The role will involve working directly with kinship carers, building trusted relationships and providing intensive one-to-one support for up to six months.

You will help kinship carers navigate services, strengthen their support networks and access the practical and emotional support their family needs. You will also bring kinship carers together through a local monthly support group and work closely with schools, local services and community organisations.

It’s a hands-on, community-based role where you can make a real difference to kinship families, while helping us learn what works and shape the future of Kinship’s work in Scotland. 💛

We're looking for someone who understands the challenges that kinship carers and the children they care for can face. If you have lived experience of kinship care, we'd love to hear from you, although this isn't essential.

Deadline to apply: Monday 28 September 2026⏳

Find out more and apply now, or share with your network: https://loom.ly/Pb08968 ✅

18/09/2026

We are thrilled to announce Sofia as our Mentor of the Month for May in recognition of the fantastic work and effort that she has invested into her Mentoring role 🫶

Sofia began her Intandem Mentor journey with Right There in 2026. From their first meeting at the Right There Community Hub, mentor and mentee have proven to be a wonderful pairing and have embarked on a wide range of activities and happy adventures together. Sofia has displayed commitment, consistency and enthusiasm during her meets with M.

M says “I always look forward to seeing Sofia and spending time with her. The activities we do are great and we have fun together”.

M’s aunt adds “Sofia has a lovely personality and has been great for M. She really has brought her out of her shell and I’m delighted with this”.

Thank you Sofia, for the positive and powerful impact that you have made in your mentee’s life and the happy memories that you are building together. 🎉 🎉 🎉

10/09/2026

Yesterday we were delighted to host a Collaborative Conversation on Kinship Care in Scotland, bringing together kinship carers and senior leaders from policy, practice and the third sector to explore how support for kinship families can be made more accessible, joined up and effective.

We were especially pleased to welcome Siobhian Brown MSP, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, who set the context for the discussion ahead.

Throughout the day, participants shared honest insights on the challenges kinship families face in finding and accessing support, as well as the opportunities for greater collaboration across organisations and sectors. There was a strong consensus that families should not have to navigate complex systems alone, and a real commitment to identifying practical actions that can make a difference.

Thank you to everyone who contributed so openly and constructively. The energy in the room, the willingness to work together, and the focus on tangible next steps were hugely encouraging.

Supporting kinship families is a shared responsibility. Yesterday's conversation demonstrated what can be achieved when people come together with a common purpose and a determination to turn ideas into action.

28/08/2026

Last night, the Intandem team had the privilege of watching Unheard Voices, Unbroken Spirits.

As an organisation that supports young people experiencing the care system, the themes explored in this powerful musical resonated deeply with us. Written, produced, and performed by young care-experienced people, the show offered an honest and moving insight into their experiences, highlighting the importance of belonging, identity, resilience, and having your voice heard.

Thank you to the cast and creators for sharing such important stories. It was inspiring to see the power of lived experience brought to the stage with such authenticity and courage.