The Scotland Hub Development Event: Doing together what we can’t do alone
Posted in News
The recent Scotland Hub Development Event has been widely regarded as a significant success, bringing together around 30 key stakeholders from diverse sectors across Scotland. Attendees included representatives from family federations, local authorities, charities, and practitioners, all united by a shared commitment to the vision of ensuring thriving lives for children and young people from Armed Forces families in Scotland.
Hosted by Hub Co-Chair Professor Gerri Matthews-Smith, the event took place at Edinburgh Napier University on 18th September. It began with an inspiring session that amplified the voices of the very people the Hub seeks to support—children and young people from Armed Forces families. Their insights, shared through various mediums, laid a strong foundation for the day, emphasizing the importance of understanding their unique experiences and challenges.
The morning included input from Meg Thomas, Co-Hub Chair, Acting CEO and Policy Lead at Forces Children Scotland, and Fran Forman, Senior Education Officer for Inclusion and Additional Support Needs (ASN) at Education Scotland. Their presentations provided valuable insights into the Scottish context, shedding light on the current landscape and setting the scene for discussions on collaborative action.
The afternoon focused on practical, solution-oriented workshops centered around the theme of "Collaborative Action for the Scotland Hub." Delegates participated in lively discussions, working together to identify priorities for the Hub’s future development. Hub leads from Wales and Lincolnshire hubs also shared their experiences, offering success stories and key lessons, further enriching the dialogue.
The event was not only a platform to hear from experts and practitioners but also a vital opportunity for stakeholders to align their efforts and commit to a shared vision for the Scotland Hub. The emphasis on collaboration and inclusive dialogue promises to drive forward initiatives that will create a meaningful impact for Armed Forces families across Scotland.
Meg Thomas, Hub Co-Chair, said, “It was such a pleasure to gather in person to discuss how we can all work together to make things even better for children and young people. For me, it was so important to centre the day on what children and young people have already told us they want changed. To have so many people in the room able and willing to share the voice and experience of the children and young people they support was so valuable. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next for the Scotland Hub.”
Gerri Matthews-Smith added, “I really enjoyed being part of this day of activity. We had a strong mix of practitioners, counsellors, third sector charities, the national transitions officer for Scotland, and representatives from both the Association of Directors of Education for Scotland (ADES) and the Scottish Government. The round table discussion yielded a great deal of information which, once categorized, will form the basis of the agenda for the launch of the newly formed hub in Scotland.”
What next?
As the day concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism and momentum, with participants eager to continue working together to achieve the Hub’s goals. The priorities identified during the meeting will be compiled and used to produce an action plan at the next Hub meeting, outlining how the Hub will move forward.
Are you interested in getting involved in our UK Hub network? Please contact Victoria Fisher, Engagement Manager, at Victoria.Fisher@winchester.ac.uk.
