The Promise

Our progress 2026

We have lots planned for this year including:

• Kinship Care week celebration - March
• Midlothian Futures Fair - March
• Corporate Parenting celebration - March
• Celebration of ‘Care’ - April
• Foster Care Fortnight - May
• Corporate Parenting celebration – October
• Care Experienced week – October
• World Children’s day - November

January

• Leads for Care Experienced Young People in secondary schools met our Education Support Officer and started to establish Champion's Groups. These groups will provide safe spaces for care experienced young people to come together to find connection and belonging, share experiences and influence change in their local area.

• Corporate parenting corner -  the painting and decorating team. 
  The team very kindly painted our new RISE house.  RISE is a brand-new service, and the house now looks clean and fresh ready for its new chapter with the new team. 

  John Cameron from the painting and decorating team explained “It has been our pleasure to support the painting and decoration of the house for the new service.  We wanted to help provide a welcoming, safe, bright and clean environment for the young people and their families.  As good corporate parents my team always act in the best interest of the families that we meet in Midlothian.  We know that it is not just the job of the social workers in children’s services to be good corporate parents, it is every employee’s responsibility, and we take that seriously.  I wish all of the families using this new service all the very best”. 

• Meet the new Rise team

  Pete Thomson - Pete enjoys long walks in nature and spending time with his dog. He is down to earth, and the favourite part of his job is supporting young people to grown and shine.
  Pete's promise… To show up ,listen to you, and support you when things feel difficult.
  
  Amanda Gardner - Amanda loves to watch football, going to concerts and spending time with her dog. 
  Amanda's promise… To listen, care and support young people to shape their own future.
  
  Eliz-Anne Davidson - Eliz-Anne likes laughing, going on adventures and watching films.
  Eliz-Anne's promise... I believe every child is important, every family is unique, and everyone deserves support when they need it.  If you see me around, feel free to say hello, I’m always happy to chat and help where I can!
  
  Nicola Grant - Nicola likes spending time with her friends and family. She has over 30 years of working with young people, and is still enthusiastic and passionate.
  Nicola's promise… To be consistent, do what I say I will do and turn up! Working with young people is a Vocation, not a job.

February

• Happy Care Day 2026 - Connection

• Smart36
  Our unaccompanied young people have told us that they have been made to feel welcome and connected in Midlothian. They have established a group called Smart36 which meets twice a week, to provide peer support to one another. The group is relaxed and friendly and the mini meetings usually include playing games like Jenga, pool tournaments and cooking. This group makes sure that the young people can come together and build their confidence so they can support one another in a positive way. Here are some of the group showing what connection means to them.

 

• The theme of Care Day 2026 is connection. 

Promise/Corporate Parenting Lead Claire Brookes shares what makes her feel connected:

Chief Officer Children's Services Bec Hooton shares what makes her feel connected:

Head of Adult and Social Care Nick Clater shares what makes him feel connected:

 

1. What is The Promise?
2. Our Promise
3. Our team
4. Children's Services three year plans
5. Participation and feedback
6. Helpful organisations
7. Our progress 2024
8. Our progress 2025
9. Our progress 2026 (You are here)