Thursday, 10th August, marked the 15-year anniversary of TACT in Scotland, a remarkable milestone in the charity’s journey in creating better lives for children and young people in care.
Around 130 carers, young people and staff from across TACT enjoyed a fantastic day at Blair Drummond Safari Park, on a warm and almost sunny day.
Since TACT Scotland was established in 2008, over 1000 children and young people have received much needed care and support within safe, stable and loving homes provided by TACT foster carers.
Chair of Trustees, Matthew Doyle and TACT CEO, Andy Elvin, were also present at the celebrations.
In capturing highlights of the last 15 years, Andy acknowledged long serving staff and carers – with three sets of carers celebrating 10 years with TACT.
Andy said, “It is our wonderful foster carers and excellent staff who have created our outstanding Scottish service. We have led the way in creating permanence for many of the children and young people it has been our privilege to care for. We have also undertaken some superb work on keeping sibling groups together and championing this cause”.
Area Manager Natasha Cartwright said, “Our carers and young people did us proud. They are wonderful ambassadors for the service, sharing their positive experiences of being part of the TACT family”.
It was a fun-filled day with activities for the children and young people, including a Marvel themed play area, sports day activities, rugby coaching and temporary glitter tattoos. Young adults also had a chance to engage with the staff from TACT Connect, a network for continued support created for care-experienced young people from the age of 15 throughout adulthood.
Reflecting on the day, Area Manager Natasha Cartwright said, “My lasting memory will be seeing members of carers’ birth families, our children and young people and members of staff’s families all coming together and enjoying a day of fun and laughter and building precious memories together that truly shows what it means to be part of the TACT family!”
