Care Experienced Week is being celebrated across Scotland this month, with Orkney once again showing its support for children, young people and adults who have experienced care.
First launched in 2018 by Who Cares? Scotland, the week is now a growing movement recognised around the world, with events taking place across the country.
It’s a chance to listen to care experienced voices, raise awareness, and reduce the stigma that too many people still face.
To mark Orkney’s commitment, St Magnus Cathedral will be illuminated from Saturday 25 October in the vibrant colours of Scotland’s Promise.
The light display is a symbolic gesture of support, celebrating resilience, community, and the ongoing journey to ensure that care experienced people are loved, respected and heard.
This year, the Orkney community is also being invited to take part more visibly, with residents encouraged to display Promise hearts in their windows.
The hearts, which represent Scotland’s collective pledge to care experienced people, are available for collection from Customer Services at School Place and from the Blide Trust.
Organisers are hoping to see homes, schools and workplaces across the islands join in by placing hearts in visible spaces, sending a message of support both near and far.
Care Experienced Week is not just a celebration, it’s a call to keep listening, to keep learning, and to stand beside the people and families who continue to navigate life after care.
