Hiya pals. I'm doing some running while dressed up, entirely for your entertainment and the hope of raising some money for some a very worthwhile cause. On December 6th, I'll be donning a lovely red and white suit and running through what is likely to be pouring rain, because Glasgow. I'll try and grow a suitable beard, if not, I'll wear a pretend one, a beard of lies.

This year, Strathclyde University has launched a support network  called Strathclyde Cares, created to assist students from a care background with the launch of a new mentoring scheme.

The scheme is part of the University’s commitment to widening access to its courses and services to as many people as possible. The mentoring scheme for care-experienced students began in September and saw each student being matched with a volunteer member of staff. Each staff member provides advice and support to help the student settle in and successfully enjoy their time at Strathclyde University.

Who Cares? Scotland provided the training which has allowed my colleagues and I to support our mentees effectively. Who Cares? Scotland works with care experienced young people across Scotland and try to ensure that they engaged with their care journey, supporting them by connecting them to local and national networks, empowering them to speak up on behalf of themselves and the wider population of care experienced young people across Scotland.

Who Cares? and their staff did a fantastic job to prepare me for working with my mentee. I can't speak highly enough of the work they do to support people. Any change you could spare would be greatly appreciated.