South Lanarkshire Council Celebrates Care Day 2026 with Young Leaders

Published: 23 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

South Lanarkshire Council helped mark Care Day 2026 with a powerful celebration that brought together care‑experienced young people, council staff and community partners at the council’s headquarters in Hamilton. The event highlighted achievements, voices and leadership from care‑experienced young people across the region, reinforcing the council’s commitment to supporting them in shaping the services that affect their lives.

Care Day is recognised as one of the world’s largest international celebrations of children and young people with care experience. More than 200 young people and staff attended the South Lanarkshire event, which was planned and delivered by the South Lanarkshire Champions Board — a group of care‑experienced young people who work with decision‑makers to influence local policy and practice.

Paul Manning, Chief Executive of South Lanarkshire Council, said the local celebration was the fourth major Care Day hosted by the council, reflecting a continuous focus on listening to care‑experienced young people and acknowledging the progress made over the past year. He emphasised the importance of giving care‑experienced individuals a platform to share their stories, ambitions and achievements as part of developing better services and support.

Stephanie Kimmet, the council’s Promise Development Worker, explained that the event celebrated the leadership shown by Champions who “challenge professionals constructively” and help drive real improvements in how care services are delivered locally. Partners from health, social care and community planning were also present, reaffirming shared commitments to work collaboratively to ensure care‑experienced young people are supported, valued and prepared for life’s challenges.

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer for Health and Social Care in South Lanarkshire, described listening to the young people’s experiences as “powerful and inspiring.” He highlighted how insights from care‑experienced individuals help shape improvements in services that boost confidence, independence and wellbeing.

Care Day also served as a reminder of the broader work being undertaken in South Lanarkshire — alongside organisations such as Barnardo’s and other community partners — to support care‑experienced young people through practical, emotional and social development programmes. The annual event marks not just a celebration, but an ongoing commitment to inclusion, empowerment and positive change.

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