Maire McCormack and I met with Lesley Irving, Scottish Government. This was an introductory meeting as part of the preparatory work around the work area of Domestic Abuse. Lesley welcomed the focus on this area of work and informed us of the wide range of initiatives that were in varying stages of development (or not) with regard to domestic abuse and children.
Cathy Begley and I met with Hamira Khan, Scottish Youth Parliament. We shared information relating to the Strategic Plan and Hamira informed us on the results of their Picture the Change campaign, now named, Change the Picture. They have still to decide what the final focus of their campaign will be and at that stage it may be useful to see what synergy or otherwise there is with the Strategic Plan.
I visited The Yard, Edinburgh. This is a play based service for children with disabilities and their families. It is used by individuals and groups and deals with 1500 people per week from across the Lothians. I was really impressed with the facilities and approach as it filled a gap identified by children and young people with disabilities in terms of the opportunity to socialise in their free time - and it left me thinking as to why every area does not have a similar facility.