The theme this year is #ForwardToTheFuture, focusing on what matters to care-experienced young people and the part we can all play in helping them realise their aspirations.

The latest national report on Scotland’s progress towards keeping The Promise provides an important backdrop.

It acknowledges what has been achieved across the country, while making clear that the focus now must be on changes that make a difference within communities.

In South Lanarkshire, that means practical action, including commitments to improve employment opportunities and supportive housing for care-experienced young people, alongside support as they make the transition into adulthood.

In South Lanarkshire that is being translated into practical action, including commitments to improve employment opportunities and supportive housing for care-experienced young people, alongside support as they make the transition into adulthood.

South Lanarkshire Provost Bert Thomson said: “Care Experienced Week is an opportunity to celebrate the hopes, strengths and ambitions of care-experienced young people across South Lanarkshire.

“These are our young people and, as a community, we all have a part to play in helping them look to the future with confidence.”

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer for Health and Social Care in South Lanarkshire, said: “From talking with our care-experienced young people, I hear clearly the importance of connection and belonging.

“Our ambition is for every young person to have that sense of community, and the relationships and opportunities that allow them to thrive.”