Peer Learning Projects

We Care About Care

Solar Bear worked with Who Cares? Scotland and East Ayrshire Council to produce a DVD made by young people who are Looked After and Accommodated in East Ayrshire for young people about to become so.

Through a series of interviews with young people on a range of issues, the DVD expresses the views of 15 young people with care experience, and includes interviews and songs created by them. The DVD is a key part of the welcome pack for young people about to go into care. Equally, it is a valuable resource for foster carers, teachers, social workers and staff working within the care system, providing them with a better understanding of how young people feel when they become Looked After and Accommodated. LINK TO WHO CARES? SONG?

Talk To Me

Hamilton Information Project for Youth and Healthy Valleys (Health Awareness organisation) linked up to create a peer education drama examining the issue of mental health and wellbeing amongst young people.

The project ran from January to November 2008 with 9 performances for 1,000 people, the majority of whom were aged between 14 and 18. Created using the words, experiences and views of the young people involved, 'Talk to Me' (as it became) performed in halls and theatres around South and North Lanarkshire by 23 young people from across South Lanarkshire. Performances included events such as Mental Health Awareness Week and National Suicide Prevention Week, as well as NHS Lanarkshire's Annual Review attended by NHS Minister and Deputy first Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who has subsequently expressed an interest in the piece being performed again at the Scottish Parliament. The piece was accompanied by post show workshops in all venues on the issues raised in Talk to Me.

"Solar Bear delivered on all agreed outcomes within timescales, and the quality of work was very high with a professional approach to performance. Thank you for your hard work, professionalism and flexibility. We appreciate it was very challenging and valued greatly your teams contribution".
Grace Quigley, Hamilton Information Project for Youth (HIPY)

"I thoroughly enjoyed the play and I would love to take them to the Parliament. I defy anyone not to be moved by it. It is something that I would like to see rolled out across the country".
Health Secretary and Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon