A festive message from Judith

Another year over – well almost. It is the time of year when my brain moves into its reflective phase. This reflection has both personal and professional dimensions, but both remind me of the importance of connection.

At a personal level, my reflections are both nostalgic and hopeful. I miss those who are no longer with me, but that only helps me remember how important it is to properly connect with the family and friends that help keep the joy in my life. My network is widespread and so I have come to understand that sometimes it is the quality of connection that is as important as the quantity of communal moments.

At a professional level, connection is essential. Children in Scotland is only as strong as the connections it makes and the collaborations it sustains. A great physical manifestation of that connection was the Children in Scotland conference. Amazing to have so many enthusiastic and energetic people in one place at the same time. The commitment to babies, children and young people was tangible. The deep conversations, great workshops and general positive buzz kept me going for weeks.

And connections have been so important in everything I have done this year. Chairing the Children’s Sector Strategic and Policy Forum is a proper delight. What a brilliant bunch of big brains in the one (usually virtual) room. Or taking the thoughts of the Membership to the Children and Families National Leadership Group. Or having the experience of chairing a conference on Additional Support Needs where there were such great examples of good practice on show. Or trying to put into words what needs to happen to make Whole Family Support a reality for everyone in Scotland as part of the First Minister’s events earlier this year.

Throughout the year, I have seen such great work from our Members. But I know it has been a tricky time. For many organisations funding has been tight, costs have continued to rise, and there is a great deal of uncertainty in the environment. And, at times, the world has seemed a difficult and bleak place. It can feel relentless; that nothing you do will ever be enough.

However, this is the work. The world is a messy place. Keeping the vision of a Scotland where all children can thrive at the centre of all we do, ensuring that we are celebrating not only the big wins but also the small ones and keeping our connections strong so that we can face the bit challenges are all important. And ensuring that at a day-to-day level, wherever we are working, we are creating the culture and environment that we want to see at a national level. That is all good stuff.

So, thanks for a great year. I hope that you can rest and rejuvenate a bit over the festive period and that we can come back together in January for the next phase of our difficult, exciting and messy journey towards creating a better Scotland for our babies, children, young people and their families.