#WeCare is a gathering for care experienced young people aged 11-25 (P7) throughout Dumfries and Galloway that is taking place on Thursday 25th June 2026 12noon – 8pm at Park Farm Showfield in Dumfries (Youth Beatz Festival Site). It is the final event being delivered as part of the Youth Beatz Fringe programme.
This will be the 6th annual event and it is attended by 60-100 care experienced young people each year!
The purpose of the event is to bring together young people to give them an opportunity to;
• Meet with others
• Take part in new experiences
• Build relationships with corporate parents
• Have their say on the issues affecting their lives
The event has been co-designed with young volunteers involved in the Listen2Us Youth Advocacy Group.
Who is it for?
The gathering is only open to young people aged 11-25 (This age group is for current P7’s who are moving into secondary after the summer and those older) who are considered ‘care experienced’. This means that a young person will either currently be (or at some point in their lives have):
• Lived in kinship care with family friends or extended family.
• Lived in foster care.
• Lived in residential care.
• Lived in secure care.
• Lived with their parent(s) whilst having a supervision order (‘Looked After’ at Home).
We recognise that there is not one way to have experienced care and that there will be a wide range of young people attending the event. However, the event is specifically aimed at engaging with young people who are considered looked after or care experienced. It is a targeted event.
How does it work for transport?
We are providing transport from every town with a secondary school in it (Stranraer, Newton Stewart, Kirkcudbright, Dalry, Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie, Dumfries, Sanquhar, Thornhill, Lockerbie, Moffat, Langholm, Annan) in Dumfries and Galloway. Young people are also welcome to attend if they make their own way.
Each bus is staffed with Youth Workers and/ or Social Work Staff who will be responsible for ensuring young people’s welfare whilst travelling.
The transport times will be confirmed in the week before the event directly to young people and their guardians (and schools where relevant).
Is there a cost?
No. It’s entirely free. Spending money is not required for the event as there’s no places to purchase anything on site.
Is there food provided?
Yes, we will provide lunch and dinner for everyone taking part and snacks throughout the day. Dietary requirements are asked for on the consent form and we’ll make sure to cater to all dietary needs.
Can staff attend?
It depends on the needs of the young person. Generally, we ask that where possible, young people participate independently. There will be support staff with the groups throughout the day making sure they can participate fully.
For some young people, it may be required that staff are on site for if needed. Please get in touch and we’d be happy to support this. If your young person requires additional support, please get in touch (details at the end of the document).
Photographs
Consent for photograph’s is asked about on the consent form – photographs will not be taken if there is not permission to do so (from the young person or their adult).
Can they come for part of the event?
Generally no – the event is 12noon – 8pm for all attendees. It isn’t possible to attend the evening without taking part in the daytime programme.
How do young people sign up?
A young person can sign up directly, or they can be signed up by an adult. Either way, they should be aware that their participation is 100% voluntary and they are not obliged to attend. We ask that a consent form is completed and returned by 9th June 2026. We require every individual to sign up in advance so that we can ensure we’ve got the right catering and number of activities on offer.
There is a sign up form available here: #WeCare Sign Up Form or alternatively there is a paper consent form that is available from [email protected]
If have more questions, who do I contact?
Please contact Zoe Nix on 01387 260243 or by e-mailing [email protected]
