Celebration of Promise Groups at Pittodrie Stadium
Aberdeenshire Council hosted a celebration at Pittodrie Stadium to honour the achievements of the Aberdeenshire Promise Groups - an initiative dedicated to ensuring that care-experienced children and young people grow up feeling loved, safe, and respected.
The event brought together young people from 47 Promise Groups across Aberdeenshire, spanning nurseries, primary schools, and secondary schools.
These groups, part of a national initiative, are collaborative networks involving care-experienced individuals, local authorities, and community partners.
Promise Groups offer weekly creative and active sessions designed to build confidence, communication, and leadership skills. Young people play a central role in shaping each term’s projects and events, ensuring their voices are heard and their ideas brought to life.
Head of Children's Services Andrew Dick said: “I was absolutely blown away by the energy, enthusiasm, passion and care in the room at the event.
“The children and young people have achieved remarkable things with the support of the committed staff and facilitators who have worked with them in the groups.
“The range of tools and activities which have been used to contribute to the success of the groups is remarkable and it was fantastic to have the opportunity to sample some of these at the event.
“I was so impressed by the support shown from all of those who attended. Most of all though, it is our remarkable children and young people who must be acknowledged and celebrated for the fantastic achievements they have made within the Promise Groups.”
The day began with a welcome from Aberdeenshire Council Chief Executive Jim Savege, followed by video presentations from the young people, showcasing their work and growth over the past year.
Attendees also had the chance to take part in interactive activities led by partners including Drumfun, Wildbird, Aberdeen Football Club, Hand Pict by Penny, Digital Maker, John Newton Art Therapy, Station House Media Unit, and Live Life Aberdeenshire.
Service development officer for The Promise Michelle Podlesny said: “It was great to see first-hand the caring relationships that children and young people have built up with the Promise Group lead and with some of the facilitators that they have worked with in the past.
“A particular highlight for me was hearing directly from our pupils at Kellands Primary, I’m blown away by their bravery in getting up and talking in front of all those people. All the children and young people I spoke to shared how much they had enjoyed their day.
“Keeping The Promise isn't easy - it takes courage and a willingness to try new things. Today was a perfect example of that. It was unlike any other day I've had, with an awesome mix of children, young people, and adults all coming together for the same reason.
“Today wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for the drive and determination of our virtual headteacher Holly Robertson and the support and backing of our senior management team and their commitment to support Aberdeenshire to keep the promise.”