Council ‘Unfeartie’ to champion Aberdeen children

02 February 2017

Aberdeen City Council’s Director of Education and Children’s Services has become a special champion for children to mark the 21st birthday of the Children’s Parliament.

Gayle Gorman has become one of a brave and inspiring band of ‘Unfearties’; individuals who are ‘not feart, are making a difference in children’s lives and who speak up for, and stand alongside, children’. The Children’s Parliament has created the special group of 21 unfearties across Scotland.

Councillor Angela Taylor, Education and Children’s Services Convener, said: “It’s wonderful that Gayle has become one of this small band of children’s champions as she has worked tirelessly to support children and young people in Aberdeen over the years.

“Gayle is already well respected by the Children’s Parliament for her work with the 300 Imagineers from primary schools across the city whose views of Aberdeen’s future are informing and inspiring the city council’s approach to planning ahead”.

Ms Gorman said in her Unfeartie pledge: “I am very honoured to become an ‘unfeartie’ and to celebrate and advocate listening to children. I am committed to ensuring children play a significant role in shaping the world around them. We must promote children’s rights and raise awareness across Scotland. I am proud to stand up for all children!”

Following their film launch in August last year the Imagineers presented their ideas at the Integrated Children’s Services conference; a citywide head teachers meeting; engaged with council employees in Marischal College and have taken part in three community engagement events.

Children’s Parliament staff continue to engage with the Imagineers who plan to present to Full Council later this year. The pupils’ vision for Aberdeen is also being incorporated into the new Children’s Services Plan 2017-20.