A West Dunbartonshire teenager who wrote a musical about her experiences of the Scottish care system has shaken hands with King Charles. Lauren Boyle, 18, met the King at a Royal Garden Party on Tuesday last week, accompanied by Kiera Irvine, a service coordinator from the charity Action for Children who worked with her on the project.
Musical tells stories of care experience
Last year, Lauren was part of a group of young people who created the original musical ‘Unheard Voices, Unbroken Spirits’ as part of a partnership between West Dunbartonshire Council and Action for Children. The musical has been performed at the Scottish Parliament and at events marking Care Experience Week last October.
Reflecting on the experience, Lauren said: “It was so cool getting to shake King Charles’s hand, and I also got a selfie with First Minister John Swinney. My connection to Action for Children is really special as there have been so many amazing opportunities that have come up. I wrote the musical thanks to Action for Children, and the charity has helped me grow in so many ways.”
Charity highlights teenager's dedication
Kiera Irvine, Service Coordinator for Voices of The Promise (VoTP) at Action for Children, said: “Lauren was nominated to attend the Royal Garden Party due to her incredible input to our project and in particular by helping tell the story of care experience across Scotland through a musical.”
The Promise is a national commitment to improve how Scotland cares for children and young people, particularly those who have experienced the care system. Kiera added: “Lauren is incredibly talented and dedicated in supporting her peers. Through VoTP, she learned all about The Promise, and used this knowledge to make her voice, and the voices of her peers, heard.”
Garden party attended by royals
Representatives from Action for Children are nominated to attend the Royal Garden Parties each year through the charity’s Patron the Princess of Wales. Lauren and Kiera mingled with hundreds of guests at the garden party, which was also attended by the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal.
Action for Children, the UK-wide charity formerly known as National Children’s Homes (NCH), opened its first Scottish service in 1955 in Rutherglen. Since then, it has expanded to offer residential homes, disability support, youth justice and family support services across the country. There are more than 340 Action for Children services across the UK supporting vulnerable children, young people, and families.
