THE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP NETWORK

Heather McKenzie talks about her leadership journey in Perth and Kinross.

“I became involved with what is now known as the Perth Champion’s Board in 2015. I was 17 years old and had never really met anyone else with experience of the care system besides my sister. I was introduced to Champs as a Participation Assistant with Who Cares? Scotland. It was my social worker at the time who made me aware of the position and to my surprise I was successful in securing the position. I was so nervous about joining the group, but it didn’t take long for that to change. The group became so much more than I ever expected – it became my extended family. Don’t get me wrong, this also meant that we laughed, cried, fell out and fell back in again. But I have come to realise that this is an essential part of growing up in this messy world, but in this space, you are safe, and you will always belong.

During this time, I met some of the most kind, compassionate, motivated, and inspiring people. Little did I know, joining Champs was going to have such an influence on my life. It shaped the person I am today, the career I wanted to pursue, it gave me confidence, and it gave me a hug when I needed one.

Fast forward 8 years, I am now 26 years old. I am now a qualified Social Worker and the Children’s Rights Officer for the local authority in which I grew up. I am now a corporate parent besides those who were also my corporate parents. In this time, I have experienced my fair share of workplaces including the motor trade as a spray painter and panel beater (which was great btw!). Although I loved the creative element of this role, I knew something was missing. Now reunited with my social work roots, I can honestly tell you that my current role supersedes any predecessors.

In current my role, I support the facilitation and development of multiple Champion’s Boards across Perth and Kinross. I also currently support our MSYP’S and our newly formed Youth Forum, ensuring children and young people are at the heart of all decisions made in PKC. I strive to create opportunities that will give young people experiences to remember, skills that will serve them well into the future, and comfort of knowing the door is always open to them. I feel honoured to be in a position where I can work in partnership with our young people, and having the ability to ensure those who have influence are listening and that change happens.

I am home, somewhere I didn’t feel for a long time”