Argyll and Bute's Children's Champions

Argyll and Bute's Children's Champions - and Who Cares? Scotland - here to help.

Argyll and Bute's Children's Champions are committed to helping improve the lives of all our Care Experienced children and young people, they would love to hear from you about anything they can do to help transform Argyll and Bute's Care System and #KeepThePromise

You can contact a Children's Champion using our online form.

Councillor Amanda Hampsey

Councillor Audrey Forrest

My name is Audrey Forrest and I am the Children’s Champion for Bute and Cowal. I live in Dunoon where I grew up and went to school. Before I was elected, I worked in Mental Health as an advocate for those using the system and as a trainer in Mental Health subjects. I am passionate about all aspects of mental health care. I have a daughter who works in Early Years Education in Glasgow. I like to read-especially history-and write poetry. I also love music of all different types and have played guitar and keyboard over the years. I am hoping to travel a bit again when things open up-mainly in Scotland as it is so lovely and I haven’t explored nearly enough of it!

Councillor Dougie McFadzean

My name is Dougie McFadzean and I’m a local government Councillor for Kintyre and the Islands. This area covers lots of the Kintyre peninsula and the islands of Islay, Jura, Colonsay and Gigha. I was brought up in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire and am married with two grown up children. I studied Chemistry at Strathclyde University and graduated before joining Strathclyde Police. I was a police officer in North Lanarkshire for 21 years then Islay for 4 years before retiring. I have been a volunteer youth worker, a Duke of Edinburgh assessor, a young person’s project leader and have worked with youth organisations for many years. I’ve dealt with trauma involving children and their families/carers/friends and understand the impact trauma can have on a young person’s life. As a Children’s Champion I will work to support initiatives and organisations which help young people and their families/carers navigate a positive pathway through life.

Councillor Graham Archibald Hardie

My name is Graham Hardie and I was brought up in Helensburgh and schooled at The Glasgow Academy. I received an MA Honours degree in Sociology and Social Policy from Glasgow University in 1997. I have held several jobs including a youth worker and support worker in the care sector as well as teaching English in Romania and owned my own gardening business. At present I am a Liberal Democrat councillor representing the ward of Helensburgh Central on Argyll and Bute Council. I am a Company Director for LiveArgyll, a board member of Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT), a member of the Area committee for Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) and I sit on the local Valuation Board. At the council I am the Deputy Policy lead for Health and Social Care as well as being a Children’s Champion. Finally I am also the Convenor of the Dumbarton branch of the Liberal Democrats. My home is in Cardross with my wife and two cats and young Labrador.

Independent advocacy for Care Experienced children and young people in Argyll and Bute

What is independent advocacy?

Independent advocacy supports you to have your voice heard and share your views with
other people. Our workers will work for you and nobody else involved in your meetings.
We can help you:
• Prepare for meetings, including Children’s Hearings
• Work out what you want to say and how you want to share your views
• Get information and explore your options
• Make sure you are fully involved when decisions are made about your life
• By speaking on your behalf, if you find it difficult or choose not to speak

See the video we have produced about how we support you through children's hearings