The Madlugger Blog
Our Response to COVID-19
To our amazing friends, family, and followers, we send our very best wishes to you all at this difficult time.
There is no doubt that the last few weeks have been very challenging. Through this period, our mission remains the same: that no child should have to carry their life in a bin bag, and that every child in care is incredible.
STORY | Care To Listen?
At Madlug, we love to hear stories and firsthand accounts of those who have experiences of the care system. It reaffirms our belief that every child deserves value, worth and dignity - no matter what age they are - and how the smallest acts of goodness can make significant differences in the lives of others.
In this guest blog, Ian Dickson, a retired social worker, ofsted inspector, residential manager and children's rights advocate from England recounts his personal experience of being in care.
NEWS | Taking Stock
Traditionally, January is a month for looking both backward and forward, of reflecting upon past experiences while also anticipating those are yet to come. Therefore, we thought it might be useful and interesting to not only detail some of the lessons learned during the previous year but also to outline our plans for the coming months.
NEWS | Madlug Goes Viral
Over the past weekend, Madlug went viral after social media influencer 'Part-Time Working Mummy' shared the Madlug story with her 480,000 Facebook followers.
PARTNERSHIP l Stratagem
We love partnering with other organisations to deliver social action. Last month we were invited to work with Stratagem, a Belfast-based public affairs consultancy, to help them deliver on an amazing educational programme with Mary's Meals. Matthew Coyle from Stratagem shares more about this partnership below.
THANKS l Madlug is 3
As we get ready to celebrate our 3rd birthday Dave wanted to share some of the story so far and also lay some vision for the next 3 years. Also, details of our birthday party on Saturday and Sunday in Belfast.
MOVEMENT l The Ice Academy
Earlier this year we had the chance to partner with the Odyssey Trust and Include Youth, two incredible organisations working with care experienced young people. We caught up with Wendy Langham, head of Social Affairs at the Odyssey Trust, to hear about their Ice Academy and how its supported these young people.
STORY l From A Foster Carer's Perspective
To mark Fostering Fortnight 2018 we want to celebrate foster carers. This is Arthur and Laura’s story. They offer respite care one weekend a month to Sarah. We think you’ll learn a lot from their story - we certainly did - even in how to support friends and families who are fostering.
VISION | Time To Grow
Three years ago I registered Madlug as a Social Enterprise and since then I have been on an amazing journey. Over 3000 bags have been given to children, 50% of our bags are now manufactured in Belfast by people with disabilities and we have been able to increase awareness of how incredible every child in care is. I am so humbled and thankful to everyone who has joined the movement and enabled all this to happen to date.
THANKS l National Care Day
Paul recently travelled to Rotherham to meet 30 care experienced young people who had organised a fashion show and documentary film to share their stories. We interviewed Paul to hear more about this trip as part of our National Care Day celebrations.
LEARN l Keeping On Track
Are you finding it hard to keep those resolutions you made at the start of the year? Never fear, Madlug is here to help you make 2018 the best year yet! Here are our top 5 tips for keeping on track beyond January.
STORY | A letter from a Care Experienced Young Person
I know my voice is only one of many, but I hope that by sending this letter I am able to reciprocate at least a fraction of the good feelings I had upon receiving my Madlug bag. Thank you so much.
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