Care-experienced young people from Inverclyde have seized control of the council to mark National Care Experienced Week.

The Proud2Care group stormed the Municipal Buildings in Greenock and deposed chief executive Louise Long and Provost Drew McKenzie.

The stunt was organised to mark National Care Experienced Week 2022.

Throughout the week the Proud2Care flag is being flown at the Municipal Buildings and the council’s social media and communications channels will be used to highlight key local and national messages.

Provost Drew McKenzie said: “It’s been tremendous fun for all involved, myself included, to welcome the Proud2Care team into the Municipal Buildings to find out more about the work they do and the issues that matter most to them.

“They do a tremendous job flying the flag for care-experienced young people but also raising awareness of the rights of children and young people and they are fantastic ambassadors for Inverclyde.

“It’s important that we engage with young people and provide them with a platform to make their voices heard and make a difference to the communities in which they live.

“Inverclyde has a proud reputation of being a caring and compassionate place and the Proud2Care group is a wonderful example of that.”

Proud2Care is a group for care-experienced people aged 12-26 living in Inverclyde run by Inverclyde Council and Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) in partnership with Your Voice.

Established in 2016, it provides a safe and fun platform for youngsters to meet up and make new friends in relaxed, welcoming, and non-judgemental environments.

They also work with staff to arrange activities and events, all aimed at enhancing physical and mental wellbeing.

Members can have any type of care experience from foster care, residential care, kinship care, living at home with support from social work, or have support from the through care service.