A career change can be a big step, but the right support and opportunities can open the door to something completely new. We’re delighted to share this recent success story from a Moray SWAP participant who took the opportunity to explore a new career in childcare.
“I previously worked in catering for 20 years, but I was ready for a career change. This course helped me explore childcare, build my confidence, and learn lots of useful skills.
It’s a 2-week course covering things like child development, the importance of play, behaviour support, keeping children safe and accredited qualifications in first aid and food hygiene. We also had employer visits, which were really helpful for understanding real job opportunities and next steps.
I also met some really lovely people and made new friends – everyone was so supportive and welcoming and every morning was a day to look forward to meeting my new friends and lecturers.
I’m over the moon to now say that after completing the course and support from Moray SWAP, I’ve now secured a job in childcare, which I’m very grateful and thankful and proud of!
If you’re thinking about it, I would honestly really encourage you to give it a go. It’s a great introduction and could be the start of something completely new and positive and a life changing opportunity.
I can’t wait to encourage young minds and help with growth and development and give children the support that I had received while changing my whole world.”
Lisa, Step into Childcare, Moray SWAP
See poster for details
30 September 2026 | Elgin Academy | From 5.30pm
Parents, carers and professionals are invited to attend a powerful live theatre performance of I Love You Mum, I Promise I Won’t Die, by the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation.
The play explores the realities of young people and drugs through an honest and thought-provoking story. It has been created to encourage open conversations, build understanding and help audiences consider the impact drugs can have on young people, families and communities.
The performance is suitable for ages 13+ and provides an opportunity to:
- Encourage conversations about drugs and their impact
- Build empathy and understanding through real-life stories
- Inspire hope, resilience and positive choices
- Connect with local support and resources
- Give parents, carers and professionals an opportunity to increase their knowledge
Before the performance
A marketplace of local support and activity providers will be open from 5.30pm, giving attendees the opportunity to find out more about services and activities available locally.
Young baristas from Elgin Academy will also be providing tea and coffee.
Marketplace opens: 5.30pm
Performance starts: 6.00pm
Date: 30 September 2026
Venue: Elgin Academy, Elgin
Suitable for: Ages 13+
Places should be booked in advance. Book here.
Due to overwhelming demand, the Understanding the Manosphere briefing is returning this November. Originally intended as a one-off event, the session has now been delivered to over 500 practitioners and continues to generate significant interest across the region. Supported by the Moray Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Partnership and the Moray Child Protection Committee (MCPC), this free online session is open to practitioners from across Grampian.
Book your place – Understanding the Manosphere Briefing
Come along to our Employability Day where you’ll find lots of interesting stalls to support you with your journey towards that dream job.
We are delighted to invite you to the Moray Childcare Network Event 2026, taking place on Friday 21 August 2026, from 9:00am – 1:00pm, at the Alexander Graham Bell Conference Room, UHI Moray.
This free event will bring together childcare providers, schools, employers, training providers and partners from across Moray for a morning of updates, inspiration and collaboration. Attendees will hear about current projects and opportunities, network with colleagues from across the sector, and help shape the future of childcare in Moray.
Early Bird Booking
This is a free event, however places are limited and booking is essential.
Early bird bookings are now open and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Book your place here.
Further details, including the full programme and speaker line-up, will be shared in due course.
We hope you will be able to join us for what promises to be an engaging and valuable event for everyone with an interest in childcare across Moray.
Branching Out is a programme for adults who use mental health services in Scotland. The service consists of around three hours of activities per week (10am to 1pm) in a woodland setting, over 12 weeks. It was developed by the NHS and Forestry Commission (now Scottish Forestry).
Folk welcome to join up to week 3, after that it will be a closed group.
For a referral form to book, and more details, please email [email protected]
Branching Out is a programme for adults who use mental health services in Scotland. The service consists of around three hours of activities per week (10am to 1pm) in a woodland setting, over 12 weeks. It was developed by the NHS and Forestry Commission (now Scottish Forestry).
Folk welcome to join up to week 3, after that it will be a closed group.
For a referral form to book, and more details, please email [email protected]
The Moray Child Protection Committee, in partnership with Police Scotland, is offering online training for practitioners across Grampian on conducting effective Return Home Discussions following a missing episode involving a child or young person.
Thursday 20 August
10:00–11:00
Online via Microsoft Teams
Key requirements:
• Professional bookings only using a work email
• Full attendance and active participation expected
• Late arrivals cannot be admitted
• Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance
Non-attendance, lateness or non-participation may affect access to future oversubscribed training.