Children’s homes play a vital role in supporting children who are not able to live with their families. They provide a safe, loving environment for children at a very difficult time in their lives.
One of our home managers at AWW tells us about what working in a children’s home means to him:
“Children’s homes are hugely important to be able to provide a safety net for children when they need it most. Children who have experienced trauma are the most vulnerable within society, and they need adults around them who can provide loving care, safety and guidance as they develop into young adults.
When a child comes into a children’s home it can be a daunting experience for them, sometimes moving away from family or the things that they have always known. However, having a team around the child who are there to care for them and support their best interests enables them to feel safe and loved. It also offers them the opportunity to have fun and have positive experiences in their early lives, which some children may not have had.
For me, being able to work in a children’s home is one of the most rewarding roles I have ever had. The greatest reward is knowing that the relationship you develop with a child, and the care you give them when they truly need it, honestly changes their life”.
Children who come into a children’s home have suffered adverse experiences and are facing many barriers to a happy and successful future. However, a children’s home provides an opportunity to overcome these barriers and set the child on a positive new path.
A recent conversation between a child and one of our home managers shows the huge impact we can have on children’s lives:
“I got a phone call out of the blue from Sammy. It was her birthday. I was absolutely over the moon to hear from her almost four years after she moved on from our care.
Sammy lived with us for over a year. There were times when she found it very difficult being away from her family and felt rejected by many of her wider family. Sammy often struggled to speak about her feelings. But we all supported her through this, and when she left us she was a positive and confident young lady who made us very proud.
Sammy told me she now has a beautiful baby girl and a fiancé and she is very happy. She then said, “The reason I am calling is that I was telling my fiancé about the day we went to the beach, collected shells and had chips. Do you remember? I remember it so well. I woke up that day and I was so upset. When you suggested we went to the beach I really didn’t want to leave the house. But do you know what, that was the best day of my life.
I was so happy that day, kicking the sand and running about in the waves. The water in Scotland is freezing though! I’ve told my fiancé that I will take him to that beach one day. It’s my happy place. The happiest day of my life was spent there. With you.”
I clearly remember the day Sammy is talking about. She found dead crabs on the shore and wanted to take them home to make paella for us! We laughed about it ever since.
This is just one example of the job we do day in, day out. The moments we think are just ordinary can be a magical moment to our children. It’s amazing to see how our care can have such a big impact on the children we look after”.
