We are pleased to share a significant and positive outcome for one of the young people in our care, aged 15, who has made considerable personal progress over the past six months with the consistent support of our dedicated team.
When she first arrived at our home, she presented with extremely low self-esteem, heightened anxiety, and emotional withdrawal due to past trauma and instability. Staff recognised that she lacked confidence in her own abilities, often avoided social experiences, and had never travelled independently beyond her local area.
Through carefully planned and trauma-informed key work sessions, we worked collaboratively with her to identify her goals and aspirations. A long-held dream of hers was to go on holiday abroad, but this initially felt impossible to her due to her anxiety, fear of unfamiliar settings, and limited life experience.
Over a six-month period, the team used consistent encouragement, trust-building, and positive reinforcement to help her gradually overcome these barriers. We celebrated small steps — attending local events, day trips, and practicing decision-making and independence skills. These experiences allowed her to gain confidence, build resilience, and start believing in her own capability.
With her growing self-belief, we supported her to research destinations, plan a trip, and eventually book her first holiday abroad. The holiday will be facilitated by skilled and trusted staff who have built strong therapeutic relationships with her and who are fully trained in supporting emotional regulation and complex needs while out in the community and abroad.
This achievement represents far more than a trip — it is a milestone in our young person’s journey toward independence, emotional stability, and enjoyment of life. It is a testament to the quality of care and perseverance demonstrated by the team, as well as our commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes aligned with the Enjoyment and Achievement and Health and Wellbeing standards.
Homes Manager Bonnie Devin commented, “I am extremely proud of the progress she has made and the professionalism and compassion shown by the team. I will continue to monitor her progress closely and ensure we capture the experience as part of her life story work, celebrating her achievement and reinforcing her personal growth.”
