Moving to a new home is never easy. There are so many unknowns, the vulnerability is huge, and the worry and fear can be relentless. To make things even more complex, the children and young people who are already settled into their routines might be experiencing similar emotions as someone new is welcomed in.

With this in mind, we were so pleased to hear of a lovely story recently from N House, whose children were all so welcoming, patient and mindful when introducing their home to a new child. Naturally, a delicious pizza party and fun games helped to break the ice, but it was the children’s “friendly, caring and warm” attitudes that really supported M in beginning to accept the new house as her home. Upon reflection, M said that whilst she was still very nervous (she hasn’t shared a home with others before), she “liked the feel of the home” and wants to come and sleep over as soon as she can.

Q Lodge has also had positive placement stories over the past month, with a new child settling in well with the family and two young people successfully moving out; one has moved to foster care and the other has started to live semi-independently.

Staff were keen to recognise both young people for their positive attitude to the changes; they have shown resilience and have been adjusting well to the exciting (and a little scary) new chapter. To celebrate, the home held a leaving party complete with gifts, balloons and party food and everyone attend a special family meal at one of the young people’s favourite places.