Supporting Adopted Children & Families in Partnership with the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust
I was delighted to work in partnership with the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust’s Fostering and Adoption Service, delivering Relax Kids sessions for adopted children and their families.
The programme was created to give children a safe, supportive and enjoyable space where they could learn practical tools to support their emotional wellbeing, confidence and ability to self-regulate.
Across the sessions, we explored a variety of techniques including movement, play, yoga, breathing exercises, positive affirmations, mindfulness, relaxation and visualisation.
What made the experience particularly special was seeing the children begin to put these tools into practice for themselves.
Some of the children talked about using the techniques at bedtime, at school, or during moments when they were feeling sad, angry or worried. Parents and carers were also given resources to take home so they could continue supporting and encouraging these skills between sessions.
It was also lovely to watch relationships develop within the group, not only between the children, but between parents and carers too.
Positive Feedback from Families
The feedback following the programme was incredibly encouraging.
One parent shared that their child had learned helpful strategies during the sessions which they continued to use in the weeks afterwards.
Another described the sessions as having a calming approach that worked particularly well for their child and felt they had genuinely learned something they could take away and use.
For me, this is what programmes like this are all about, giving children practical tools they can carry into everyday life and use when they need a little extra support.
Recognition from the South Eastern Trust
It was wonderful to see the programme featured by the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust.
The Trust highlighted the partnership with Relax Kids Belfast and the role the sessions played in supporting adopted children and their families.
The Head of Service for Fostering and Adoption also spoke positively about the programme and the techniques and strategies provided to children and parents.
I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with these children and families and to play a small part in supporting their emotional wellbeing.
Read the full feature from the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust:
https://setrust.hscni.net/relaxation-sessions-hosted-for-children-by-health-trust/