Before we first met Emma*
Following a troubled childhood, Emma moved in with her Grandmother. Emma found it hard to make friends, leaving Emma vulnerable and often getting involved with the wrong crowd. Getting into trouble with the police, smoking, drinking, and using drugs became the norm for Emma because that’s what others around her were doing. Emma knew deep down it was wrong but didn’t know how to keep herself safe and felt no one understood or knew how to support her.
When Emma came to Unique Care
Social services and Emma’s Grandmother came to the conclusion that it was best for Emma to move to a residential care home to receive the support and guidance she so desperately needed.
When Emma arrived at Unique Care, there was a warm welcome from the support team to ensure that Emma felt secure, could speak to anyone anytime, and most of all felt welcome by everyone.
Following a period of assessment, it was determined that family breakdown led to Emma’s antisocial behavior and inability to connect and trust adults.
Emma’s mood was initially low on arrival, but she agreed it was the best place for her to seek help and direction.
Care for Emma
Emma was assigned a key worker on a 1:1 basis. Emma also met with our Art Psychotherapist weekly to help understand her insecurities and allow her to gradually connect with herself and feel confident in her own skin. Emma also attended 1:1 sessions with support staff to proactively set herself goals and discuss her feelings.
Eventually, we introduced outdoor education, and Emma attended our school Ysgol Y Rhos.
Outcome
Emma’s behavior has turned around; she no longer gets into trouble and has found peace with herself, becoming much more content and confident with adults and others around her.
Making new friends in the home has pleased Emma. Emma has connected with others similar to her and feels loved from all around her. Everyone at Unique Care is so proud of the progress Emma has made. Emma has since moved on to pastures new, but we are in touch regularly.
What worked well for Emma (in her own words)
- Staff keeping the boundaries and routines with me
- The team understanding my past and not using it against me
- Feeling loved
- Treated with respect
- Feeling at home
- Staff always being patient and ready to listen
- Always accepting apologies and making me feel safe
- Building relationships
Emma’s thoughts:
“I feel so happy that I am still able to keep in touch with the staff after my time at Unique Care. I speak to most people, and it feels amazing! I know that whatever happens, everyone at Unique Care will support and guide me if I need it.”
*Name changed to protect identity