Donate to help children who feel ‘unlovable’

ITEMS NEEDED FOR TEENAGERS IN CARE HOMES

THREE care homes in Nottingham are appealing for Christmas donations and timeless items for the “amazing” young people they support.

They are Neveah Homes, which supports children who have been criminally and sexually abused; Nylah homes, supporting children with complex needs; and Maze Independent Care which focuses on supporting young asylum seekers.

Director Beth Silvera, who was previously a social worker, started up the care homes and recruited staff in 2018.

She told the Post: “We support children who are all looked-after children from the local authority.

“We house and accommodate them and provide stuff to support them into independence. They come to us at the age of 16.

“We support young people coming from domestic abuse situations, drug abuse, sexual abuse and neglect who sometimes have parents who aren’t necessarily bad people but they don’t know how to parent properly.”

When housed at the appropriate care home, help and support such as budgeting, life skills and understanding tenancy agreements are provided.

“We’re working with children with complex needs; sometimes, they’re not your typical 16 year-old and they still play with dolls and teddies because of the trauma they’ve been through.

“We don’t get funding. The young people get their own allowance - which isn’t a lot given by the local authorities.”

Even with a lack of funding, staff have rallied together to buy a holiday home in the UK so young people can experience a holiday.

This Christmas, staff are appealing for Christmas presents and timeless items such as: towels, sanitary products, make-up, dressing gowns, pyjamas, reusable water bottles, stationery for those that go to college, rucksacks, and anything a “typical teenager” needs.

“Sometimes, some children come to this country with flipflops and the clothes they’re wearing. Apart from that, they have nothing.

“Christmas time can be hard and some of their families have other young people with them so it’s just them that’s not there. They feel unlovable and have attachment issues and don’t understand why we help them.

“When young people get a new place, we’ll buy them towels and hampers. The young people struggle to buy things as they’re 16, 17 years old, they have to save for all the nice things.”

Abbey Mcteer, a support worker, said: “We just want these young people to have a good Christmas. This job has changed my life.

“Before starting this job, I was a bit lost and didn’t understand my purpose but it’s genuinely the best job ever. The young people are amazing and it’s not always smooth sailing because these young people have been through a lot of trauma but they’re making their lives better.

“On my days off, I’ll be thinking of them, hoping they’re OK because none of us switch off.”

For details on how to donate, please email directors@nylahhomes.co.uk.

Staff are also willing to collect donations.