Celebrating staff at children's homes

Carers and long-serving staff are being recognised in a celebration which was first launched five years ago in Sunderland by Together for Children (TfC).

Children's Home Fortnight is now being rolled out and taken-up by the North East's 11 other local authorities following recommendations from a regional Children's Homes group. This forum shares best practice and responses to challenges. TfC introduced the staff recognition idea to the group and it sparked interest across the region.

The original recognition and celebrations for staff service certificates were an idea from care experienced Ellie Anderson (21). She wanted to acknowledge people who work in children's homes and the positive impact they had in her life.

Authorities across the region have recognised staff with certificates for five, 10, 15 years, 20 years, 30 years, 35 years, and even 40 years for a member of staff in Gateshead.

Ellie said: "I'm so pleased to hear how after Sunderland's children's homes have been celebrating their good work, homes across the North East are now doing the same.

"I lived in a children's home for five years and the staff were absolutely amazing; they were like my family. I thought it was unfair that children's homes staff don't get a lot of praise and there can be a stigma around children's homes.

"I thought if we push against the stereotypes, it will not only help to break it down but give the staff the recognition that they deserve."

Across the region there are 76 local authority run homes employing more than 950 staff.

Sharon Willis, Head of Residential and Care Experienced Services at Together for Children, said: "It's great that Children's Homes Fortnight, a celebration created by one of our care experienced young people, is now recognised across the region.

"Ellie wanted her carers, from her home, to be recognised for the positive impact they have had in her life. Now this championing of carers is being taken across our North East region. There really is no greater recognition than that given by the children and young people we do this for."