Oldham social workers go the extra mile to support children entering care

A dedicated team of social workers from Oldham Council’s Safeguarding and Care Planning Service have raised nearly £3,000 for vulnerable children and young people after completing the Great Manchester 10k Run

Nicola Gay, Francesca Horsfield, Beth Chay, Lisa Jenkins, Ashleigh Smith, Rhia Edwards and Vimbai Nzidha took on the challenge to raise money for the council’s Welcome Into Our Care boxes, personalised care packs designed to help children feel safe, valued and supported when entering care.

The team signed up for the run in January with an initial fundraising target of £400, but thanks to the generosity of colleagues, friends and family, donations quickly surpassed expectations.

Nicola said: "We all trained to be able to complete this and really kept each other going by being the strong and supportive team that we are.

"We signed up in January trying to raise money for the Welcome into Our Care boxes, we started with a target of £400 and was thrilled every time the total went up. Staff from across the whole service, along with family and friends very generously donated to this which has been incredible."

Reflecting on crossing the finish line, she said: "It was quite emotional and we were we all very proud of one another.

"This will have such a huge impact on the scope of the packs, the difference they make and the experiences children and young people have in our care."

The Welcome into Our Care initiative was created by Nicola and launched earlier this year after she was deeply moved by the experience of a young girl entering care with no personal belongings of her own.

Every Thursday morning, she personally hand-packs each welcome box with thoughtful essentials and comforting items to help children and young people during what can often be a difficult time for them.

The packs are tailored to each child’s age and individual needs, with every child receiving a book. For older children, packs include toiletries, sanitary products and information on mental health and sexual health. Younger children receive items such as snuggle blankets, cuddly toys, colouring books and fidget toys.

Each box also contains useful contact numbers, information about the professionals supporting them including their social worker and guardian as well as practical items such as notebooks and pens.

Many of the items included in the packs have been generously donated by local businesses, helping the initiative continue to grow and support more children across Oldham.

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