A new children’s home in Swindon gets ready to open its doors. Co-founders Amanda and Alicia couldn’t be more thrilled to be welcoming that inaugural resident next month! Bringing 30 years of experience in social care, the duo are working hard at creating this pastoral community. They are particularly dedicated to serving kids between the ages of 8 and 16. It’s an ambitious staff team that they’ve selected. This committed team will be hands-on around the clock, ensuring love and guidance is given to these young future adults at every turn.
The home, too, will be limited to two children, with the first resident being a 16-year-old girl. Amanda and Alicia have personalized the property’s decor to reflect the interests of the new resident, aiming to create a welcoming atmosphere. They focus on including the kids in the local community, helping develop those critical connections with peers and neighbors.
Amanda noted, “We want to build a relationship with our neighbours for us but more so for that child can have that relationship with their neighbours.” She stressed the importance of developing relationships throughout the community to meet both the children’s educational and emotional needs.
The duo hustled and bustled to get out to the local community and connect. Yet, at their recently held open day at the facility, not one resident from the community came out. The first event was meant to bring residents and staff together, tour the property, and share concerns. A neighbor expressed apprehension about the home’s potential impact on the cul-de-sac, stating, “it’s a housing cul-de-sac, it affects everybody in many different ways.”
Swindon now has no council-run facilities and is deeply dependent on private children’s homes. The majority of care in these homes ends up costing around £7,000 per week per child. It’s fair to say Amanda and Alicia have launched their initiative at a very opportune moment. The community is in desperate need of these services this moment.
To reinforce their commitment to providing a supportive environment, Amanda stated, “We will be there with them day in, day out to live a normal life just as they deserve.” That commitment is a testament to their mission of providing children with the safe, healing home-like environment they need to thrive.
Amanda and Alicia can’t wait to welcome children into their home. From the beginning, they have always wanted to develop good relationships with their intended residents and local communities. They have a strong conviction that better integrating their space into the neighborhood around them can help improve the experience for children in their care.
As this proposal for a new home for children comes close to being put before cabinet for approval, there is understandable excitement and speculation. Amanda and Alicia are committed to addressing fears in the community. They have wholeheartedly embraced the vision of a safe and nurturing home for every vulnerable child.
