Barnardos – Making Riley feel safe
I wanted to share another story with you about another child you’re currently helping.
This one is about Riley, a 5 year old boy little boy. Barnardos have been working with Riley for almost 2 years now. His Mam has addiction issues, specifically regarding alcohol. For this reason, it was decided that it would be safer for Riley to live with his Nana, so that’s where he’s been for the last 3 months.
He has had to move away from his Mam, and change school, which was really hard for Riley. He’s only 5 years old. He’d been settling into school great and had been making friends. Now, his new school is closed for the foreseeable future and on top of that, he can’t have visits with his Mam.
Riley’s Nana has been in touch with his Barnardos project worker over the past couple of weeks, worried about the little boy who was becoming quite withdrawn. He was quiet and didn’t seem interested in chatting or even playing with his toys.
Riley’s project worker spoke to Nana about the importance of routine for Riley at this time and suggested she do up a chart in the kitchen so that Riley knows what will be happening each day i.e. meals, school work, arts and crafts, maybe a family game in the evening.
Hopefully this structure will allow Riley to feel more secure. Riley’s project worker also suggested that Nana could help Riley feel more part of daily family life in his new home by letting him help with jobs like some small chores. Nana thought this was a great idea, she mentioned how Riley seemed to love helping her make mashed potatoes!
The project worker also gave Nana advice about how she could make regular time to talk to Riley about all the changes that have happened, how he feels about these, answering any questions he has and reassuring him. She dropped some art and crafts and board games to Nana for them to enjoy together for their special time each day.
Even though she can’t visit Riley and his Nana at the moment, the Barnardos project worker will continue to offer support and advice to the family over the phone to help Riley and his Nana through these very difficult times. They know we’re just a phone call away, whenever they need us.
It’s thanks to you that we’ve been able to rapidly adjust our services and make sure that no child gets left behind. Thank you.
Very best wishes,
Ciara McGowan
Donor Marketing Executive
Barnardos Ireland
