Finding confidence, one small step at a time
When Amelia, aged eight, first arrived at Grace House in the North-East, the world felt overwhelming. Now living under a Special Guardianship Order, Amelia had experienced significant instability early in life, linked to parental drug and alcohol misuse.
To protect this child’s privacy, her name has been changed and identifying details have been anonymised.
Although previously registered with Grace House, her carer had not actively accessed support until Amelia’s anxiety and behaviour began to escalate. Mornings were particularly difficult, with high levels of distress around leaving home for school. In class, Amelia often felt unable to cope, spending long periods outside the classroom. She described feeling lonely, believing she had no friends, and her confidence low.
As tensions grew between home and school, a referral was made to Grace House to provide more structured, joined-up support.
A joined-up approach
From the outset, support focused on rebuilding trust, for both Amelia and her carer. Grace House worked closely with school staff, strengthening communication and helping everyone develop a shared understanding of Amelia’s needs. At the same time, the family was supported to connect with relevant services, creating a more consistent and reliable network around them.
Central to this support was Amelia’s introduction to the Get Out Get Active (GOGA) funded after-school club.
A safe place to begin again
Amelia began attending the club in October 2025. At that point, her anxiety around separation from her carer was high. Early experiences of instability had made it hard for her to trust adults or unfamiliar environments, and even short periods apart from her carer could feel frightening.
The GOGA after-school club offered something different. A calm, predictable, and nurturing environment where Amelia could explore physical activity at her own pace, while gently building emotional security.
Staff took time to get to know her, using consistent introductions so she always knew who would be there. She was never rushed to join in. Instead, she was given space to watch, to sit alongside activities, and to decide when she felt ready. Regular one-to-one check-ins helped her feel seen and heard, while gentle reassurance allowed confidence to develop naturally.
Over time, something shifted.
The club became a place where Amelia felt safe enough to reach out. She began seeking staff for reassurance, sharing small achievements, and showing early signs of trust, a powerful step for a child whose confidence in adults had been shaken.
Growing independence, building belonging
At first, Amelia’s carer stayed close by during sessions, offering reassurance whenever needed. Gradually, as Amelia’s sense of safety grew, she began staying for short periods without checking in.
Amelia started talking to other children, joining games, and showing curiosity about group activities. Eventually, she was able to attend an entire session independently, something she had never managed before in any setting since entering care. This was a huge emotional milestone. For her carer, it meant something equally important, the reassurance that she could leave Amelia in a safe, supportive space, so she could leave and do everyday tasks like food shopping.
Alongside this growing independence, Amelia began forming genuine friendships. She now greets other children happily, takes turns, shares, and joins in activities with confidence. Staff describe her arriving “with a big smile and offering hugs”, a simple but powerful reflection of how safe and settled she now feels.
Impact beyond the club
The benefits of Amelia’s involvement in GOGA extend well beyond the after-school sessions. School has reported improved attendance and a noticeable change in her emotional presentation. She is more regulated, more engaged, and better able to manage transitions.
For Amelia, the after-school club has been central to rebuilding confidence, developing social skills, and creating a sense of belonging. It has given her a place where she feels accepted, capable, and valued, laying strong foundations for her continued growth at school, at home, and in the wider community.
With the right support around her, Amelia’s journey shows just how powerful inclusive, relationship-led physical activity can be in helping children feel safe enough to thrive.
To protect this child’s privacy, her name has been changed and identifying details have been anonymised.
