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We work across the UK, finding and training Specialist Support Workers to offer practical help to families in their home.
The impacts of early life trauma can be profound and affect every aspect of a child’s life, and every aspect of family life. Normal routines, education, friendships, psychological, emotional and physical development can all be difficult for a child who has experienced abuse, neglect and moving families. Relationships are the most powerful part of a child’s recovery, particularly their relationship with their parents.
A Specialist Support Worker comes into a family’s home and supports that parent-child relationship to create the best space for healing. By offering parents opportunities for rest, reflection and respite, Specialist Support Workers therapeutically support parents be the best they can be to help their children recover.
Ropes, clips and another encouraging person standing solidly below makes sure the climber is safe and feels safe.
Knowing they are safe means the climber can explore, climb higher and enjoy the climb. Climbing is a big part of our lives and a metaphor for what we hope to achieve for families.
The Belay Foundation can be part of the team belaying a family, offering practical help at home that will fit in with and enhance all the other support around a family.
Parenting can be emotionally and physically exhausting and it can be difficult to find someone to offer practical but therapeutic help at home such as childcare.
We also know there are many emerging professionals interested in pursuing careers supporting children and families therapeutically and seeking work experience to develop their knowledge.
The Belay Foundation meets both needs by matching students of subjects such as psychology, social work and education with families who need help at home. The work is paid and well supported with training and supervision. Training and support is also offered to families. Although Specialist Support Workers work individually with families, there is a growing Belay community to share knowledge, skills and encouragement.
We are creating a network of those needing help and those offering it, to improve the life chances of those children impacted by trauma.
The Belay Foundation is a charity helping families whose children have suffered early life trauma.
Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1192653
© 2023 The Belay Foundation. All rights reserved.
