Personalised packs help youngsters going into care

Nicola introduced 'Welcome into Our Care' packs after being deeply moved by a child entering care with nothing of her own.

Often children have gone into care with little or no belongings and sometimes carried in a bin bag. 

But in Oldham they are now welcomed with personalised packs, lovingly put together by Oldham Council's Safeguarding and Care Planning Team Manager Nicola. 

Every Thursday morning, she carefully hand‑packs every single welcome box herself, making sure no child arrives in care without comforting items and essentials of their own, and the message that they are seen, valued, and cared for. 

“We need to get this right for our children. It’s such a traumatic thing for children going into care, and the aim is that these packs help them feel safer and more secure. It lets them know, ‘we see you’ and that we care," said Nicola.

The care packs are tailored to the child’s age and needs, and every child receives a book of their own in their box. 

For older children there is information about mental health and sexual health, sanitary products, and toiletries, and for younger children she packs snuggle blankets, cuddly toys, fidget toys and colouring books. 

These boxes also contain contact numbers and information about who the child can speak to, information explaining the role of key professionals including their social worker and guardian, and items including notepads and pens. 

Many of the items included are thanks to kind donations from local businesses, including The Works, helping the initiative grow and continue to support children across Oldham. 

Since January, 50 children going into care have received a welcome pack, to help ease difficult transitions and give children something comforting to hold onto at a challenging moment in their lives. 

Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, Oldham's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "This is such a simple idea, and it’s already changing children’s experiences of going into care in the most powerful way. 

"When a child enters care, it can be incredibly overwhelming for them — and Nicola has found a way to bring comfort, dignity and reassurance right when it’s needed most. Her Care Boxes show every child that they matter, that they are valued and that we are here to support them." 

Nicola’s dedication doesn’t stop there. In May, she and eight of her colleagues will be taking on the Great Manchester Run 10K to raise more funds towards filling the boxes. 

To make a donation click here.