Chloe and Ryan from SLCC were invited to visit a new home for children and young people in care in Ilminster.
Chloe and Ryan were involved in commissioning Homes 2 Inspire several years ago in order to provide high spec care homes for Somerset young people. Now, Homes 2 Inspire (part of the Shaw Trust) are working in a 3-way partnership with Somerset Council and the NHS Foundation Trust.
The members met with the building Manager Jess and had a tour of the home, along with local councillors. The members were impressed with the quality of the décor and the thought and consideration that had clearly gone into the preparation work. They were happy and excited for the young people who’ll be moving in soon. Both Chloe and Ryan have had positive experiences of staying in care homes themselves, but they could appreciate that Homes and Horizons went the extra mile to offer residents the opportunity to feel valued and invested in.
Ryan said:
Through these types of homes, I hope young people will feel they have the confidence and power to speak up and the home staff will also provide those opportunities. You can see the care that’s been put into H&H homes from the look and the feel. It’s so important that children and young people in care, aren’t put at a disadvantage and don’t feel ‘left behind’ or embarrassed because they’re seen as ‘poor orphans’. Homes and Horizons seem to go above and beyond to help them push through so many barriers, regarding their own confidence and the assumptions made by other people generally.
A week later Chloe was invited back to the home to be interviewed by BBC Somerset, regarding her thoughts and experiences. The link for this interview will be available soon.