STDAVIDS
JOIN IN THE CONVERSATION
LETTERFROM THECEO
Dear St David's Family,
Welcome to the latest edition of Where Families Grow and Legends Are Made! This issue focuses on the transformative power of sport and its significant role in the development of children, especially those with a careexperienced background. Sport provides young people with a fantastic platform to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging all crucial for those who have faced the complexities of the care system. Whether it's fostering teamwork, promoting physical well-being, or simply sparking joy, sport can have a lasting impact on young lives
We’re delighted to share an insightful Q&A with Dr. Kerry-Ann Holder, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and one of our dedicated trustees. Dr. Holder offers valuable perspectives on how activities like sport can promote emotional and mental well-being, helping children and young people thrive. This edition also celebrates the recent Cardiff Half Marathon, where we witnessed incredible determination and commitment from our runners. It was a privilege to cheer on our team of six as they crossed the finish line in support of St David’s We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who ran, supported, and donated Every step and every pound raised helps us continue to provide essential services to children and families.
We’re also celebrating National Adoption Week, a time to reflect on the strength and diversity of families created through adoption. This year marks 10 years since the establishment of the National Adoption Service (NAS), and we are proud to be a partner, working to deliver a modern and inclusive adoption service. And there’s more! From Drag Rugby to unique insights into sport’s role in child development, this issue is packed with exciting content.
As we approach the festive season, it’s hard to believe Christmas is just around the corner While it can be a time of joy and togetherness, we understand it can also be challenging for some families. Please remember that our post-adoption support services are available year-round, and we’re always here to support you.
From all of us at St. David’s, we wish you a joyful and peaceful Christmas may it be filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of community.
Jason Baker
JASON BAKER, CEO
MEETATRUSTEE: KERRY-ANNHOLDER
Meet
Dr Kerry-Ann Holder Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Trustee
Q: What made you want to join St David’s as a Trustee?
I’m a solo adopter, and I adopted my son when he was 15 months old back in 2013 Throughout my adoption journey, St David’s and their social workers were a constant source of support, advice, and guidance I’ve always been eager to give back, whether through videos for prospective adopters or promoting their services. So, when the former CEO invited me to consider joining as a trustee, I felt truly honoured. As a Welsh-Caribbean female solo adopter, I see my role as more than just overseeing the charity’s operations. I want to contribute to St. David’s mission to become more diverse and representative of the communities it serves. I’ve learned so much from the team and fellow trustees, and I’m really enjoying the role.
Could you describe your day-to-day responsibilities as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist working in both private practice and the NHS?
In my NHS role, I manage a team of psychologists and practitioners, providing emotional and psychological care to children, young people, and their families dealing with psychological distress. In my private practice, I work alongside a Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist. Together, we offer assessments, treatments, and expert witness reports for individuals dealing with brain injuries, epilepsy, dementia, and more. These roles, though different, complement each other and keep me incredibly busy.
Tell us more about your role as the Psychology Service Lead for Child Health Psychology at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales.
I oversee psychological support for children and young people with chronic health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and inherited conditions like haemophilia and sickle cell My team includes psychologists with specialist skills in these areas, and we support both the children and their families as they adjust to these complex conditions No two days are the same whether it’s running groups for teens to help them cope with their conditions, working with parents who’ve experienced medical trauma, or collaborating with other services to ensure the best care. It’s incredibly rewarding.
You’ve co-developed the first reflective spaces on race and racism for Clinical Psychology on the South Wales Doctoral Training Course in Clinical Psychology. What motivated you to create these spaces, and what impact have you seen from these initiatives?
Apart from adopting my son, this has been one of my proudest moments. Clinical Psychology is a wonderful profession, but it’s still under-represented by people from marginalised groups. Along with an incredible team of women from diverse backgrounds, we co-developed these reflective spaces to encourage trainees to explore their lived experiences and tackle uncomfortable topics like racism. The feedback has been so positive, with many finding the space empowering. These conversations are helping shape a more inclusive future for clinical psychology, which in turn benefits the people we work with We’re aiming for a wider reach across other professions there’s no stopping us!
Can you share more about your experience with the CLIMB Leadership Programme?
I was part of the first cohort of the CLIMB Leadership Programme in 2021, which brought together future leaders from across Wales’ health boards. The programme gave me the opportunity to reflect on my leadership journey, the power of sharing diverse stories, and how I could contribute to the future of healthcare. For our final project, I gave a TED-style talk on representation, and the response has been incredible. It’s had such a wide-reaching impact on colleagues and organisations, and it’s still going strong! You can watch the talk here:
THECARDIFF HALF
We sincerely congratulate our remarkable team of runners who participated in this year ' s Cardiff Half Marathon. Not only did they achieve some impressive personal bests, but collectively, they raised over £1,350 to support the essential work undertaken by St. David's Children's Society.
Their dedication and effort on race day not only by the runners, but those who came to our cheer station, made a significant impact.
Every penny raised will be directed towards providing ongoing support for our St David's children and their families, ensuring they thrive and reach their full potential We are incredibly grateful for the hard work of our runners, as their efforts are contributing to brighter futures for many children in our care.
We are pleased to announce that we have even more places for next year ' s Cardiff Half Marathon!
So, if you fancy setting yourself a challenge, why not run for us? For more information or to sign up, please email us at fundraisingsupport@stdavidscs.org.
Together, let us aim to make next year ' s run our best yet!
THEBENEFITS OFSPORTS
Building Skills, Confidence, and Connections
At St. David's Children Society, we have witnessed firsthand the remarkable benefits that sports can offer to adopted children. While it is widely recognised that children engaged in sports are less likely to engage in challenging behaviours, such as encounters with law enforcement, the unique advantages for adopted children merit particular attention
When children join their new adoptive families, they often experience a whirlwind of emotions, including excitement, curiosity, and boundless energy. Sports serve as an excellent outlet for these intense feelings, allowing children to channel their enthusiasm into physical activity. This is especially beneficial for adopted children, who find joy and satisfaction in expressing their emotions in a healthy and dynamic manner.
Sports provide an environment where adopted children can develop essential social skills. Some children may initially struggle with social interactions, but team sports offer a structured and supportive setting where they can learn to cooperate, communicate, and build friendships This nurturing environment helps them understand social norms and develop positive relationships with their teammates For older adopted children who may have faced various educational transitions and learning challenges, sports can become a beacon of achievement. Excelling in sports boosts their confidence and self-esteem, providing them with a sense of accomplishment and pride that offers a refreshing contrast to academic pressures.
Sports provide access to positive adult role models. Positive exposure is invaluable for children, helping them see the best in adult behaviour and fostering trust and respect Many adopted children may arrive with underdeveloped motor skills and agility Engaging in sports allows them to flourish physically, promoting overall health and coordination The joy of movement and physical activity enhances their general wellbeing, contributing to a happier and healthier lifestyle.
Team sports also impart essential life lessons, such as understanding consequences and valuing effort, emphasising the importance of trying one ' s best over merely winning. Sports provide valuable insights into family dynamics, creating opportunities for parents to draw parallels between teamwork on the field and teamwork within the family. Many adopted children may not have learnt about commitment and promises. Participation in a sports team teaches children the importance of adhering to a commitment throughout the season, reinforcing the value of perseverance and dedication
However, it is crucial to place children in environments with positive, caring, and supportive coaches. Unfortunately, there have been incidents involving antagonistic, mean, or even violent parents and coaches. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly research the available options in your community. Investigate the governing body of the organisation to understand their philosophy about the sport. Attend games from previous seasons to observe the behaviour of coaches, parents, and children, ensuring the environment is enthusiastic, supportive, and enjoyable for the kids.
NATIONAL ADOPTIONWEEK
National Adoption Week has been an incredible success, filled with impactful initiatives aimed at raising awareness about adoption
We kicked off the week on Monday with an Adoption Awareness Session for staff at South Wales Police, where our panel spoke about the adoption process, addressing common misconceptions and providing valuable insights on starting their adoption journeys.
On Tuesday, we highlighted our Solo Guide to Adoption, aimed at individuals looking to adopt alone. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many potential solo adopters reaching out for resources and support. Wednesday focused on our LGBTQ+ Guide to Adoption, where we shared inspiring stories and guidance tailored to LGBTQ+ individuals and couples
On Thursday, we provided information about Adopting with Children and our Adoption Support Teams (ATS), helping families understand the available support when adopting with existing children.
We wrapped up the week by celebrating the 10th anniversary of NAS, reflecting on our journey and future. The engagement from potential adopters, families, and organisations was remarkable, resulting in numerous messages and enquiries. We are thrilled to have connected with so many individuals this week, highlighting the life-changing power of adoption. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported us; together, we are growing families and spreading the word about the importance of adoption
OURFOSTER SERVICE
If you ' re considering becoming a foster parent in Wales, or know someone who is, St David's Fostering Service is your first point of contact We specialise in recruiting, assessing, and supporting foster parents to ensure they can provide the best care possible for children and young people, helping them thrive in a nurturing environment.
Our foster parents are committed to achieving positive outcomes for young people. Through collaboration with supervising social workers and the local authority, we aim to enhance well-being and create lasting changes in each child's life. Foster parents play a crucial role in supporting positive relationships by facilitating contact with important individuals such as birth parents, grandparents, and siblings
We offer comprehensive training and ongoing support to our foster parents, along with generous financial allowances, to help create a stable and loving home environment for children in need of foster care in Wales.
For more information, please visit our website [HERE].
FOREVER ST.DAVID’S
This Christmas, St. David’s Children’s Society is launching our Forever St. David’s campaign to raise vital funds for our post-adoption support services. Every child deserves a forever home filled with love, stability, and support. But the journey doesn’t end once a child is placed with an adoptive family. Post-adoption challenges can be complex, and that’s where our ongoing support becomes essential.
Our specialist team offers advice, therapeutic services, and emotional support, helping families navigate issues like trauma, behavioural challenges, or simply offering a listening ear These services are crucial in ensuring families can grow and thrive together, but they require significant resources to maintain. That’s why we’re asking for your support this Christmas.
The Forever St. David’s campaign is dedicated to ensuring that no family goes without the help they need, especially during the festive season, which can be a difficult time for many adoptive families. With your donation, we can continue providing the services that make a difference in children’s lives giving them the best chance to succeed in their forever homes
Every contribution, big or small, directly impacts adoptive families across Wales Help us continue offering essential support year-round so that every child can have the security and love they deserve. To donate or learn more, please visit our website, email us at info@stdavidscs.org or click HERE
THE WRU
Exciting New Partnership with the WRU for St David’s Families.
We are excited to announce a new collaboration between St David's Children Society and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), offering amazing opportunities for our families:
Match Day Presence: St David’s will have a presence at WRU matches, including the Six Nations and regional games. Look out for our message, “Where families grow and legends are made,” on LED banners and in programmes.
Youth Training Camps: St David’s families will have access to WRU’s youth training camps, offering full-day rugby experiences, including Q&A sessions with players a great way to bond and build confidence.
Rugby Tickets: We will receive surplus tickets for families and staff before matches, allowing us to enjoy live rugby action together
This partnership is set to create exciting new memories for St David’s families. Stay tuned for more updates!
VICTORY VIBES
We're excited to unveil a new addition to our quality newsletter. Starting now, each issue will feature a specially curated Spotify playlist that aligns with the issue's theme.
This issue’s playlist, aptly named "The Ultimate Car Playlist" by St David's, captures the essence of summer with a vibrant blend of classic tunes and contemporary hits. Carefully selected to complement every mile of your road trip, imagine cruising beneath a clear blue sky with the kids in the back, their chatter blending harmoniously with a soundtrack that seamlessly merges nostalgia and current favourites.
Whether you ' re navigating coastal routes or exploring the picturesque Welsh countryside, our playlist is crafted to be your perfect travel companion. It sets the stage for unforgettable family moments and spontaneous sing-alongs along the way.
So, fasten your seatbelts, lower the windows, and let "The Ultimate Car Playlist" by St David's take you on a musical journey that celebrates the magic of summertime adventures
Enjoy the ride!
Listen Here
CONTACT
St David’s Adoption Service 28 Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3BA
029 2066 7007 or info@stdavidscsorg
STAY IN THE LOOP
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & YouTube
DONATE
As a registered Charity you may like to consider supporting the work of St David’s Your contribution will help ensure that every child with an adoption plan in Wales is placed with a loving family and supported to reach their full potential HERE
Registered Office: 28 Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3BA
St David’s Children Society is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Registration No: 509163) and a company limited by Guarantee (Registered Cardiff 1546688) St David’s Adoption Service is the brand name of the St David’s Children Society’s adoption service.
Mae Cymdeithas Plant Dewi Sant wedi ei chofrestru fel elusen gyda Chomisiwn Elusennau Cymru a Lloegr (Rhif Cofrestru: 509163) a chwmni cyfyngedig drwy Warant (Cofrestredig Caerdydd 1546688) Gwasanaeth Mabwysiadu Dewi Sant yw enw brand gwasanaeth mabwysiadu Cymdeithas Plant Dewi Sant
© St David’s Children Society 2024
