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LETTERFROM THECEO

As we move into the festive season, I am delighted to share this latest edition of our newsletter with you. It’s been a busy and exciting few months at St David’s, and this issue highlights some of the amazing work happening across our community.

We are particularly proud of our partnership with the consumer group, Which?, focusing on child-friendly technology. This is an area where we know adopters, and indeed all parents, frequently ask for guidance and support. Working with Which? has helped us provide practical advice and resources, ensuring that children can enjoy the benefits of technology safely. Initiatives like this demonstrate our commitment to listening to the real needs of families and finding innovative ways to support them.

I also want to extend a huge thank you to our fantastic team who ran the Cardiff Half Marathon Your energy, dedication, and fundraising efforts raised over £9,00000 making a real difference to the lives of children and families. Seeing so many of you out on the course and at our cheer station was inspiring, and it reminded us all of the incredible support that surrounds St David’s.

Looking ahead, I am really looking forward to welcoming so many families at our Christmas Party later this month. It’s always a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate, and enjoy the festive spirit as a community.

From all of us at St David’s, we wish you a very happy Christmas and a joyful New Year Please remember, we are here for post-adoption support throughout the festive period, with full details on how to contact us included at the back of this issue.

Thank you for being part of our community and for helping us continue to make a difference in the lives of children and f involvement, a make everyth

Warmest wish

BJASON BAKE

MEETTHETEAM: ZIASWINBOURNE

Newest St David’s Senior Social Worker & Panel Member.

Zia Swinbourne joined St David’s as an independent panel member in 2022 before becoming a Senior Social Worker in 2025 With more than ten years’ experience working in adoption services and a background supporting children and families in both the private and charity sectors Zia brings a wealth of experience, empathy, and professionalism to her role.

Her work at St David’s spans the entire adoption journey, from the earliest stages of assessment right through to post-adoption support and beyond. Zia also delivers access to records and intermediary services, supporting adopted adults and birth families affected by historical adoptions. Alongside her adoption work, she supervises and supports foster carers within our fostering service and continues to serve as a panel member for both adoption and fostering

Zia’s route into social work was inspired by a longstanding passion for supporting children and families.

“I’ve always had a passion for helping others,” she says. “Having worked in social care for many years, social work felt like a natural progression for me. My first experience of adoption was as a student social worker, and from that moment I knew it was the path I wanted to take and I’ve never looked back.”

Zia says one of the things she loves most about her work is the variety and the sense of community that runs through St David’s.

“No day is the same, and that’s something I really enjoy We have such a wonderful team here, and there’s a genuine sense of family I see this at our fun days and events the warmth, the laughter, and the connections that form between families. It’s lovely being part of that.”

Of course, the role also comes with its challenges. One that stands out for Zia is navigating the differences in support services offered by various local authorities.

“It can be difficult at times, as every local authority has its own systems and resources. But I’ve found that building positive working relationships with teams and services makes all the difference. I’m a strong advocate for post-adoption support, and I’m proud that we’re able to offer this to families when they need it most”

Her advice to families or young people navigating the support system is simple but heartfelt:

“It can feel overwhelming trying to work out what support you need or how to access it, but please reach out no question is too big or too small. We’re here for you. I know that first call for support can feel daunting, but that soon passes once you speak to someone who understands and listens.”

Zia’s calm, reflective approach and her deep commitment to children and families make her an invaluable part of the St David’s team Her insight as both a panel member and social worker ensures that every decision and piece of support remains balanced, thoughtful, and focused on the best outcomes for children

CHRISTMAS PARTY

Join us for our Annual St. David’s Christmas Party!

We are thrilled to invite you to this year’s festive celebration at the Hawthorne Leisure Centre! It’s set to be a magical day full of fun, laughter, and Christmas cheer for the whole family.

There will be soft play areas for the little ones, an amazing inflatable, and a fantastic buffet to keep everyone fuelled and festive You can enjoy all your favourite classic Christmas songs, and, of course, there will be a special visit from the big man himself, Father Christmas, who will make sure every child feels the magic of the season.

In previous years, families were asked to bring their own gifts for children. Thanks to the tremendous support and fundraising we’ve received this year, we are delighted to provide presents for every child, so you can relax and enjoy a truly magical day with your loved ones.

This event is a wonderful opportunity for St. David’s families to come together, celebrate the festive season, and create lasting memories. We can’t wait to see everyone enjoying the activities, the food, and the festive atmosphere

Full details, including exact dates and times, will be sent directly to St. David’s family members. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact your social worker.

Let’s make this Christmas celebration one to remember!

TRAINING REVIEWS

“GOOD SHARING OF EXPERIENCES, UTILISING ASSESSMENTS, GOOD ADVICE ON TIPS/STRATEGIES FOR CHILD”.

“GOT MORE INFORMATION FROM THIS COURSE THAN WE DID THROUGH OVER 6 YEARS OF FOSTERING ”

“EXCELLENT TRAINER WITH SOME REAL EXAMPLES OF HER PRACTICE. VERY RELATABLE, AND SHE WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT RELEVANT FOR PEOPLE ON ALL LEVELS AND IN DIFFERENT ROLES IN ATTENDANCE”

KEEPING CHILDRENSAFE ONLINE

We caught up with Andrew Laughlin, Which?’s Principal Researcher

The internet has become part of everyday life for our children from watching YouTube and chatting with friends to gaming and learning online. While it brings endless opportunities for fun and connection, it can also open doors to risks that children simply aren’t ready for

As Andrew Laughlin from Which? puts it, “We often forget that parents aren’t digital natives We didn’t grow up with this level of technology, so it’s easy to underestimate what’s happening online or assume we’re already doing enough.”

The truth is, the digital world changes fast. Scams, inappropriate adverts, cyberbullying, and even grooming are all very real dangers. But with the right tools and awareness, we can give our children the freedom to explore safely and help them develop lifelong digital resilience.

Building Trust and Responsibility

Before anything else, Andrew stresses the importance of trust and communication “Parents can’t be everywhere online, but they can build a sense of trust and responsibility with their children,” he explains

That means talking early and often about what they’re doing online, who they’re talking to, and what to do if something feels wrong. Just as we teach them to cross the road safely, we should teach them digital ‘common sense’:

If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it

Don’t share personal details or images

If you see something upsetting, tell an adult you trust

These simple rules help children pause and think before clicking and know that they can always come to you without fear of blame.

When to Give a Phone (and How to Lock It Down)

Many parents wrestle with the big question: “When should my child get their first phone?”

Andrew’s advice is simple the longer you can wait, the better. “Each extra year before introducing a smartphone is time gained for maturity and understanding,” he says.

When you do take the plunge, make sure to lock down the device from day one. Both Apple and Android have built-in parental controls that have improved dramatically:

Apple’s Screen Time lets you set daily limits, block apps, restrict content, and approve downloads Google Family Link offers similar tools for Android devices, including screen time limits and location sharing

If your child uses a laptop or tablet, Windows’ SmartScreen filter (which is free) blocks suspicious sites and downloads.

You can also set router-level controls, available through broadband providers like Sky, EE, and others. These let you filter adult or harmful content across every device connected to your Wi-Fi handy if your child has access to shared family devices.

Know the Minimum Ages for Social Media

It’s worth remembering that most major social media platforms have minimum age limits and for good reason:

TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and X (Twitter): 13+

WhatsApp: 16+ (though often used earlier)

YouTube: 13+ for personal accounts

These limits aren’t just arbitrary. Social media platforms use algorithms to show targeted content and while some of it can be positive, a lot isn’t suitable for younger children. “Adverts can be really random,” Andrew warns. “Even on YouTube, you might find inappropriate ads embedded into videos, so use settings to turn them off or restrict ads where possible.”

The Rise of Online Scams

You might think scams only target older generations, but the data tells a different story

Andrew points out that 50% of 17-year-olds have already been scammed, and 8 in 10 young people are targeted monthly, often through messages claiming they’ve “won a prize” or by being tricked into buying fake game “skins” or limited offers.

“These scams often come in like a Trojan horse,” he says. “They use peer pressure or fake competitions to get young people to click or share details.”

Teach children to stop and think before clicking on any link, especially if it promises a reward. Let them know it’s okay to double-check with you first no matter how small it seems.

Cyberbullying and Group Chats

Social media isn’t the only place where harm can happen Messaging apps and gaming chats can also expose children to unkind or even dangerous interactions.

Andrew suggests being particularly wary of big group chats where children might be added by strangers and gaming consoles like Xbox or PlayStation, where voice or text chats are common. “These can be great for socialising,” he says, “but they can also become toxic spaces if not monitored.”

It’s a good idea to:

Regularly review your child’s friends lists and chat settings

Encourage them to block and report anyone who makes them uncomfortable

Remind them they never need to respond to messages that feel odd, rude, or pressuring

Setting an Example

Children learn by watching us — and that includes how we use our devices “We can’t expect them to switch off if we’re glued to our screens,” Andrew notes

Try a family digital detox every now and then no phones at dinner, screen-free Sundays, or time outdoors together. Google’s free Digital Wellbeing and Digital Garage tools are great for learning how to build healthier online habits (for adults too!).

And don’t forget to lock down payment options on phones and consoles otherwise, in-app purchases or gaming add-ons can quickly spiral into hundreds of pounds.

The Online Safety Act and Taking Control

The UK’s Online Safety Act is beginning to hold tech companies more accountable for the content children see online But Andrew warns that we can’t rely solely on legislation

“Tech companies will always prioritise profit over protection,” he says. “It’s up to us as parents and guardians to use the tools that exist and stay informed.”

The good news? You have more control than you might think. Take time to explore your settings, turn on content filters, and check location and privacy permissions. Staying curious is half the battle.

What to Do if You’re Worried About Grooming

If you’re ever concerned your child may be being groomed online — perhaps they’re secretive about messages or seem anxious about certain contacts act quickly You can contact:

CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command): wwwceoppoliceuk

NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

Reach out to us here at St David’s and speak to our duty social worker. Or speak to your local police force.

It’s always better to report and be wrong than to ignore something that could be serious.

THECARDIFF HALF

This year, 17 incredible runners took on the Cardiff Half Marathon in support of St. David’s Children’s Society, raising an amazing £9,000 to help us continue providing vital post-adoption support for families across Wales

Each mile they ran was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together for a cause that truly matters.

Our cheer station along the route brought the energy! Families, colleagues, and volunteers gathered with flags, banners, and plenty of noise to spur our team on. The encouragement and sense of togetherness made the day even more special, creating unforgettable moments for both runners and supporters alike.

We’re so grateful to every one of our 17 runners and to everyone who donated, cheered, or shared encouragement along the way Your efforts and generosity make a lasting difference in the lives of children growing up in their forever families

The Cardiff Half Marathon isn’t just a race it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and hope.

We’re already looking forward to next year and hope even more of you will join Team St. David’s. Because every step taken and every mile run helps families grow and legends are made.

OUR FOSTERING SERVICE

Now is the time to foster.

At St David’s, our fostering community is growing and we couldn’t be prouder More families are stepping forward to open their hearts and homes to children who need love, safety, and stability Each new foster carer brings hope to a child who has been waiting for someone to believe in them.

Across Wales, there’s still an urgent need for foster carers. Too many children are spending nights in residential settings simply because there aren’t enough families available to care for them. That’s where you come in. Could fostering be your next step?

Many of our foster carers began their journey with St. David’s through adoption and have chosen to continue supporting children through fostering. They tell us it’s one of the most rewarding things they’ve ever done giving children a real family environment where they can heal, grow, and thrive. At St. David’s, we offer specialist training, personalised support, and financial assistance to make sure every foster carer feels confident and equipped. We focus on children aged 0–12, ensuring that the early years of their lives are filled with stability, care, and connection.

If you’ve ever wondered whether fostering might be right for you, why not find out more?

Join us for a special Fostering Information Session on 11th December, 12 -130pm, designed especially for adopters who are curious about taking that next step, hosted in our office at Lambourne House.RSVP to info@stdavidscs.org.

If you’ve ever considered fostering or even just wondered what it might involve now is the time to take the next step.

Email us at fostering@stdavidscs.org or visit our website to find out more.

St David's Fostering Service For children, not for profit

TOP APPS

Spark Your Child’s Creativity with These Top

UK-Friendly Apps

In today's digital age, screen time doesn't have to mean passive consumption. With the right tools, technology can become a gateway to creativity, learning, and self-expression. Whether it's drawing, storytelling, coding, or music-making, here are some of the best apps available in the UK to help children aged 3–13 unleash their creative potential.

CBeebies Get Creative

Ideal for younger children, this free app offers a playful space to draw, paint, and doodle alongside beloved CBeebies characters like Hey Duggee, JoJo & Gran Gran, and Peter Rabbit. With over 100 stickers and various creative tools, it's perfect for sparking imagination without any in-app purchases or ads

FlipaClip

For budding animators, FlipaClip provides a user-friendly platform to create 2D animations Children can draw frame-by-frame, add audio, and bring their stories to life. It's a fantastic way to introduce the basics of animation and storytelling.

Khan Academy Kids

This award-winning app offers a comprehensive learning experience with lessons in reading, math, problem-solving, and emotional learning. Presented by animated animal teachers, it's designed to engage children aged 3–8 in a fun and interactive way.

Makers Empire 3D

Aimed at children aged 4–13, Makers Empire introduces 3D design and printing concepts through fun and interactive challenges. It's an excellent tool for fostering spatial thinking and design skills.

Toontastic 3D

Developed by Google, Toontastic 3D allows children to create their own cartoons by drawing, animating, and narrating stories It's a wonderful way to encourage storytelling and creative expression

JINGLE BEATS

Curated by the St David’s Children’s Society team.

Twinkling lights, cosy jumpers, mugs of cocoa and the scent of gingerbread… this playlist is made for festive memories. Whether you’re wrapping presents, baking with the kids, or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, Jingle Beats brings together songs to fill your home with cheer

We asked staff, adopters, and friends of St David’s to share songs that make them feel joyful, festive, and connected and this is the soundtrack they created. From classic carols to upbeat holiday favourites, every tune celebrates family, love, and the magic of Christmas together.

So press play, sing along, and let this be the soundtrack to your festive season filled with laughter, warmth, and togetherness.

�� Listen on Spotify: Jingle Beats – St David’s Fa Christmas Playlist

CONTACT

St David’s Adoption Service Lambourne House, Llanishen Business Park, Cardiff CF14 5GL

029 2066 7007 or info@stdavidscsorg

STAY IN THE LOOP

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: Lambourne House, Llanishen Business Park, Cardiff CF14 5GL

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

St David's Newsletter Issue 9