Children's Services

2 related articles grouped into one thread.

Oldham care boxes comfort children entering care system

Nicola, Oldham Council's Safeguarding and Care Planning Team Manager, created 'Welcome Into Our Care' boxes after witnessing a child arrive in care without personal belongings. Each personalised box contains essential items, comforting belongings, and contact details for key professionals. Since January, 50 children in Oldham have received these welcome packs, which include age-appropriate items like toiletries, sanitary products, snuggle blankets, and fidget toys. Councillor Shaid Mushtaq praised the initiative as a simple yet powerful way to bring comfort, dignity, and reassurance to children entering care. Nicola and eight colleagues will run the Great Manchester Run 10K in May to raise funds for the project.

Oldham care boxes help children entering care

Nicola, Safeguarding and Care Planning Team Manager at Oldham Council, introduced 'Welcome Into Our Care' packs after being moved by a child entering care with no belongings. She hand-packs personalised boxes every Thursday morning, containing age-appropriate items like books, toiletries, blankets, and information about support services. Since January, 50 children have received these packs, funded partly by donations from local businesses including The Works. Cllr Shaid Mushtaq praised the initiative for bringing comfort and dignity to children during traumatic transitions.