Ros Kane and Gudrun Osbourne write about the history of their children’s charity Carefree Kids and their recent expansion
“I can think of eight children in this school who’ll commit homicide or suicide by the time they’re 20.” So said the headteacher of a Waltham Forest primary school to one of us in 2004.
That stark statement led to the founding of Carefree Kids, a unique charity which worked in dozens of local schools for 15 years. We trained volunteers to deliver weekly one-to-one child centred play therapy sessions at a rate affordable for schools. Volunteers didn’t need previous qualifications – in fact, some of our best therapists had no experience at all – just the right personality, qualities and ability to learn.
We had men and women of all ages, ethnicities and educational backgrounds, as well as trainee therapists on placement. Our training-cum-supervision groups went deep; some volunteers went on to other training and paid employment. And for schools lacking suitable space, we created a play therapy bus which the kids loved.
The children expressed their delight at having play therapy. One little girl told us: “You have changed my life from sad to happy.”
Schools appreciated our input; “What kind of fairy dust are you using on these children? The work you do makes such a difference”, said one head. Volunteers often said things like: “You act. Others go round in circles and nothing gets done. Every borough should adopt this approach.”
So to say we were devastated when the trustees decided to close down in 2019 due to low funds is an understatement. We thought; there must be a way to continue without closing! Waltham Forest schools will no longer have this chance for much-needed
emotional help to some of their most distressed pupils.
So, as a small group, we’ve started up again, supporting not only children but also school staff who find their job extremely stressful. They often tell us: “I feel so much lighter and better after our sessions.” We are now, as Carefree Kids 2020, setting up as a new charity and would love to include more trustees, committee members and volunteer play therapists whom we train and supervise free of charge.
Get in touch on 07726 923 200 or at [email protected]
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