3 minute read
MONSTER MUNCH
Children in care can experience trauma from their adverse experiences. We talk to a nurse about how a small toy with a big appetite is making a huge difference.
In St Helens, Merseyside, a monster like creature with a zip for a mouth enjoys nothing more than gobbling up children’s worries.
The Children in Care team provides children they support with their own worry monster, to keep and take with them wherever they go.
Kay McEneny, children’s named nurse in St Helens, explains: “Children who come into care are often emotionally traumatised. They can feel lost and confused so we are always finding new ways to help them share their worries and feel loved.
“We need only think how nervous we are when we face something new or unexpected, to imagine how a child feels moving to a new home or school, or if they go to an adoptive home, getting to know a new ‘mummy and daddy’.
“The monsters can stimulate and help children explore these emotions. They’re not a perfect teddy bear, they are quite colourful and wacky – they make children smile.
“Sometimes a child will draw pictures or write their feelings down and store them inside the bear. Doing this can lead to them sharing worries with their carer or social worker, though if they don’t want to share, that’s also fine. Others might have a keepsake from their family home and the bear will look after it for them.”
It’s not just children who benefit from the comfort of a worry monster, says Kay.
“They have been used successfully with adults experiencing mental health issues and are particularly popular with people with dementia. If we visit a home where a parent has mental health challenges, it might be right for them to have one too.”
Read Ann’s story and how you can fundraise on page 12.
Children in care can experience trauma from their adverse experiences. We talk to a nurse about how a small toy with a big appetite is making a huge difference.
Children in care can experience trauma from their adverse experiences. We talk to a nurse about how a small toy with a big appetite is making a huge difference.
Children in care can experience trauma from their adverse experiences. We talk to a nurse about how a small toy with a big appetite is making a huge difference.
Children in care can experience trauma from their adverse experiences. We talk to a nurse about how a small toy with a big appetite is making a huge difference.
