John leads by example and puts young people first at every opportunity and his mindset does not waver during Christmas.
December is a busy time for everyone. There are added demands as time hurtles quickly towards the 25th with pressures to have an idyllic day while emotions can feel largely heightened. However, John’s priority is motivating his colleagues into maintaining safety, stability and positivity. The adults work closely together to keep young people’s spirits up and make sure they’re looking forward to the holiday.
Child and Youth Care Worker, Lesley with Acting Service Manager, John with their tree.
The staff team consider how young people would prefer to spend Christmas Day, letting the kids know they are always there to be a sounding board to how they’re feeling. Within this particular house, there are bespoke traditions of Christmas Eve boxes, Christmas jammies and a breakfast with presents before preparing dinner. There is also the option to meet up with another house nearby to have a bigger gathering to eat and laugh altogether. In amongst the festivities, there is space to take a breather and have personal time to yourself. The hope is for people to enjoy the day, for it to be laid-back, go at a leisurely pace and be calm.
John now has to balance a leadership role with wanting to spend as much time as possible with young people and is determined to show young people and colleagues he’ll consistently be on-hand to listen, help and support, even during the busy period of Christmas.