In their words

Peter has really enjoyed the after school club, as he has made friends. He has enjoyed the activities and it has been a valuable way to socialise. It has provided a ‘non-threatening’ environment for him with lovely staff.

Chris enjoys his time at the club, and my opinion is Chris has learnt to respect and communicate well with older/younger children plus adults. So the club to me and Chris is very valuable. And hopefully carry on, and I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for giving Chris all the help and advice you’ve give him and in years to come.

I have a better understanding of what my children are going through in and out of school as they become a teenager.

The group has been understanding, made comments to remember and I have got friendship.

I have more abilities as a parent that I thought.

I now know I’m not alone in my situation and I’ve had good experiences which I can try to do at home.

I’ve felt more in control and able to stay calmer.

I try not to get drawn in as much and try to let them sort it out themselves.

Before coming to Barnardo’s all I did was sit at home or go to my mates house and watch television but now all week I have something to look forward to which is coming to Barnardo’s. I like coming to Barnardo’s because I know I can talk to anybody and it is all confidential. We have heaps of things to do which are doing things on the internet or just on the normal computer….We arrange little meetings like the girls group on a Tuesday night …which is great because we get to learn about the facts on drugs and about sex and getting pregnant. I really enjoy talking to all of the staff - I get along with all of them.