Monday 18th November
At Beams, we are committed to providing exceptional care for disabled children and young people.
Dragon’s Retreat is our dedicated short-break service, providing overnight care for children and young people up to 18 years old. We offer a supportive and nurturing environment where children can relax, have fun, and develop vital life skills.
To give you a glimpse into the incredible work our Support Workers do, we recently sat down with Lee.
What initially drew you to working with disabled children at Beams, and how has your experience here been different from what you expected?
I worked for a long time in mainstream primary education when my 3 boys were at school.
My background in mainstream primary education has given me a unique perspective on the needs of young people. At Dragon’s Retreat, I’m able to combine my experience with a focus on life skills and personal development. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact we have on the lives of these children.
Can you describe a typical day or night at the respite unit, and how do you tailor your approach to meet the individual needs of each child?
No two days are alike at Dragon’s Retreat.
Children arrive around 10:30am. We have 6 beds at Dragon’s Retreat. After a quick snack and drink, they are off to explore our fantastic garden, complete with climbing equipment, water features, and a mud kitchen. Or, they might prefer the indoor playroom, cinema room, sensory room, or soft play area.
We often plan exciting outings, like trips to the zoo or beach, or organise fun activities on-site. At lunchtime, everyone will gather around the table to enjoy a meal they have helped prepare. We try to get the children to help out with making sandwiches and simple meals and also the setting up and clearing of the table. All children and staff are encouraged to eat together in the dining room at the table. It is a real social occasion.
Before bed, its bath or shower time, followed by a bedtime story or a quiet moment. Our dedicated overnight staff ensure everyone is safe and comfortable throughout the night.
The next morning, it is time to wake up, get ready, and enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading home or starting another fun-filled day.
What are some of the most rewarding moments you’ve experienced working with the children?
One of the most rewarding moments has been seeing the young people thrive here. They achieve life skills, they make friends here and this is wonderful to be a part of.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career supporting disabled children?
For anyone who is considering a career supporting disabled children I would say DO IT!. It’s hard work and can be messy at times but it fills your heart, makes you smile and is so worthwhile!
Here’s a few of Lee’s favourite moments at Beams
