Nurturing group work in a children's home

This paper describes a joint Education, Social Services and Health initiative which introduced the Family Links Nurturing Programme in a Sunderland Children's Home. This programme was already established in schools in Sunderland and responses to it were enthusiastic. It appeared to have a lot to offer to children and young people and adults who live and work in the residential care system. We aim to share the process of implementing the programme and also to convey some of the impact on those who took part in it. We hope to highlight the experience of delivering the programme and to document the impressions and reactions of some of the adults and young people involved. Looked after children have often had experiences which make it difficult for them to value themselves or others, while for staff, working in this setting can be challenging and stressful. The primary aim of running the Nurturing Programme was to help the young people and their carers feel nurtured and valued.