My experience as a young person on a TLC Placement

Therapeutically Led Fostering provides our young people with a tailored programme so they can grow to reach their emotional, social, and educational potential. We spoke with a Blue Sky care experienced young person, Serea, to ask them about their TLC journey…

Serea and came to Blue Sky on a Therapeutic Led Care placement during her teens. Now 22, she recently shared this moving feedback about her experience...

How do you think your time with Blue Sky under a TLC package changed you and how has it impacted your life?

I think my time with Blue Sky under the TLC program made me into the person I am today. It taught me patience, respect, and the value and worth of people who care about you, and the positive impact that can have on your life.  I don’t think I would have got where I am today without the time, effort and support that Blue Sky gave me.

I don’t think I would have got where I am today without the time, effort and support that Blue Sky gave me.

If you were to come along with us to meet a young person who was going to join us on a TLC programme, what words of advice would you give them?

If I were to give my advice to a new young person joining the TLC program I would say, be yourself because Blue Sky never judge; I would say take the leap of faith and open up to your TLC worker. They won’t let you down and will always try their best to work with you and support you to get what you need and want from life. Lastly, I’d say never doubt yourself, because Blue Sky already know you can do it and when you believe that too, you can achieve.

Did you feel supported by Blue Sky and if so, what did this look like?

I have never felt so supported than when I was with Blue Sky. There was never anything I couldn’t speak to them about and never a problem they wouldn’t help with - and there certainly wasn’t a time they weren’t willing to listen. I never felt as special as I did with Blue Sky. Although they have hundreds of kids to think about and deal with, you never feel unheard or left out with Blue Sky. They always make time for you.

I never felt as special as I did with Blue Sky.

How do you think we could improve?

If I’m completely honest I don’t think there is anything Blue Sky can improve on. They always listen, always support, and always think about catering for everyone’s needs (both young person and carer). I genuinely cannot fault Blue Sky in any way. Even now I’m nearly 22, I have a family of my own, my own home and my own shop - I still call Blue Sky for advice.  I still get support and advice now 5 years on. Blue Sky isn’t just about fostering, it’s about family.