Who cares for the children? Christine’s story
Christine Stothard has been with the North East Autism Society since September 1985.
She joined the society as part of the ‘Community Programme,’ a government scheme to help people back into work. Originally her placement was to be for a year.
However, Christine found she enjoyed the work and applied for a job as a care assistant at one of the Society’s residential children’s homes.
“The service was very different in the ‘80’s,” Christine recalls. “At that time there were 19 children living in one home. It was their home and school. My job was to get them up in the mornings, make their breakfast, and work with them in the classroom as well as on care. I have seen a lot of changes over the past 23 years, and watched the society grow. And all the changes have been for the better!”
Throughout her career, Christine has also developed her own skills as a carer and a manager. She has undertaken a number of autism specific courses, NVQ’s and the Registered Manager’s Award. She is currently working with a coaching mentor to help her continue to develop her leadership skills.
When the society decided to open the family style residential homes for children Christine was one of the first staff to volunteer to work in the smaller houses.
“I just knew I wanted to be part of this fantastic change,” she recalls.
Christine is now manager of Meldan House, which is home to four boys and a team of 13 full time staff.
“It’s great to know that the boys will always have the support they need from my team,” says Christine.
“I can’t believe how much the children have progressed since we moved to this house. I just know that it’s the right environment for them and I go home, happy, at the end of my shift, because I know that the boys are happy.”
“I love to be hands on and work with the children. I think the school holidays are my favourite time, because we get to spend quality time with the boys.”
“We spend a lot of time planning the activities we know they’ll enjoy. For example, Edward and Christopher love climbing, while Joel loves to cook. So we’ll make sure that they get plenty of opportunity to enjoy those activities during the break.”
“Of course, we also want to keep the boys’ parents involved and up to date with everything they’ve been doing. We make sure we talk to all the parents regularly and give them all the news – the good and the bad – but always with an emphasis on the positive.”
“I’m so lucky to have this job. I’m part of a team caring for 4 lovely boys. I love them to bits.”
“I always say, even if I won the lottery I wouldn’t give up work. I’d miss it too much!”
Please note: all children's names have been changed to protect their anonymity.
< Back