It’s been a long while since I put my words onto paper and a few things have changed so I thought it would be a good idea to write another blog for the Families Feeling Safe website.
Apart from a change of name (it’s a long story) I have also reviewed my network. Tulip and Violet are still very good friends of mine and recently moved to a new home many miles away. They feel very happy in their new home and are especially enjoying living by the sea. I went to visit them a few weeks ago and enjoyed paddling in the sea and having an ice cream. I love the taste of ice cream and the smell and sound of the sea. They all help me to feel safe, secure and content. I have some new friends, Trixie and Matilda and they have become very reliable network people. They have been visiting some new places with me this term and encouraging children and their grown-ups to talk about their feelings. It was all a bit new and felt a bit scary visiting new places with new people this term. It was worth risking on purpose though. We met some really helpful people and learnt some new things that have helped us develop the programme. It’s nearly ready to share with even more children and their grown-ups!
The three of us and our helpers were all welcomed at a primary school in June and we enjoyed hearing about the smells, tastes and sounds that help the children to feel safe. The children already knew about having a network, people who they can talk with, and they enjoyed thinking about how they might let one of them know if they were feeling unsure or had their “uh-oh” feelings. It was quite important as they will all be moving to new classes with new teachers after the summer break. They also had a think about adults they might talk with over the long summer holiday. Because the school knows about Protective Behaviours, they are really good at knowing that we all have the right to feel safe all the time and that we can talk with someone about anything even if it’s awful or small.
What I really enjoyed about the group was that even when I was feeling grumpy, grumpy, grumpy the children were very caring. They used kind words that helped me to feel better even though I was also feeling tired and worried. Trixie and Matilda also experienced some uncomfortable feelings when we were there, and it was reassuring to know that feelings are feelings and that they come and go. It really helped that the children (and adults) in the group understood that it’s ok not to feel happy all the time.
If you, or someone you know is interested in finding out more about the Morris workshops or if you are a professional interested in training to become a Morris Facilitator we’d love to hear from you. Email the team at enquiries@familiesfeelingsafe.co.uk or ring the office on 01438 728652