Funds raised from Footsteps to a Brighter Future go to support Barnardos Children’s Safety Programme Footsteps to Feeling Safe. Footsteps to Feeling Safe is for children aged 5–17 years who have witnessed or experienced family violence. The programme focuses on:
Caty is being raised by her grandparents because Mum’s not well. She has a history of mental illness, struggled with drugs and alcohol and been in some abusive relationships, so it is safest for Caty and her young brother to live with Nana and Granddad. They still sees Mum, they stay with her overnight once a week, and more often when she is feeling good.
Caty has always seen looking after Mum as her job. Especially when they lived with her, but even now when they visit. She feels she’s responsible for stopping Mum from doing ‘silly things’. Sometimes it seems like she and Mum have swapped roles and Caty is the adult.
Caty feels like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. She worries all the time. About Mum, about Nana and Granddad and what would happen to her and her brother if something happened to them. Caty’s anxiety has been getting in the way of her just being a kid. Sometimes she feels like she’s forgotten how to have fun.
Doing the Footsteps to Feeling Safe Programme gave Caty the chance to talk about what has happened in her family. She has really benefitted from having her own space to talk about herself and what she needs. She’s learning to have fun again!
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National children’s charity Barnardos works with families across Aotearoa New Zealand helping children to reach their full potential so they can shine bright. Every day, with the help of our supporters, we make a positive, long-lasting difference to children's lives.
