Working at Talbot House Trust

Talbot House had been a residential school in the seventies right up until the building we were previously in, in Seghill burned down over a weekend. That was a tale to tell, they say the staff came in on Monday morning to the ashes and in true Talbot House style, they organised temporary accommodation on site in the form of porta cabins, and carried on while it was rebuilt. After that, it was decided to convert the residential school into a day school only and in 1999 the organisation moved into Walbottle on the site we occupy today. In 2010 a decision was made to open a separate children’s home as the next development for Talbot House Trust, and in 2012 Chadersley took its first resident. The first floor of one wing of our building houses Chadersley, so it is self-contained and has the advantage of our large semi-rural site. Today we have 5 rooms for children and 2 for overnight staff. The home has a lovely atmosphere and our children tell us that they feel safe and happy there. It has been a privilege to see the children grow into adults over the years, and although sad to say goodbye, it gives me great pleasure to see them move on with life as well-rounded human beings and reach their full potential. I am proud of each one of them. Have a look at our web page, there are some great photos there.

At Chadersley, we want our children and young people to feel safe and secure and to enjoy their experiences with us. We aim to provide a family-like environment where the children and young people in our care can achieve positive outcomes for their future. We believe that with a dedicated support network all children and young people can thrive and fulfill their potential. All of our children and young people are encouraged to play an active role in their care, we invite them to have a voice and share views and opinions. Children and young people at Chadersley will be supported with family contact, education, health, independence, life skills and therapy. Our passion is in the recognition and support of those who have suffered adverse childhood experiences and early life trauma as well as navigating the minefield of living in care. Dedicated support workers build good relationships with families and professionals so we are able to work together to ensure we identify the best arrangements for good wellbeing all around.
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The aims of the home are:

• ?To provide security, stability and emotional support for our young people.
• To offer high-quality residential care to young people, beyond the foundations of exemplary primary care.
• The offer of a home which is as near to a family environment as is feasible and comfortable for our children and young people.
• To offer accommodation to young people aged 7 to 18 on a flexible basis dependent upon their care needs.
• To enable young people to achieve positive change in their lives.

?In order to achieve these aims the following objectives have been set:

• ?The creation of a warm, safe and welcoming environment.
• The development of a multi-skilled, highly trained, experienced staff team.
• The implementation of an effective key worker system.
• Effective assessment and recording systems.
• The promotion of positive relationships with all people involved in the welfare of the young person.
• Enabling young people to move into the community with confidence and support with our "keep in touch" philosophy.