How Barnardo's Creates Space For Young People To Be Themselves

“With Barnardo’s, she’s herself and she can just breathe”

Emma and Libby first got involved with Barnardo’s about three years ago, when Libby got a place at an art club.

“At the art club, she had a space to be herself, whereas at school she was always trying to be ‘normal’ and not show her autistic traits. But with Barnardo’s, she’s herself and she can just breathe” explains Libby’s mum, Emma.

“I can’t fault the staff at Barnardo’s in any way. If Libby’s had a bad time at school or anything like that, the staff are always there to lift her spirits and take care of her.”

“She generally comes out of the art club much happier than when she arrived.”

“The art club allows her to be sociable as well. Sometimes, she comes home and shows me things she’s made, or other times she’s just been socialising. But for Libby, it’s a space where she’s completely herself and none of the staff or the other kids bat an eyelid at her.”

“Barnardo’s supports Libby in whatever way she needs supporting. She looks forward to Thursday every week because that’s when she goes to art club. She counts down the days until she can go!”