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OUR SUCCESSES

Amongst the Trust's numerous successes in helping children, the following cases are typical examples.  The details are true, but the names have been altered to protect anonymity.

Sarah , Jo and Matthew 
The children's mother has mental health problems and she cannot cope with caring for her children full time and has struggled to understand her mood swings.  She was in a violent and abusive marriage and decided to move to another location to give her and the children a new start. She has had suicidal thoughts and was increasingly concerned for her childrens’ safety when they are with her. She had asked Social Services for help as the family were in crisis. Mother identified that boarding could provide the children with routine and structure and provide her with respite. The Trust was able to make grants available for all three children to attend a boarding school.

Helen
Helen lives with her aunt’s family where she shares a bedroom with her mother. Prior to moving in with her aunt, Helen’s mother had been answering newspaper and magazine advertisements and started meeting men through chat lines. In 2003 she introduced her children to a known paedophile who had only recently been released from prison. This man sexually abused Helen and was subsequently imprisoned for the offence.   Helen keeps everything immaculately; while mother makes no effort, leaving dirty washing all over the floor. Her mother is totally self-absorbed. Mother began to make inappropriate sexual remarks to Helen which were overheard by her aunt. The aunt spotted Helen’s abuser close to the family home and became concerned this man would seek Helen out.  It was felt that, in these circumstances, Helen would be safer at boarding school. The Trust was able to provide a grant for Helen to escape from the problems at home.

Lewis
Lewis and his mother share a bedroom in a rented flat. The other 2 rooms are rented out to other tenants. They all share a small galley kitchen. The small lounge is stacked with belongings. There is no privacy, limited washing and cooking facilities and nowhere for Lewis to play. Mother has had many ups and downs and has been ill with depression for the last 3 years. She was working as a Senior Nurse but because of her depression is currently unable to work. Lewis needs consistency. His mother is not always well and she acknowledges she is not coping. The home circumstances are desperate and the Trust was able to assist with a grant for Lewis to attend a state boarding school. 

Aisha 
Aisha lives with her mother and twin brothers in North East England .  Her mother struggles financially to feed and clothe her children. The children's' father has disappeared and mother has no extended family to provide support. Aisha’s primary school noted a change in her appearance and attitude. Aisha rarely smiled and became involved in playground squabbles. She also stopped eating and had to sit in the Head’s Office at lunchtime, to enable her eating to be monitored. Aisha was becoming ‘street wise’ and was increasingly left to her own devices. The primary school was concerned that she might mix with the wrong crowd and be led astray. Aisha enjoys singing and considers this the “best bit” of her life. She passed a voice trial at the Chorister School, Durham, and the Trust were able to assist with funding for her to attend the School as a boarder.

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Despite the fact that The Reedham Trust supports children for social and not educational reasons, we are always pleased to receive notification in the Autumn Term of examination results for those of our students who have reached the stage of taking their GCSEs or A Levels.  Having settled down at boarding school and being away, for a large part of the year, from difficult or worrying home circumstances many young people flourish and when they reach the age to take exams perform very creditably indeed, laying a firm foundation for further study and career prospects.