Ben’s concentration levels at school have improved drastically in the past few weeks and he is much more settled.
Nadine is delighted in Ben’s improvement however, this difficult period has taken a toll. Nadine now needs a brief respite from caring and makes contact with Anglicare’s Friends volunteer program.
The Friends program involves a trained volunteer providing practical support to children and their carers. Friends volunteers help out with occasional child minding, helping with transport to various events, tutoring, mentoring or acting as a role model. These volunteers choose their own availability, making it a good option for people who can’t commit to full-time foster care.
Nadine is put in touch with April, a Friends volunteer who is happy to look after Ben on an upcoming Sunday. If the arrangement works well, this may become an ongoing monthly arrangement.
Ben is a bit unsure as to why he has to meet yet another new carer, however Nadine reassures him that it is only for a few hours and that they will be back together in no time. She talks to him about April to increase his comfort with the situation and mentions that April likes football as much as he does. In fact, she would like to take Ben along to his first ever AFL game. Ben is thrilled.
Sunday arrives and Nadine is up early to help Ben get ready for his day out. April arrives and sits down for a hot chocolate to get to know Ben and Nadine. Before long, Ben and April depart for the MCG, leaving Nadine with a lasting image of Ben excitedly chattering to April as they head down the front path.
After a great day at the football Ben is happy to see Nadine and pleased to learn that April will be back in a few weeks to take him on another fun adventure.
