#OurJourney: Sarah's Story

Welcome to the latest installment of our #OurJourney series, where we share the personal and professional journeys of our dedicated team members at Stepping Stones Care. Today, we introduce Sarah, our Clinical Lead, whose passion for helping others has shaped a remarkable career focused on attachment, trauma, and the transformative power of care.

From Children's Homes to Forensic Services

"I'm Sarah, and I'm the Clinical Lead at Stepping Stones Care. My personal journey actually started out working in children's homes and then I went off and worked in prison settings and forensic services. But I'm really interested, and always have been, in people—why people do what they do, how we become who we are as we grow up."

Sarah's early career in diverse settings deepened her understanding of human behaviour and the profound impact of early experiences. Her work with adults and young offenders highlighted the importance of addressing attachment issues and trauma, shaping her commitment to preventive and healing work with children.

A Focus on Attachment and Trauma

"Working with adults and young offenders really made me focus on attachment, on trauma, on our life story. That has ultimately led me to keep wanting to come back to where I think the real focus and the work is, which is working with children at the start of that journey, helping them heal, helping them recover from what's happened to them, and then go on to have the life that they deserve and reach their potential."

Sarah's reflections on her experiences reveal a deep-seated belief in the power of early intervention. She recognized that helping children navigate and heal from their past traumas can significantly alter the course of their lives, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

The Call to Residential Care

"There have been a series of situations, events, and people that have drawn me into working in this field. Working in residential care, I often think about the adults I've worked with who have said to me time and time again, 'I wish that there were people like you when I was growing up. I wish there were people that understood me, saw me, heard me, made sense of me, that I felt had my back, because actually my path through life might have been different.' So, I think that's ultimately what has led me this way."

The poignant feedback from adults she has helped underscores the crucial role of compassionate, understanding care in childhood. This feedback has reinforced Sarah's dedication to making a difference at a stage where it matters most—during childhood.

Finding Her Tribe at Stepping Stones Care

"I was attracted to coming to work at Stepping Stones Care because I know people already working here, and I trust their judgement. I look for other people that are kind of the people I see as my tribe. I can honestly say that everybody I've come across here feels genuine, feels like they are authentic. They're upfront, they're honest, and I feel like they genuinely care."

Sarah's decision to join Stepping Stones Care was influenced by her trust in her colleagues and the authentic, caring environment she observed. She values the sincerity and dedication of the team, which aligns perfectly with her own ethos.

A Genuine, Caring Team

"I think everyone can say that about places that they work, but I really do believe it. I feel it. Every home that I go to, every member of the team that I talk to, I can feel they want to be here and want to do the best job they can possibly do for the young people we're looking after, and that really matters to me."

Sarah's heartfelt endorsement of Stepping Stones Care reflects her confidence in the team's commitment to excellence and genuine care for the young people they support. Her story is a testament to the profound impact that a dedicated and compassionate team can have on the lives of children in their care.

 Sarah's journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of early intervention and the transformative power of genuine, compassionate care. At Stepping Stones Care, we are proud to have individuals like Sarah who are committed to making a difference in the lives of young people. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our #OurJourney series.