Uncle Hemed came to us as a trainee social worker on work experience in 2011.
In the months he spent volunteering alongside our own very special Uncle Billy, Hemed learnt so much about more than he could ever learn at a college desk.
He learnt about children, how they think, react and trust, and the many ways in which life’s troubles and heartaches bring them into care of a children’s home.
He ploughed through a mountain of information and advice provided from the Down’s Syndrome Association to put together a programme of exercises for our little David – and we all know the remarkable difference they have made.
With such wonderful mentors as Mama and Uncle Billy, Hemed grew in confidence and capability as he got to understand the unique ways of our Happy House and was truly touched by its magic.
When it was time for him to return to his studies, we were sad to see him go, and he was sad to be leaving the family he had grown to love and become such a part of.
This year, having qualified as a social worker he asked to return as a volunteer whilst looking for a job, and slotted right back in, working alongside Uncle Billy.
Now thanks to Mama, Hemed is leaving us to start work as social worker at another children’s home.
The director there, looking for recommendations, emailed Mama to ask if she knew anyone and she had no hesitation in recommending Hemed for an interview. By the end of the week the job was his.
Mama and all the family are thrilled for him. “He is the first of our family going out into the world,” she says “taking the Happy House ways with him.
“I have always wanted us to be a flagship for the ways children should be cared for, for exceptional child-focused practice, and Hemed will take that with him into his new job and wherever his career leads him in the future.
“I was thrilled when the director emailed me to tell me she was offering him the job. She said she couldn’t get better than a recommendation from the Happy House.”
Here Hemed gives an insight into the Happy House influence:
He taught me more than I anticipated and for sure he will leave a permanent mark in my career. I owe my gratitude to him.
Hemed and his greatest mentors, Mama and Billy |
Despite Mama Sue being sick, her heart is always in the Happy House family and this is proved through their routine communication with us and the special consideration they give to this family. I pray for Mama Sue’s quick recovery as we all miss her here.
Uncle Hemed