An insight view from a carer.

I have known, and had the privilege of being Grace’s carer since she was 4 years old. From the first moment I saw her and that cheeky smile, I knew that she was a very special little girl!
I look after grace for a few hours every month and we have so much fun together doing lots of different things. One of her favourite things is baking cakes and we do this quite regularly. She loves stirring the mixture, sometimes dipping her fingers in it, before popping it into the cake cases. Well actually, Grace just loves all things messy, sticky and gooey – she thinks it’s hilarious, and had great fun during half term, painting a doggy at the pottery cafe.

Sometimes we go to Henley for a picnic, or a local park, where she loves being pushed on the swings.

We go on girlie shopping trips where Grace loves trying on jewellery and accessories in Claire’s, looking at bags and pretty sparkly things!

Grace appears to love nothing more than going to a coffee shop for a cake. I have never seen such a little girl plough her way through a chocolate muffin quite like Grace!

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She’s a very sociable child, watching all that’s going on around her, waving at people, and she quite likes a good old gossip too – she’s got an incredible sense of humour and is just so funny! Occasionally though, the feisty, stubborn side of her character comes out and she becomes quite animated!!
Last Summer we went to Legoland for the day. Grace’s favourites were the hot air balloon ride, fairy tale brook and then we looked around the models. She is always so full of life!

At Christmas time, we always go somewhere to look at the pretty decorations – we have been to Henry Street garden centre, and Swindon Outlet where they had the biggest, most beautiful trees, and even some reindeer at the entrance! Grace was so excited and fascinated with them, it was just gorgeous to see.

When we have a quieter day at home, Grace enjoys her feet and hands being massaged with differently scented creams, which she finds relaxing and calming. It has been known for her to want to massage my feet too!

This is usually followed by painting her nails or playing hairdressers by washing and blow-drying her hair, both of which she sits surprisingly still for! Other times we play tea parties with some teddy bears, and Grace thinks it’s great fun. We sometimes have music on, and she just loves a good sing-along and dance!

Whatever we do, Grace is just brilliant company and such fun to be around, so easy going. She makes me smile all the time, and I’m so grateful to be involved in her life. It’s wonderful to see how her character has developed and how much more confident she has become – willing to explore new activities, foods and situations.

Grace’s family are just incredible and love her to bits, and I count it an absolute pleasure to be able to work alongside and support them with the care of their very precious daughter.