Joining efforts: Vicky and Harry’s Story with The Write Time and Take Charge Programme
Over the past few months, Vicky and Harry, her son, have experienced a
remarkable transformation through their involvement with The Write Time
school and the Take Charge Programme. Their journey highlights the profound
impact of collaborative efforts between dedicated educational institutions and
supportive programmes designed to cater to the unique needs of families facing
challenges.
Harry’s journey with The Write Time school
Harry’s educational journey had been fraught with difficulties. Misunderstood
and undiagnosed, he faced significant challenges in previous schools, creating a
rift between him and the educational system. Vicky, his mother, fought tirelessly
to secure the support he needed, finally obtaining his Education, Health and Care
Plan (EHCP). The breakthrough came when Harry joined The Write Time (TWT),
which integrates academics, personal and social development, and vocational
learning into its curriculum, recognizing the importance of holistic growth.
Harry was initially skeptical, challenging the school and staff during his 3-day trial.
However, the school’s commitment to Choice Theory—an educational philosophy
that empowers students to understand and navigate their choices—soon began
to resonate with him.
Focusing on tailored programmes and personal social skills development, the
school provided Harry with a supportive and understanding environment. The
school’s staff work collaboratively to plan, facilitate, and assess progress against
individual targets, ensuring that each student’s unique needs are met. This
inclusive and nurturing atmosphere allowed Harry to thrive.
Vicky vividly remembers the day she met Suk, a staff member of TWT and Project
Manager of the Take Charge programme, while bringing Harry to school. “She
was the best person I could have met that day because I was not having a very
good day,” Vicky recalls. Suk’s support and encouragement led Vicky to attend a
coffee morning at the school, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both
mother and son.
The Take Charge Programme: Empowering Parents
Parallel to Harry’s progress at TWT, Vicky embarked on her own journey of
growth through the Take Charge Programme. Designed to support parents facing
challenges with children who have additional needs, the programme offers a
range of mentoring and counselling activities over six weeks. Grounded in Choice
Theory and Reality Therapy, the programme aims to reduce family conflict and
foster a harmonious home environment.
The Take Charge Programme’s team comprises professionals from diverse
backgrounds in psychotherapy, special educational needs, and counselling,
ensuring a holistic and tailored approach. For Vicky, the programme was a lifeline.
“I have attended and completed the programme and I am now helping out with
it,” she says. “Everything has changed for the both of us.”
A Transformed Relationship
Through the support of the Take Charge Programme and The Write Time school,
Vicky and Harry’s relationship has undergone a remarkable transformation. “I am
getting help more, I am doing things for myself, I go swimming and I am a lot
healthier,” Vicky shares. “I go out and do things instead of just being home. I got
to understand Harry more and that has done a lot of good for the both of us.”
The daily communication and proactive approach of TWT staff, coupled with the
insights and strategies gained from the Take Charge Programme, have
significantly reduced Vicky’s stress. “Since the diagnosis, I am happier knowing
what I am dealing with. The school understands him like I do now, so there is no
conflict and there is lots of correspondence,” she explains. “When something
happens, they don’t carry things over to the next day. Every day is a fresh start.”
Looking Forward
The collaborative efforts of The Write Time and the Take Charge Programme have
lifted a tremendous burden from Vicky’s shoulders. “All my life has been Harry
and focusing on him. Now I have nothing to fight anymore. All that stress has
been lifted off my shoulders, which I did not think possible,” she reflects. “Our relationship has improved, we have a great relationship and he is a lot calmer.”
Vicky and Harry’s story is a testament to the power of comprehensive support
systems in transforming lives. Through the combined efforts of TWT and the Take
Charge Programme, families can find the understanding, connection, and growth
they need to thrive.
For more information on how The Write Time and the Take Charge Programme
can support your family, visit our website or contact us directly.
