Moving to Acre Farm

Moving to a new house can be an exciting but anxious time for anyone, but with the right help and support it can be a new start and a time to look forward to the future. We asked one of our young people how she felt about moving into Acre Farm.

This week marked a special occasion; it was your ‘One Year Anniversary’ of moving to Acre Farm. Did you do anything nice to celebrate?

• Yes, in the morning when I woke up and went downstairs there were balloons in the dining room, and we had a bacon sandwich! After school we watched a family movie together and enjoyed party food!

Thinking back, can you remember how you felt when you were first told about Acre Farm and that it might be your new home?

• Yes, it was exciting, but I felt a bit nervous at the same time.

Was there anything that worried you about visiting Acre Farm for the first time?

• No, I was really looking forward to visiting because it sounded nice, and I was shown some pictures so had an idea what it would look like.

Before you visited Acre Farm, who was the first person that you meet and what did you think of them?

• I met Emma and I thought she was really nice, she was very kind … she still is very nice and kind.

Can you remember your first impressions of Acre Farm?

• It was a very long driveway and a very big house. Once I went in the house, I was surprised at how big it was and how much space there was.

On your first visit to Acre Farm who did you meet and what did you do?

• I meet a few of the adults, Emma, Rob, Mollie, and Chloe (I think) and the other young people and we played lots of games and had a BBQ.

How long did it take you to feel settled at Acre Farm?

• Not long, about 2 months I think because everyone was kind and helpful and just lovely.

When you moved to Acre Farm you got to choose how your bedroom was decorated, were you pleased with it when it was finished?

• Yes, it was just what I asked for. It was painted in the colour teal and had wall stickers and nice furniture including a double bed, wardrobe, draws, and desk.  I helped Richard paint a lot of my bedroom.

What are some of the activities you have enjoyed doing at Acre Farm?

• I have enjoyed going for long walks and bike rides. I play on the trampoline and rope swing and have a goal for my football practice in the garden. I also swim in the pool and practice my gymnastics. I like looking after the pets and grow vegetables. I enjoy pampering sessions and movie nights and we now have a fire pit that I helped to build.

As well as activities at home, do you go to other clubs?

• Yes, I am very busy, I go to homework club twice a week, football training twice a week. And cheerleading one a week. I play for a girl’s football team and like scoring goals. I used to go to gymnastics but decided to do Cheerleading instead.

Since living at Acre Farm, you have changed schools, how has that gone?

• It has been good. I have made lots of new friends and the teachers are fine too. I have earned over 90 achievement points so far and been the’ History Lesson Legend’ and RE lesson legend’. I have moved up a set in Math’s too.

Since living at Acre Farm, have you been able to keep in touch with people you used to live with?

• Yes, I speak to people on the phone and facetime regularly and I have also enjoyed some walks on Ashdown Forest with my old foster carers. I have a phone now which is good.

Can you tell me about the adults that look after you at Acre Farm?

• The adults are very helpful and understanding when you are upset or cross and they are all very kind. There is always someone to talk to.

All the adults at Acre Farm are super proud of you for all you have achieved, what makes you feel most proud of yourself?

• I am proud of how far I have come and how much I have matured.

What are your best memories of your first year living at Acre Farm?

• I really enjoyed Christmas at Acre Farm as I got some lovely presents and to spend lots of time with everyone. On my birthday I went to Chessington World of Adventures. I have been camping, to Bewl Water Aqua Park, and Go Ape. One of my funniest memories was when we were playing games and Rob said take care not to fall over and then he fell over … it still makes me laugh now! I also raised £250 for The Little Princess Trust by running 5KM.  

Do you get to choose the activities you would like to do and to spend money on things you like?

• Yes, I get to tell the adults what I would like to do, and they help plan it for me. I also get pocket money and clothing money to spend … I like shopping!

Do you think moving to Acre Farm has been a positive experience for you?

• Yes, it has been very positive because it has been a nice experience spending time with a big family.

Would you recommend living at Acre Farm to other children?

• Yes, it is good.

What 3 words would you use to describe Acre Farm?

Amazing, Supportive, and Fun!