From arcade visits to daily laughter, children homes offer more than care. They provide the joy and normality every child deserves, starting with the little things that matter most.
First Time Adventure at Eastmoor
Recently, two of our residents at Eastmoor experienced something many take for granted. Their first ever trip to an arcade.
From racing games to claw machines, the boys embraced every moment. There were wide eyes, big smiles and bursts of laughter echoing through the neon lights. The highlight was a triumphant cheer as one of them finally grabbed a plush toy from the claw machine. Pure joy.
These moments matter. They might seem small, but for a young person who has faced disruption or trauma, they are powerful. They help children feel normal, accepted and full of possibility.
Why Experiences Like This Matter in Children Homes
Children homes, including ours at Welcare, are designed not just to keep children safe. They are made for living.
That means
- Creating opportunities for fun
- Building memories worth keeping
- Replacing fear with familiarity
Whether it is a trip to the arcade, learning to ride a bike or baking brownies for the first time, these are more than just activities. They are milestones. Each one helps shape a young person’s confidence, identity and trust in the world around them.
Research by the National Children’s Bureau shows that the daily lived experiences of children in residential care are just as vital as formal interventions. Building relationships, feeling included and having positive routines all play a key role in long-term emotional wellbeing.
At Welcare, these moments are central to how we support growth and recovery—gently and consistently.
Healing Can Start with a Smile
Our homes offer therapeutic services like CBT, equine therapy and play with pets. But healing also happens
- When a child laughs until they cry
- When they realise they are allowed to enjoy themselves
When they feel proud for the first timeChildren homes give space for that growth in safe, gentle and consistent ways.
Every Child Deserves These Moments
At Welcare, we believe every child deserves more than protection. They deserve joy.
Their journey might begin in crisis. But it can be filled with friendship, new experiences and happiness along the way. With the right people and the right support, even the smallest days out can become life-changing.
