‘POSTCARDS’ are a hit at ‘Resi Rocks’

Every year the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare runs a ‘Resi Rocks’ professional development day for residential care workers in Victoria. This year, Innovative Resources was invited to launch our recently-published resource called POSTCARDS from me to you by running a series of workshops for four hundred residential workers on the day.

Each worker was given three postcards from the set. They were then invited to choose one, think of a young person they support in their work, and write a message especially for that person. Here are some of the heart-felt and poignant messages they wrote—messages that might be a turning point for a young person, and advice they might treasure their whole life:

BEST WISHES

• You are a great Mum, and wishing you all the happiness with your little one.
• I know you haven’t enjoyed your time in Resi, then wanted to stay. I hope you find your happiness in whatever you do. With best wishes.
• It’s been a tough few months in Resi. I know how hard you work with all the young people. I really appreciate that!

PROUD

• You surprise me every day and I am so proud!
• Always work on being in love with the person in the mirror, and always be proud of yourself.
• Be proud of every day that you are here.
• Watching you reach for the stars and follow your dreams has proven that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. So proud …
• Very proud of you completing and passing your literacy and numeracy test at TAFE and then enrolling in Cert 3 Health Services. Smashing your goals.
• I am so proud of how hard you’ve tried to keep yourself safe. I know it’s tricky but you are doing so well.
• Princess, I’m so proud of you and how far you’ve come!

ALONE

• Inhale the future and exhale the past!
• If you ever feel alone, we are always here for you. For anything J
• Life is what you make it.
• I know that as you get closer to your 18^th birthday, you are filled with fear and trepidation about where you are going, where you belong and what will become of you. I also understand that your acting out is fear-based and that it is understandable being fearful of the unknown. We’ve got your back
• Sure, you trashed the beds in fear and anger, but hey, you are still here. Let’s work it out.
• Your life is yours to make. Let us help you figure it out.
• When I have your back I will stand strong with you and walk through the struggles and be by your side.

GOT YOUR BACK

• It’s been a hard day but I’m proud of how you managed it – I’ve got your back and will help you through it.
• Gotcha back girlfriend!!
• Always got your back. Looking after you. Caring. Listening.
• Always here for you.
• Through all the tough times.

BELIEVE

• You always need to believe in yourself, even if you think no one else does. You are important.
• Imagination is the preview of life’s coming attractions.
• Don’t believe the BS. Believe in yourself and the good things people say to you and about you. Believe in a better day tomorrow.
• Always believe you are worth it … BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
• Never doubt yourself, always believe! There is only one of you in this world. YOU ARE AMAZING.

KICKING GOALS

• Found out you passed your exam at school. The house is so proud of you. Keep striving.
• Well done on getting through all your exams with everything that is going on.
• You are braver than you believe, stronger than you feel and smarter than you think! You got this girl!

SORRY

• Hey little man, we are sorry we were unable to keep you safe from the bigger boys. Sorry we could not say farewell.

CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT

• When we have you stop by after moving.
• How mature, thoughtful and kind you were on the phone last night towards your friend who was so distressed.
• How good it was to hear all is going well.
• How you amaze me every day!

THANK YOU

• For what you young people have taught me.
• Thank you for checking in with me and showing you care. You are a kind-hearted young man and that was very thoughtful.
• For making my day.
• To my work team, thank you for all your wonderful support throughout my time here.
• Thank you for all the relentless work you do with our young people and carers. Hoping you had a great break—it’s good to have you back!

I LIKE THE WAY YOU

• Always add a positive vibe to the house.
• Dear Mary, I like the way you make us giggle with your quirky personality.

HELP

• Make it easier or possible for someone to do something by offering your assistance.
• Hey Chick, I can see you’re pretty upset. Can I help?

FEELING

• It’s ok to feel the way you do.
• I’m here for you.

IDEAS/LIGHT GLOBE

• Your ideas matter.

STAY STRONG

• This too will pass.

CAN WE TALK

• If you ever need me come and talk to me, because I CARE!
• It’s been a pleasure working with you!! If you need to talk anytime please call me. Happy to listen and help where possible.
• You bet we can! Any time you see me, say hello. I want to know.
• Haven’t seen much of you lately and I really miss our chats. Can we make a time to go for a coffee and talk?
• Hey Penny, I know you haven’t been home in a while but it would be great to have a chat.

ARE YOU OK?

• Hey there, sensing you have a lot going on and seem alone. Know that I’m here in any way you need me, whenever you need me. OK?

POSTCARDS from me to you can be purchased as a set (3 x 20 individual design) or in pack of 10 of your favourite card.