Topic: Our services
Life story sessions
Our life story sessions give children the chance to talk and learn about who they are. They get to understand and build their own identity and share their story in complete confidence.
Contact us
Call our advice line to find out more or to register for a life story session.
Phone: 01494 586626
Email: sgo@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
Our advice line is open Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays between 9.30am–1pm, and Tuesday and Wednesdays between 1.30–5pm. We try to respond to all emails within two working days.
About life story sessions
We offer a free life story service to all children and special guardians. The sessions are designed to help children make sense of their experiences and build their sense of identity.
Our trained team of experts can sensitively help you and the child you care for build an accessible explanation of what has happened to them and why they now live with you.
The sessions are suitable for children and young people of all ages and abilities. We also run monthly 1:1 consultation sessions to help people who want to learn more and make a start.
We also provide the opportunity to develop a life story book over a series of sessions working together with a specially trained member of the support team.
How life story work helps
Many children who live with a special guardian say they struggle to understand what has happened to them. The experience often leads to them feeling a loss of identity.
Life story sessions encourage children and the people closest to them to be open and talk about their lives. That way they can learn about themselves and start to build their confidence.
Children who do not know their own story can remain confused and upset about what has happened to them. Often, the only way they are able to express their feelings is through their behaviour.
Unfortunately, children who don't understand their past often have the thought at the back of their minds that they are ‘unlovable’ or that they must have done something wrong.
This is never the case. Life story sessions help children replace those thoughts with confidence, positivity and a stronger sense of self.
Benefits for guardians
Life story work can be equally important for special guardians and family. You are likely to feel more confident talking about the child's past and their family. You may also find you are able to speak more openly and better answer questions from the child you care for.
“When the team suggested life story sessions, I was really apprehensive about what might come up, but it’s been so good for him. It’s really helping him come out of his shell. I’d 100% recommend it to anyone who’s a bit unsure, like I was.”