Case Stories :::

Sophie’s story

Sophie is being raised in a sole parent family; she has twin brothers who have a disability and a thirteen-year-old sister. Sophie’s mother struggles with the responsibilities of raising the children on her own and experiences financial hardship, she has no extended family support and benefits greatly from Sophie’s involvement in the Aunties and Uncles program.

Six-year-old Sophie was referred to Aunties & Uncles by the Family Support Service. It was felt that she would benefit from extended family support and some positive role modelling and life experiences.

Sophie was introduced to her Aunty and Uncle, Kate and Chris, in February 2005. A strong relationship has developed and Sophie has become very much a part of Kate and Chris’ family life. Sophie spends one weekend a month with her Aunty and Uncle. Kate says that Sophie will often ring to ask “how many sleeps” till her next visit and could she have “bacon eggs” for brekkie when she comes over. It really is the simple things that the kids enjoy and benefit most from.

Sophie has recently started doing ballet lessons with the local dance group; Kate and Sophie initiated this in collaboration with Sophie’s mum. Kate was happy to help Sophie’s mum out with the cost, as a Christmas present to Sophie. Kate needed to make sure that Sophie’s mum was able to get her to the lessons each week. Sophie is very proud of herself now that she is a ballerina and her confidence and self-esteem continue to grow.

Sophie spends her weekends with Kate and Chris going camping, spending time at the beach, playing board games, visiting the park and enjoying time together doing the simple things in life.