Community Living and Homesickness

COMMUNITY LIVING

For some students the biggest challenge of the program will be living communally and without their devices. Whilst challenging for some, this is an aspect of the program that can generate many rewards for students as they share experiences and stories and create memories together. Students need to talk and listen and learn to compromise; they will work with one another to offer support and encouragement through the physical and / or emotional challenges that some might face. Through these experiences it is hoped that new and lasting friendships will develop.

It is to be expected that living in a new and communal environment, together with inherent challenges, some students will miss their familiar support structures from their home environment and may experience homesickness. Homesickness is normal and whilst it doesn't necessarily go away for all students on program, it is not harmful in the vast majority of cases. Residential Care Staff are experienced in supporting students to get them through their homesickness using a variety of strategies and will liaise with families if required. A call home is not always the best strategy, but will be considered as an option.

HOMESICKNESS

It is important for parents to consider homesickness and be prepared for this together with your own emotions of limited contact with your daughter. Experience has shown that if parents / next of kin are able to discuss and normalise the natural anxiety that might be felt with family separation, the more likely they will be able to settle in with staff support.

The writing and receiving of letters are of particular note while on the Residential Program as they allow students to maintain connection with family and friends as well as providing an opportunity to reflect and process their day-to-day experience. Some parents may receive letters that are confronting or negative, especially if they have been written “in the moment” when students might be feeling their worst. Often by the time these are received at home, students may have “moved-on”, or the situation may have passed. If at any time you are concerned by correspondence received, or not received, parents and next of kin are welcome to contact the Residential Team via email.