Feedback
At Silver Birch Care we believe feedback is extremely important. We use it as a tool to influence the type of support we provide for our young people, and it assists us in our ability to continually evolve as an organisation.
Comissioning Placement Team
“Can I just take this opportunity to say thank you and to extend our thanks to the wider team for their support during the time he has been with you. I know it has been quite a bumpy ride over the past month or so.”
Looked After Young Person
Youth Sport Trust Summit 2023
“Firstly, I want to say thank you Sanket, and I also want to thank Karim and the whole SBC organisation. The trip was amazing and as someone who loves sport, I have learnt a lot – not only in sport but also in life, because I was able to meet amazing people from different places in the UK.”
“The programme was about your wellbeing as a young person and the choices that you make in sport or in life. There were about 100 people there, and some of the young amazing people shared things that they faced through their journey in sport. It was hard for me to listen at some points because some of their stories were heart touching and emotional. I have been through a lot in life, but sometimes you need to stay strong and not always keep things to yourself. Sometimes it’s good if you come forward and speak to someone about things, because if you always keep things inside you without talking about it, it might affect your mentality, and you are going to end up getting trauma and start doing things you are not supposed to be doing.”
“I just want to say to every young person in SBC – if you are given this kind of opportunity to attend a program like this, please don’t turn it down. Please go and I promise you’ll have fun, you will make lots of friends, and you will learn a lot too. You’ll be taken care of, you will get to sleep in a nice place, have delicious food, and do a lot of activities. It was three days and I swear to you I never wanted it to end because I was learning a lot with no pressure, and having fun at the same time.”
Previous Looked After Young Person
“The two and half years I have been with SBC was fantastic. I would love to thank every member of the staff that looked after me since the day I came to the UK. They really helped me and made life easy and smooth.
“To you [Karim] specifically for being kind and doing all your best. Every time you came to the unit you asked how we were doing and what we needed to make sure everything was going okay.”
“At the time I needed help you looked after me and gave me all the things that I wanted for my new placement, and made sure I was settled down. I have no words to thank you and all you colleagues for every single support.”
Children’s Placements Team
“I have met some amazing people and made some good friends and feel it’s necessary to thank the people who have made me feel welcomed because I started during a difficult period, July 2020 the height of the pandemic. I spent majority of my time working from home and learnt about everyone via phone and video calls but appreciated the efforts made by everyone to make me comfortable. It was a pleasure working with all of you and I understand I have been difficult at times to which I apologise for. I hope that my good intentions are at the forefront should we cross paths again! Thank you, Thank you and Thank you very much!”
Afghan Social Care Team
“I would like to stress my gratitude to you for caring for G. He was fond of you before he left for Glasgow last year and this has only strengthened since his return to living at Cricklewood, as evidenced by this long period of settlement. Much appreciation to you and the team, thank you.”
Previous Looked After Young Person
“When I first joined Silver Birch Care, I did not know much about saving money etc. The staff showed and helped me along the way. I was in two of Silver Birch Care’s placements and met amazing young people and staff including Karen, Sarah, Faith, Tash, and Edmond. If it was not for them, I do not know what trouble I would be causing right now. Karen and Sarah were life savers and still are and I have a lot of love for them! All the staff I have mentioned have dealt with my misbehaviours but they still cared every day and did not let it affect their jobs. They deserve the world. Thank You Silver Birch Care for everything you have done for me. Carry on with your good work.”
Children and Families Placement Management Unit
“Thank you so much for your invaluable support and kindness towards CF over the last couple of years to help him settle and move towards his independence. Also thanks for the vouchers to help him buy some bits for his move on, very generous of you. Look forward to working with you again in the future.”
Placements Team
“Amazing work, very much appreciated.”
“Thanks very much Thomas for the excellent work and support for A.”
Housing Pathways Coordinator
“Thank you for showing us around the services yesterday. The accommodation was really high quality and it was great to see that the clients had such strong relationships with the staff members.”
Placements Team
“It was a real pleasure to work with you and to be privy to the skills and care I observed repeatedly in your work with KH and some of the other young people.”
“The same goes to your dedicated team members, despite the challenges we encountered from the young people.”
Previous Looked After Young Person
“The staff team are always encouraging me to do well in life, they always attend to all my needs such as my health appointments, my education, and my wellbeing. A great example is when I needed to join the gym, the staff team communicated with my allocated Social Worker effectively until funds were availed and I am now so happy that I’m able to join the gym and exercise regularly. Living in one of Silver Birch Care’s placements has enabled me to improve my life skills like using the washing machine and choosing the correct programs for my garments according to the washing label. I also enjoy being part of the Silver Birch Care football team.”
Clinician, Slough Children First
“Silver Birch Care/Perivale East is one of the best placements I have come across. Very personal, genuine and one-to-one approach while dealing with all individuals. Kaysha is doing a fantastic role which residents spoke highly about. What great work as a team you’re doing!”
“I want to acknowledge and applaud the support you and your team is providing regularly including the Ramadan and Eid festival to children. In my last visit, I observed dates on the table and ZK confirmed that they are able to go to mosque and free to practice their beliefs and feel supported. I found ZK emotionally much stable and witnessed a big smile on both children’s faces which can’t be achieved without your team empathetic approach.”
Children Looked After & Care Leavers Service
“May I take this opportunity to thank you both and the team for all the practical and emotional support you have provided to J over the last three years, it’s been invaluable to J and his progress.”
“Thanks for all your support for A, I know he has really enjoyed his stay with Silver Birch Care. I have also massively appreciated how understanding staff have been with so many changes!”
Placements Team
“Very helpful, thoughtful, and caring.”
“Thanks to your staff who are going the extra mile for our young people.”
“It was lovely working with you and I would like to thank you for all your support. You have been really great helping us find a placement whenever I needed a placement in terms of emergency or planned placements.”
“We work with lots of providers across the care sector and Karen’s professionalism and knowledge is second to none. She always responds very quickly to any requests and I am amazed at her knowledge of all the homes and their residents, both past and present. I have every confidence that when I am making a placement with Karen, she has an understanding of the current needs in the homes and can make a considered match. Karen always remains calm in a crisis and can come up with a sensible solution to most situations, however challenging they may seem. It is also extremely helpful that she is willing to help out in an emergency where possible. She has helped us out of numerous tricky situations over the years.”
“Lovely to see a young person has made such good progress. Also how great for him that he’s been able to stay in the same place for five years. Great testament to the team there.”
Previous Looked After Young Person
“I am leaving a growing young man with an opportunity to build my own business. They have dealt with my mishaps and imperfections as they have helped me grow and for that I see every staff member as nothing less than family. Between Karen, Faith and Edmund they will always hold a dear place in heart for the rest of my days. And I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I don’t really have anything else to say apart from that, but they all deserve special things in life. Thank you for everything.”
Children’s Looked After and Leaving Care Service
“Thank you all so much for all of the work you have done with A, he wouldn’t be at the stage he is without all of your support, I am sure that he will do you proud on his next steps.”
“Thank you all so much for the support and effort you have made with M, he has nothing but excellent things to say about you. I am glad that he will be keeping in touch.”
“I’m writing to say a big thank you to everyone at SBC Harrow for all the assistance, encouragement and guidance you provided for AS, including the lovely goodbye gift. I know he was pleased, as when I asked him about it he smiled. For me as his PA, it was also a real pleasure working with the team. All best wishes and I hope we may work together again in the future.”
Children’s Services
“Thank you for all your work with her as you know, she was happy and settled in your care so credit to you and your service.”
Children Looked After (16 +) and Care Leavers Service
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all the staff at SBC; you have been so supportive to M, and I have been impressed with the great communication and weekly reports without fail. I hope to work with SBC again in the future – thank you all.”
Previous Looked After Young Person
“I wanted to say thank you for everything you did to help me become who I am today. I still haven’t ever learned how to iron as good as you did, and I can never get a straight line done the middle. I still go to work, and I went full-time when I turned 18. I honestly couldn’t have done it without the help of you and Stacey, as much as I struggled with life back then, I still appreciated every single effort you and the staff team made.”
Children Looked After Team
“Thank you so much for supporting MI for his substantial interview when I was not able to attend. It seems to have gone well. I also wanted to extend another bigger thanks to you and everyone who works in Perivale. I was bowled over by how well MI presented and how happy and content he looked. Considering how long he has been so unhappy this was amazing to see. He told me, “This placement is good.” Thanks again for taking such good care of him.”
Virtual School for Looked After Children and Care Leavers
“Thank you so much for all the support that you have provided J. I know that my team hold you in very high esteem and wish all our placements were like yours.”
Previous Looked After Young Person
“Since I have been placed with Silver Birch Care I have improved with my attitude as the staff have made me realise that they are not here to be my enemies, but that they are here to support me. I have improved with my cooking and can now make myself good meals. I have also seen a massive improvement in the way I eat and have introduced more vegetables as staff advise me on what healthy meals to cook instead of always relying on oven meals. Being in a constant clean environment has trained my mindset to be cleaner. I now ensure I clean my room and ensure I clean up after myself when cooking. I am now much happier within myself, and I am finding that I take care of my wellbeing a lot more. I now understand how to approach situations I don’t feel happy about in a good manner.”
Previous Looked After Young Person
“The staff at Hendon West are very good and caring. Whenever I require assistance, the staff pay attention and act promptly. A good example was when my bursary money from college was delayed. The Care Manager put in a lot of effort and support into ensuring I received my bursary funds. The Care Manager contacted my Social Worker and Barnet and Southgate College bursary department on numerous occasions. Another good thing is that I was updated regularly without asking. When emails came through to that effect, the staff team would call me to the office and explain. In the end, after much effort, I received my bursary money in full. My placement is very clean, and the environment is conducive.”
The Leaving Care Team
“I wanted to email you to thank you for all the support you have offered G during his time with you. This is the most settled I have seen GD in my 2 years working with him. It’s a shame that he is still vocalising a wish to return to Reading, as he has made good strides under your support. I hope this gives him the basis to continue to work towards becoming more independent. I feel your approach has really benefited him.”
Previous Looked After Young Person
“The placement is good and very clean. The staff members are very supportive and listen to me. I love the initiative by staff to purchase board games like chess, Ludo, Dominoes, and play cards. Whenever I ask the staff team for assistance, they respond quickly.”
Unaccompanied Minors Team and Care Leavers Team
“A big thank you to Avanti and the rest of your South Harrow team. H had arrived at South Harrow after having several difficult placements. It was positive that H was able to settle with South Harrow and see out his placement in a stable way and to transition on in pre-planned / managed move to his next stage accommodation. H is very excited about his next level of independence.”
“Your support of YY has been truly invaluable. Thank you so much.”
“I would like to say a big thanks to SBC in assisting Y who at that time was in need, and as a service you were able to support him until his issues were finally resolved.”
Previous Looked After Young Person
“Thanks for what you did for us today I do appreciate it, I never forget what you did for me – you and all the staff too, they were my family.”
Specialist Psychologist, Westminster CAMHS LAC Team
“I want to acknowledge the hard work that you K and the rest of the staff at Silver Birch Care are putting in to care for H.”
“Your experience and skills have been valuable given that H presents with challenges that go beyond what most young people present with.”
Commissioning and Placements Team
“Truly impressed.”
Senior Social Worker, UASC Lead
“Please share my gratitude to the team, their support to N and Z has been delivered with care, as evidenced in how well they are doing; education, relationships, budgeting, independence skills and ability to communicate effectively. The boys have had consistency since arriving – and for this we are very grateful – spearheaded by a fantastic manager and her team; thanks to Joana, Sauda, Benjamin and David – it has been great working together I know both boys will miss them.”
“I would like to highlight the following about the Care Manager Sarah and her team. The team are excellent and very efficient in helping and supporting my YP. They are always providing written updates on any work undertaken, for instance registration with health provision, and follow up appointment etc. Well done to them and our partnership work is very good.”
“Thank you again for all the support your team give to A. He’s doing so well and that’s in huge to part to the care you’ve provided.”
“Would like to say it has been a pleasure working with you. I can see by your commitment to our young people that you are dedicated to the work we do. You have really made my role so much easier.”
Procurement Service
“We are so grateful to Silver Birch Care for their willingness to support the Salvation Army food banks at this time of national crisis as a result of COVID-19.”
Young Croydon – Adolescent Team
“Thank you once again for excellent support and service delivery. Hoping to work with Silverbirch again in the near future.”
Relative of Previous Looked After Young Person
“Staff are very friendly and always there to help. The placement is always clean and tidy, and staff and young people are always polite.”
Senior Social Worker, UASC Lead
“I have worked with Silver Birch Care now for many years. I have found their staff professional, dedicated and committed to all the young people in their care. Silver Birch Care take young people of all ethnic backgrounds, some with very complex needs, they work in partnership with the local authority always putting the young people’s needs first. I will continue to place young people in their care, as I know they will be safe and well looked after.”
Leaving Care Team
“I would like to thank Silver Birch Care for their support and intervention in respect to KC. Over the last year, as a provision, you have prioritised KC’s needs and responded well to the risk he presents – Silver Birch Care has been the most consistent and caring provision for KC since he transitioned to leaving care and I would like to say thank you on behalf of Newham Leaving care service.”
Southgate Compton Cricket Club
“Since being introduced to the Southgate Compton, both have integrated well and enjoy their time playing with us. R was introduced to us last year and since then, he has grown more confident with his cricketing ability. He has made some attempts to interact with us and will partake in fun football activities when the cricket is on a short break or before the game starts. He is a valued member for us and long may it continue. B is a great bowler. He is always grateful to play and is not afraid to speak to people.”
