Welcome Home: Therapeutic Welcome Packs for children and carers

Coming into care can be an emotional and uncertain time. Everything feels new — the environment, the people, even the routines. At such a moment, small gestures of warmth and thoughtfulness can go a long way in helping a child feel safe, welcome, and seen.

That’s why we’ve created Therapeutic Welcome Packs — personalised gift boxes designed for both children and carers, aimed at building connection, easing transitions, and creating a sense of belonging from the very beginning.

Each pack is more than just a box of items. It’s a message that says: You matter. You’re not alone. You’re welcome here.

What’s Inside? Comfort, Connection, and Calm

The children’s Welcome Pack is filled with a carefully chosen mix of playful, comforting, and creative items, all tailored to their age and interests. Here’s a look at what’s included:

• Fidget toys – Useful for calming anxiety and aiding regulation.
• Magnetic photo frame – To display a photo of themselves with their carers, reinforcing belonging.
• Transitional object – A shared soft toy or “pocket hug” for child and carer, symbolising connection even when apart.
• Positive message cards – Uplifting notes that can be tucked into lunchboxes, placed on pillows, or found around the home.
• Glitter for calming jars – A fun, sensory activity that also soothes and helps regulate big feelings.
• Bubbles – A tool for light-hearted interaction, co-regulation, and shared joy.
• Notepad – Whether used for journaling, sketching, or expressing worries, it’s entirely theirs.
• Stickers – To decorate their scrapbook, memory box, or anything they wish!
• Popcorn & cinema ticket – Everything needed for a cosy “movie night at home” with no pressure — just connection.
• Worry worm – A tactile, comforting object to help children name and externalise their feelings.
• Daily thoughts card with wipeable pen – Encourages emotional expression and helps carers understand how the child is feeling.
• Book – Age-appropriate and interest-led, offering moments of shared story and quiet bonding.

Beautifully Presented, Ready for Memories

Each child’s pack comes in a personalised gift box, which doubles as a memory box. As their story unfolds, children can use it to store letters, photos, and keepsakes that mark their journey. A scrapbook is also included, along with stickers and personalisation ideas to help them make it their own.

And for Our Carers…

We know that welcoming a child into your home brings its own mixture of emotions, hopes, and challenges. That’s why foster carers receive a Welcome Pack too — a gesture of support and appreciation. These boxes include calming tools, helpful resources, and shared items that can be used to build connection and co-regulation in those important early days.

Did You Know?

Since launching the Therapeutic Welcome Packs initiative, over 45 packs have been gifted to children and carers across our fostering community.

Each one is unique. Each one says, “You’re part of something. You’re cared for.”