In 2009, Claire and Matthew arrived at Tessa Baring House (then Number 46) with their two young sons, Alfie (18 months) and Harry (3 months). Both had faced significant challenges, Claire had experienced domestic violence in her previous relationship, leading to her and the father of her children losing custody of their 3 daughters. Matthew had a difficult childhood, growing up in foster care and spending time in and out of prison. The family were referred to St Michael’s due to concerns about their parenting.
“I was terrified,” Claire shared. “I didn’t trust the system and doubted myself as a mum.” Matthew felt similarly uncertain: “I was nervous… it was the unknown. Growing up in care, that sense of uncertainty…it’s not nice”
Claire, Matthew, Alfie and Harry arrived at St Michael’s, not knowing what to expect. But once they began to settle, things started to change. “The staff made us feel welcome, it started to feel like a safe space,” said Matthew. They learned how to build routines, communicate, and develop confidence as parents. Matthew said the experience helped him grow in ways he never imagined, “I was scared to hold the boys, they felt so fragile. By the end, I was cuddling them, playing, getting stuck in. I finally felt like a dad.”
The couple received a positive assessment and left as a family of four. “It felt like I’d won the lottery a million times over” Claire shared. Staff gave the family a Good Luck card and a framed family photo as a celebration of their commitment to achieving positive change. “I still take it out when I need a reminder that I can do this.” Claire
Rebuilding their life outside of assessment was at first difficult. “We missed the support,” Claire admitted, noting that transition might have been easier with a follow-on service like Securing Change, which we launched in 2017. With determination, they found a rhythm, and happily married in 2015, expanding their family with two more children Georgie and Lilly.
They have been confidently raising their family without social services involvement. “If I’d had a chance like this with my girls, I think things could have been different.” Claire.
Matthew is most proud of “getting to see my children grow up and giving them a loving, stable home.” He added, “Everything I learned at St Michael’s, over time has just become second nature”
The family continued to thrive. Alfie is an apprentice plumber, while Harry is studying for his GCSE’s. Claire has volunteered with Southwark Council’s adoption team, offering insight as a birth parent. She has met two of her daughters and continues to celebrate them in family life.
“They’re a part of us, even if they don’t live with us”.