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Many children and young people will experience life story work through an All About Me session with a trusted adult.
Professor Richard Rose from Therapeutic Life Story Work International shares an introduction to All About Me, plus some tips for anyone preparing to carry out All About Me direct work.
All About Me is the initial entry point into life story work for children and young people.
Over six sessions, it gives them the opportunity to explore who they are today, explore what is happening right now, and express their hopes and dreams for the future in a safe, creative space.
Children and young people engage in All About Me direct work with a trusted adult, such as a foster carer or social worker.
All About Me is built around six themes:
Each theme is explored in one All About Me session, lasting one hour. You can learn more about what’s explored in each theme here.
1. Choose a space
Sessions should take place at a venue that the child or young person is comfortable with. This must be agreed with all of those involved in advance.
The space needs to be private and secure, so you are not disturbed during the session, and so the child or young person can share in confidence.
Agree on a consistent time and place for the sessions, as this helps form a commitment.
2. Spend a bit of time reading and reflecting on the All About Me resources on this website.
Here is some of the information you might find useful:
3. Think about the child or young person you will be engaging in All About Me
Make sure you have a good understanding of their current situation and their story as it is known to children’s social care. If you are not the social worker or foster carer of the child or young person, you should gather key information about the child or young person which will help inform how you approach each theme.
4. Carry out a ‘hello visit’.
If you are not familiar with the child or young person who you are supporting through All About Me, you should organise an introduction visit where you can ask if they have any questions, worries or concerns, and agree on a venue for the sessions and a time of day that is suitable.
5. Develop an All About Me activity plan
Every child is different. All About Me direct work will be flexible and will be completed at times that work for children. Work out a plan with the child (and their carer) that you both agree.
6. Create an All About Me resource pack
Develop an All About Me resource pack – a pack of resources such as stationery, games and online resources to use.
Experience what it’s like for children and young people to take part in All About Me direct work.
On Monday 7 July, Richard Rose will lead a Live Classroom where you can gain an insight into All About Me direct work. This Live Classroom is workshop-based, with plenty of opportunities for you to try out methods, ask questions and build your confidence in using All About Me Direct Work tools.
Find out more and book a place>>
