How Niaill is making a difference for children in care in the North East
Niaill is the Team Leader at East Farm Cottage children’s home in Northumberland.
His mum and wife were adopted at a very young age, and his parents were foster carers during his childhood.
Having worked in adult and young education before moving to the charity sector, Niaill's life experiences have always inspired his career.
“I wanted to use my skills to help young people who need adult support, while working in a sector that reflected my childhood memories of my parents' fostering."
I also wanted to give back to the sector that gave my mum and wife so many happy memories.
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Last year, Niaill helped the North East Fundraising Team secure a sponsor to buy bikes for three children's homes in the region.
This included East Farm, where they managed to secure four bikes.
Behind his actions was his motivation to make sure the young people had fond memories to look back on.
Securing bikes for the young people in the North East isn’t the only way Niaill has gone above and beyond.
Just before Christmas, he also took a young person ‘den building’ in the local forest. The experience helped engage the young person. But it also helped them bond with other children living at the home when they returned.
The most rewarding and important thing though is how the activity helped them bond as peers. It means they find it easier to live together.
Niaill
Last year, we helped 551,400 families, children, and young people. With your help, we could reach more.
In 2024, Niaill completed Fatima's 29 mile challenge led by our celebrity ambassador, Fatima Whitbread. He also completed the Great North Run - all to raise awareness and money for Action for Children.
We asked Niaill what he would say to someone thinking about a career in care:
"A career in care is one that offers so many opportunities. Training, apprenticeships, and development are all part of the process."
Working for Action for Children has given me the opportunity to enhance my skills and progression.
Every 15 minutes, a child goes into care in the UK. From that moment, their whole world is turned upside down.
Driven by love, we take action for children. Will you join us?
We offer more than just a job. You’ll be part of a team dedicated to giving children safe and happy childhoods.
At Action for Children, what you do makes a difference
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