Trust welcomes Christmas advert shining a festive light on children in care

30th November 2022

Dorset HealthCare has applauded the renewed national focus on children in care following the launch of this year’s heart-warming John Lewis Christmas advert.

Entitled 'The Beginner', the widely-screened TV ad shows a man as he struggles to master skateboarding in the build-up to Christmas.

Viewers are left questioning the motive behind his perseverance until the final scene, as a social worker comes to his door with young teenager Ellie – who has arrived at her new foster home carrying her skateboard.

Across Dorset, there are around 1,000 children in care who live with foster carers or in residential settings.

And the Trust has a dedicated team who provide health support to these children and young people placed in the care of BCP Council and Dorset Council. The team helps youngsters with their physical and emotional health needs, as well as promoting healthy lifestyle choices.

Jenna Pitt, Dorset HealthCare’s Named Nurse and Service Manager for Children in Care Health Team, said:

“The John Lewis effort this year has been described as its best ever, and we couldn’t agree more. Its Christmas ads get a huge amount of attention and we are delighted the company has chosen to raise awareness of children in the care system, as well as giving a long-term commitment to support the futures of those who have been cared for.

“Our service supports more than 1,800 children who are in care or are leaving care to forge their own lives as adults. We also work alongside other health teams, social workers and carers to ensure they get the best possible support, to hopefully make up for what they have missed out on so far.”

Watch the short clip below, which highlights the work of the Trust team and hear from 19-year-old Riley, who has received vital support from the service in recent years.

For more information about the Children in Care Health Team in Dorset visit our dedicated website page.

Watch the John Lewis advert and learn more about the story behind it here


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