At Lighthouse Fostering, we believe every milestone matters. From excelling on the football pitch to showing courage at the dentist or achieving academic success, every achievement deserves recognition. That’s why we’ve launched a new initiative: personalised, handwritten postcards to celebrate the accomplishments of children and young people in our care.
These aren’t just postcards. Each one is personally written and sent with pride, recognising the extraordinary achievements of young people who have often faced significant challenges. This initiative reflects our belief that celebration and recognition can inspire growth, confidence, and resilience.
The Power of Personal Recognition
In a digital world, there’s something special about receiving a handwritten postcard. For young people in care, who may have faced instability or lack of recognition, a personalised message acknowledging their success can be transformative.
Research shows that positive recognition builds self-esteem and motivates young people to strive for success. For those in care, it holds even greater significance, offering encouragement and validation that may have been absent in their lives. Our postcards ensure no accomplishment goes unnoticed, no matter how big or small.
Celebrating Excellence on the Football Pitch
A recent postcard celebrated one young person’s incredible achievement in football: winning the Players' Player, Managers' Player, and Parents' Player awards. This triple recognition highlights their hard work, teamwork, and character, impressing teammates, coaches, and spectators alike.
Receiving recognition from peers, coaches, and parents created a powerful affirmation of this young person’s abilities. Our postcard celebrated not just the awards but the qualities that made them possible: determination, effort, and resilience.
The Art of Handwritten Recognition
Each postcard is handwritten by someone who cares deeply about the achievements being celebrated. In an age of digital messages, a handwritten postcard offers a tangible, lasting reminder of success. These postcards are more than just notes – they’re keepsakes, creating positive memories and emotional connections that digital communication can’t match.
Research also shows that handwritten messages are processed more deeply by the brain, creating stronger emotional impact. For children who have experienced trauma or neglect, this recognition becomes even more meaningful.
Recognising Every Type of Achievement
Our postcards celebrate achievements across all areas of life, from sports and academics to acts of courage and personal growth.
Academic Success
Educational milestones are especially important for children in care, who often face barriers like placement changes or past neglect. Whether it’s passing exams, improving grades, or maintaining attendance, these efforts deserve recognition for the persistence and hard work they represent.
Courageous Moments
Sometimes the biggest achievements are small moments of bravery, like attending a dental appointment, speaking up in class, or trying something new. For young people overcoming anxiety or trauma, these victories are monumental, and we ensure they don’t go unnoticed.
Personal Growth
We also celebrate milestones like emotional growth, kindness, and resilience. Progress in managing emotions, supporting others, or making positive choices reflects the skills that lead to long-term success and wellbeing.
The Ripple Effect of Recognition
Celebrating achievements has far-reaching benefits. When young people feel valued, it boosts their confidence, motivates them to strive for more, and helps them build positive self-beliefs.
Building Confidence and Drive
When children see their efforts recognised, they build self-confidence and are more likely to take on new challenges. This encouragement fuels their drive to grow and succeed in all areas of life.
Creating Positive Memories
Over time, these postcards form a collection that young people can look back on during tough times. They serve as reminders of their accomplishments and resilience, reinforcing a sense of pride and self-worth.
Strengthening Relationships
Handwritten postcards also build trust with adults who genuinely care. For children who may have experienced inconsistent relationships, this can help restore their confidence in seeking support and maintaining healthy connections.
Supporting the Whole Child
Our postcard initiative is part of Lighthouse Fostering’s commitment to supporting the whole child. Beyond meeting immediate needs, we aim to promote growth and celebrate every step forward.
By recognising their achievements, we help young people see their potential, build resilience, and carry their successes with them into the future. At Lighthouse Fostering, we’re proud to celebrate every journey, one postcard at a time.