A message from John De Gruyther, author of Hedgehog Finds Her Voice, which was produced in collaboration with children at Clearwater Academy:
It was an amazing honour to be part of the fantastic Victim Support team who recently visited parliament to mark Victim Support’s 50th anniversary.
I spoke with MPs and other guests about our specialist support services for people affected by crime in England and Wales. And of course I took the chance to showcase Hedgehog Finds Her Voice.
The visit reminded me that Hedgehog encapsulates everything that is core to how we should be working with children to help them feel safe, heard, and seen. It reminded me how everyone who is involved with Clearwater takes seriously the responsibility of working together to help children flourish. That was evident the first time I spoke with Clearwater about supporting the Hedgehog project and it was evident in the way the children and school helped us bring the project into existence.
I was very proud to talk to members of parliament and the House of Lords about how Hedgehog Finds Her Voice was helped into existence because of the help of children and teachers at Clearwater academy. And you should all be proud too, that’s why I wanted to share this update with you. Hedgehog is now being utilised in 10 different areas throughout the country, so she really has been on her travels recently. Again, Clearwater should be so proud, and I continue to be very grateful to you for your support, because all your support has made a real difference to so many children already. Thank you.
I have attached a photo of Hedgehog in London, it was her first trip to London, and she enjoyed it very much, (she also made sure I didn’t get lost on the tube.)
John
