Making it OK to ask for help

"we have to make it OK to ask for help."

"I speak with a mum often, but on this particular day she burst into tears," says school social worker Verna. "I want to thank you for giving me back my son," said the mum. "You know he loves you, eh, because you took the time to listen."

The 10-year-old boy had been on a self-destructive course, greatly troubled at home and misbehaving in school. Verna found funding for him to get glasses, and they created plans to be used at home and school. "Then everything just fell into place," says Verna. Two years later, and the mum still rings up Verna to let her know how the boy is doing.

Getting the parents to participate in the child’s programme is key to their success. "Most parents are only too glad to get help," says Verna. "We have to make it OK to ask for help."