Emma Pryah-Henry

What got you into care?

In the past I have worked with adults with disabilities, the elderly, as a teaching assistant and as a Special Education Needs Co-ordinator. Working as a SENCO I realised that I could make a real difference to the lives of children and young people. In 2017 I began working in a children’s home and found this to be my true calling. Initially my role was Residential Support Worker, Team Leader and then Deputy Manager. In February 2022, I joined Madiba as the Registered Manager of Haystack Lodge

What do you like most about it?

Working with children and young people in a care setting is such a rewarding job, we get to make a real difference in the lives of those children who live with us. To be alongside children as they grow and develop has been the highlight of my professional career. I have learnt so much from the children that I have known, they have helped me to become a better professional and person

Do you have any particular specialisms?

I work in a very trauma informed and child-centred way, placing the child at the centre of all I do. I use the principles of PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) in every interaction I have with children, ensuring they feel safe, secure, understood, and loved.

Why do you enjoy working at a Madiba home?

A Madiba home is an incredibly special place. It combines the highest levels of positive childcare with caring, nurturing relationships. Madiba refers to itself as a family and this is one of the reasons I enjoy my work so much. All who work in a Madiba home endeavour to provide a true positive family experience and in doing so we change a children’s home into a real home

What is the most rewarding element of your role?

The children who live at Haystack Lodge have often experienced a range of adverse childhood experiences. It is so rewarding to work with these children as they develop the skills and resilience for their lives to come. I feel privileged that they let me part of their journey, trusting me to be there for them when others in their past have not. My job is to make a difference in the lives of children and young people and over time that difference will lead to change.

“At the time of writing, I have worked with Madiba for less than a year. This time has been the most rewarding period of my professional career. I take so much pride in saying I work for Madiba and hope that this is just the start of our journey together.”

And outside of work…

My special interest is not an activity or a thing, it is my daughter. She is twenty-four and she is the centre of my life. I have taken so much pride and joy seeing her develop into a loving and beautiful person. She has taught me so many things over her 24 years and I am thankful that she is in my life.