Sapling & Stone Care
Thinking About Moving In?

Hey - we're really glad you're here.

This page is just for you. A little look at what life at Amethyst House is like, who you'll meet, and how moving in actually works.

Read this first

It's totally okay to feel nervous.

Honestly? Most young people feel a bit nervous, weird or unsure about moving somewhere new. That's completely normal. You might feel excited one minute and not okay the next - that's normal too.

Young people come to us for loads of different reasons. Some need a safer place. Some need a fresh start. Some have had a really hard time and need somewhere calm to land. There's no "right" reason and there's nothing about you that's a problem to us. You're welcome here, exactly as you are.

You don't have to have it all figured out. You don't have to be "fine." You just have to turn up - we'll meet you where you are and take things at your pace.

Our name

Sapling & Stone

Stone means being strong, safe and reliable. The adults here are to keep you safe and support you, no matter what.

Sapling means you. Like a young tree - with the right care, you grow, get stronger, and flourish.

We believe every young person can grow, be happy, and do well in life - with the right support around them.

What we stand for

Our values - S.T.O.N.E

S

Safety & Relationships

You'll feel safe and cared for. You can be yourself, have fun, and talk about your feelings - we'll listen.

T

Transparency & Honesty

We tell the truth and are open with you - even when things are hard, we'll be honest and fair.

O

Opportunity & Dreams

We help you try new things, follow what you love and reach your goals. We believe in your future.

N

Nurture & Kindness

Kind, caring and supportive - we treat everyone with respect and help when things feel tough.

E

Equality & Being Yourself

Everyone is welcome. We celebrate what makes you different and love seeing you express who you are.

Moving in

How a move to Amethyst House works

No surprises. At your pace. With people who genuinely care.

  1. Step 01

    Hello, nice to meet you

    Before anything else, we say hi. A friendly chat - in person, on a video call, or however feels right - so you can ask anything and meet the people who'll be looking after you.

  2. Step 02

    A look around

    You're welcome to visit Amethyst House before you move in. Have a cuppa, see your bedroom, walk around the neighbourhood and picture yourself here.

  3. Step 03

    Making it yours

    Your bedroom, your space. Choose your colours, bedding and bits and bobs. We'll help you set it up so it feels like yours from day one.

  4. Step 04

    Settling in

    Gentle routines, lots of choice and people who genuinely care. We move at your pace - no surprises, no rush.

Your bedroom, your space

Everyone has their own bedroom. You choose how to decorate it - colours, furniture, bedding, posters, all of it.

Privacy

We always knock first.

We'll always knock and wait for you to say "come in." If we're worried about you or something urgent is happening, we may need to come in more quickly to keep you safe - but we'll always call out from outside first so you know.

Your space, your feelings and your privacy matter to us.

Nice to meet you

Some of the people you'll meet

A bit about us - who we are, what we're like and what we get up to outside of work.

Joey

Joey

Registered Manager

Joey runs Amethyst House and her job is to make sure it's safe, happy and full of good memories. She's super passionate about what she does - if there's anything that would make living here better, she actually wants to hear it.

A bit about me

Loves being on the water - paddleboarding, wild swimming, surfing, all of it. Has a cheeky rescue dog called Norman and they're always off on long walks in the countryside. Big into music and fashion, obsessed with vintage clothes - she even has a vintage car called Betty.

Deputy Manager

Deputy Manager

Coming soon

We're still picking the perfect person to be Joey's right-hand. Watch this space - you'll meet them soon and we'll add their photo and a bit about them as soon as they're with us.

A bit about me

Hobbies, favourite snacks and questionable music taste - all TBC. If you've got ideas for what makes a great Deputy, we're listening.

Jilly

Jilly

Operations Director & Responsible Individual

Jilly helps make sure Amethyst House is a brilliant place to live. She works behind the scenes with Joey and the team to keep things safe, kind and running the way they should - and she really cares about the young people here having the best possible experience.

A bit about me

Big on the outdoors - swimming, being in the garden or a walk with her dogs Juno & Maury. Loves spending time travelling, going to gigs or watching scary films. Really hoping someone else wants to set up an aquarium with her!

Day to day

Life at Amethyst House

School & learning

If you have a school you love, we'll help you keep going. If you need a new one, we'll find the right fit together. We can help with homework, lunches, parents' evenings - and we'll cheer you on at sports days, plays and dances if you want us there.

Feeling well

Your mind and body matter. We'll help you sign up to a doctor, dentist and optician, and we'll come to appointments with you so things feel less scary. If something's hurting - inside or out - just tell us.

Pocket money

Everyone gets pocket money each week. Helping out, being kind and going to school all count.

Fun stuff

Trampoline park, bowling, forest walks, laser tag, roller disco - every week we try something new. There's a jar in the office where anyone can pop in an idea. Got a club or class you love? We'll help you get there.

Food & takeaways

There's always plenty of food in the house, and fruit you can grab whenever. Once a month we do a proper takeaway night, plus 'fakeaway' and movie night every week. Birthdays, new arrivals, special days - there's always something tasty going on. Got dietary needs or things you can't eat? Just tell us.

Being you

However you identify - your feelings, your identity, your story - you're respected and supported here, exactly as you are. We mark important days throughout the year and you're welcome to join in however feels right. Got questions about gender, identity or sexuality? We're here to listen and help you find the right info.

Feeling safe

Bullying or unkind behaviour is never okay - in person or online. Everyone at Amethyst House has the right to feel safe and respected, exactly as they are.

Speaking up

If something doesn't feel right, tell us. We'll listen, take it seriously and work with you to make it better. You can also ask for an independent advocate - someone outside the home whose job is to stand up for what you want.

House agreements

At Amethyst House, our house agreements are there to help everyone feel safe, respected and comfortable - they are not about catching people out or lots of strict rules. We work together to create a home where people are kind, look after shared spaces, respect privacy and belongings, support each other through big feelings, and help keep everyone safe. We'll encourage independence, education, wellbeing and healthy routines, whilst making sure your voice is heard and your views matter. Most importantly, we aim to understand, support and work things through together, because home should feel safe enough to be yourself.

You're entitled to an independent advocate

An advocate is someone outside the home whose only job is to make sure your voice is heard - in meetings, decisions about your care, complaints, anything that matters to you. It's a right you have as a young person in care, and it's free.

How to get one: just ask any member of staff or your social worker and we'll sort it for you. Or you can contact NYAS directly on 0808 808 1001 or at nyas.net - they're a national advocacy service for children in care and they'll be on your side.

Independent visitors & Ofsted

Once a month, an independent visitor comes round to check we're looking after you properly. They might want a chat - you can tell them anything, good or not so good. It's totally voluntary; if you're not feeling up to it, you don't have to. Ofsted also visits sometimes - same deal, same rights.

Fire safety

Fires are really unlikely - but we like to be prepared. In your first week we'll do a practice run so you know what the alarm sounds like and exactly what to do. All our staff are trained, and we'll always give you a heads-up before any tests.

Complaints & feedback

If something doesn't feel right or you're not happy with the care you're getting, please tell us. We'll listen properly, take it seriously and work with you to make things better. You're never being "annoying" - you're helping us get it right.

Always there

People you can call, any time

Childline

Free 24-hour service. Talk to someone any time, day or night.

0800 1111
childline.org.uk

The Children's Commissioner

Protects the rights of children in England - especially those living away from family.

0800 528 0731
childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/help-at-hand

Talk to Frank

Honest info and support around drugs - no judgement.

0300 123 6600
talktofrank.com

Ofsted

Inspects children's homes and makes sure you're being looked after properly. You can contact them directly if you're worried about anything.

0300 123 1231
ofsted.gov.uk

NYAS (advocacy)

Free, independent advocates for children in care. They'll stand up for what you want and help your voice be heard.

0808 808 1001
nyas.net

We can't wait to meet you.

This isn't just a job for any of us - how you feel really matters. If you ever need anything, or you're not sure of something, all you need to do is ask.

Say hello