Families In Harmony, a poem by Beverley Campbell MBE
Families in Harmony, a dream created out of more than one nightmare
Our lived experience inspired us to do more than just say “we care”
We recognised that so many carers of our culture and skin tone
Felt unable to access advice and financial support, leaving them isolated and alone
These carers were committed to looking after children they loved so dear
But their desperate need for support from the authorities was outweighed by their fear
Worried that speaking up could result in their wishes and feelings being met with disregard
And their grandchildren being put into care, seeing their entire future marred.
Why is it that a large section of society doesn’t even know the phase “kinship care”?
When in fact, in our culture, these families are living everywhere
The Windrush generation created the concept as parents left their children with other family
Coming here to work hard and, as they’d been led to believe, integrate into British society.
However, many found, despite their education, diligence and willingness to work hard
They were treated with anger, disrespect and total disregard
The knock-on effect meant many were unable to reunite their family for many years
And despite sending home money and barrels, in their children, it caused resentment and tears
So, when that generation became the elders and now see how hard life is for their kin
They’ve pledged to avoid separation, and support the babies and parents from within
Families are a priority in our shared culture and that’s the way it should be
But this has detrimental effects when you feel misunderstood due to your diversity
One size doesn’t fit all, when it comes to mandatory assessments carers must pass
As if assessors misunderstand your culture, then dye is already cast
Feeling judged on how you do the things you learned on your mother’s knee
Makes many feel, no matter how desperate their need, “this is certainly not for me.”
So, they go it alone, without advice, help or financial support just to be able to care
Possibly putting themselves and those they love on the road to despair
We were highly educated and focused women and wanted to help others in need
By holding hands, fighting injustices and creating groups which we would lead
These support groups gave the space for those who felt marginalised and maligned
To discover it was not right, they were certainly not alone, there were others of their kind
Our voices were first whispers but together we’ve found they can resonate
Creating working partnerships with others we’ve been able to push open the gate
We are ensuring our culture, history and daily struggles were being heard and seen
For this, we were even invited to socialise with no less than the late Queen
Using our knowledge and passionate, together we’ve become a formidable force
Winning a Fellowship award to visit Jamaica to study kinship care, set us on a new course
Giving to others is something kinship carers know all about
But too often, they work so hard but about their achievements they’d never shout
We want our families to get the support they need, that’s why we do what we do
And we’ll always try to help you recognise the importance of being you
And if we’ve been helpful, there’s just one thing we’d like to ask you to do
Please positively promote our growing organisation that works consistently for you
So, when it comes to funding bids to help families resembling your own
We and those we represent, and support will not be left fighting alone.
We all need help sometimes, even if it is just a listening ear
Let’s be there for each other, as the more of us together, the less we have to fear.