The need to belong is a fundamental and human motivation yet many children and young people’s experiences of belonging are ruptured across many domains. This essential book explores the different spaces in which children and young people belong and shows how we can cultivate a sense of belonging within our services, schools and communities and within children themselves.
Chapters break down key research and introduce practices which will inspire change, develop a trauma-informed culture and show how a relational web of belonging can be built for life. Drawing from the lived experiences of those who have spent time in care, the book highlights everything you need to deepen your understanding of the impact of trauma, inequity and marginalisation in children’s services and education. Advocating for the power of language, leadership and collective care, a working conceptual model for cultivating belonging is shared, which considers the FACES, SPACES and PLACES that can make a lasting difference. Reflections and practical takeaways are woven throughout to offer an accessible, informative and thoughtful read, with the child at the centre.
Bringing together professional practice, the ‘science’ behind it and powerful lived experiences, Weaving a Web of Belonging offers a true insight into cultivating belonging as an antidote to trauma. It is an essential read for all those who are supporting children and young people, especially those who are the most vulnerable, including education practitioners, leaders, social workers, Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and families.
Front Matter
PART ONE Weaving the Web of Belonging: The Historical Weaving of Unbelonging 7
PART TWO Reconceptualising Weaving the Web: Contemporary Opportunities to Weave 99
PART THREE Reconceptualising Weaving the Web: FACES, SPACES and PLACES 153
"Those of us who have followed Dr Lisa Cherry’s work for years look to her for a call to action—and Weaving a Web of Belonging is exactly that. But it is also something more: a generous invitation to pause, to reflect, and to rethink how we create spaces of connection. Lisa holds us entangled in a new understanding of belonging that lingers long after the final page."
- Tim Fisher, Principal Social Worker and Relational Activist
"There is a quiet academic feel about this book, interwoven with lived experiences. This is a real strength and helps sets the tone of bringing all that we are, with us. Weaving a Web of Belonging focuses not just on our experiences of the past but informs us of the future too."
- Sarah Johnson, Author, Director of Phoenix Education Consultancy and PRUsAP President
"Lisa is a thought leader. She has a handle on all the research, past and present, and she has lived experience. This is one of the best books I’ve read on this topic."
- Catrina Lowri, Neurodiversity Trainer and Consultant, Neuroteachers
"This is an evidence-informed contribution that also recognises the importance of lived experience. There are numerous ‘hooks’ throughout the book that help to conceptualise belonging and unbelonging with a focus on the care experience. The author writes with passion and provides provocations throughout to make changes that empower and humanise the education, social care and health experience."
- Kerry Murphy, Early Childhood and Inclusion Specialist