Full Breakdown
Helen Sloan: The Real-Life Mrs. Claus
12/17/2025, 8:13:56 PM
Dedication to Care-Experienced Young People
Helen Sloan, a child and youth care worker from Renfrewshire, has become affectionately known as "the real Mrs. Claus" for her unwavering commitment to making Christmas special for care-experienced young people at Kibble, a charity she has been with for 24 years. Each Christmas, Helen voluntarily sacrifices her own family celebrations to ensure that vulnerable young individuals feel cared for and connected during a time that can be particularly challenging.
A Day of Magic and Connection
Helen's Christmas tradition begins on Christmas Eve, when she visits each young person with a Santa sack filled with new pajamas and small gifts. She emphasizes the importance of creating a magical atmosphere, stating, “To me, there needs to be magic at Christmas.” Her goal is to foster a sense of calm and connection, often culminating in watching a Christmas film together. This year, she plans to support a young person passionate about reading by sharing breakfast, opening presents, and ensuring a joyful dinner experience.
Emotional Support and Life Skills
In her role within the housing support team at Kibble, Helen not only teaches essential life skills such as cooking and budgeting but also provides crucial emotional support. She recognizes the heightened emotions that can arise during the holiday season, recalling a past instance where she helped a young person articulate their feelings of overwhelm. “What matters is helping them feel heard and helping them feel safe,” she explained.
Building Traditions and Lasting Relationships
Helen takes joy in witnessing young people carry forward the traditions they have built together. Last Christmas, she visited a young person who was excitedly preparing a home-cooked dinner and celebrating with fresh pajamas. “Seeing them recreate the traditions we built together was magical,” she remarked. Her dedication extends beyond the holiday season, as she supports young people throughout the year in various aspects of their lives, including education and employment.
Recognition from Colleagues
Jim Gillespie, CEO of Kibble, highlighted the collective commitment of the staff, stating, “Our entire staff team go above and beyond every single day to be there for young people when they need support the most.” He emphasized that the impact of such dedication is immeasurable, as it helps young people build confidence and resilience.
Conclusion
Helen Sloan's selfless dedication to care-experienced young people exemplifies the spirit of Christmas. Her efforts not only provide immediate joy during the holiday season but also foster lasting relationships that contribute to the well-being of young individuals throughout the year.
