Free Loaves on Fridays is an anthology of stories, poems, reflections and letters by nearly one hundred people who have experienced care, which aims to challenge worn-out stereotypes. This collection gives voice to diverse experiences including foster care, adoption, kinship care and semi-independent living, among others.
Headlines written about care often entrench negative ideas and dominate the narrative, leaving people who have experienced the system with nothing but crumbs. This anthology is an opportunity to redirect the dialogue and present a window into a world that has been overlooked for too long.
Free Loaves on Fridays presents a spectrum of joy and sadness, laughter and tears, love and loss, and reminds us that bread tastes so much better when it's been chosen.
This highly practical resource introduces the concept of ‘Gymtherapy’; a pioneering approach to working with children that uses movement as a means of promoting emotional wellbeing. Gymtherapy brings together the physical and emotional benefits of activity alongside the importance of safeguarding and supporting children, particularly those who are socio-economically deprived or emotionally vulnerable. Each lesson plan is based on accessible, tried and tested strategies, and outlines learning objectives, equipment needed and step-by-step instructions for facilitating practical activities. The chapters are illustrated with engaging real-life examples, case studies, survivor stories and tips, while at the same time linking practice to the underpinning social theory.
Gymtherapy is an invaluable guide for teachers, social workers, school leaders and anyone with an interest in providing for the welfare and wellbeing of the children they work with.
Out of the Shadows is the first book to be published focusing on the role of UK social workers in disasters. Their involvement goes beyond the initial crisis, as disasters have long-term consequences such as displacement, loss, psychological issues and survivor guilt.
The book centres the poignant personal stories of people with lived experience of disaster, alongside the voices of social workers and organisational leaders who have provided support, sharing their reflections and learning for the future.
On My Terms
A free tool for care-experienced young people to tell event organisers what helps them participate at their best. Want a version tailored for your service? Email info@rebekahpierre.co.uk
An open letter to the social worker who wrote my case files (BASW)
On the children's social care review (The Guardian)
On care leavers and social work (The Guardian)
Placed in an adult hostel at 17 (The Guardian)
My care story (Community Care)
Why I chose social work (Community Care)
Why we must do better for children in care (BASW PSW Magazine)
Revisiting diary entries from care (Practice: Social Work in Action, peer-reviewed)
Pod Save the UK, full episode (winner, BASW Social Work Journalism Award 2025)
The Guilty Feminist: Fostering, with Kiri Pritchard-McLean (podcast)
Together We Care, episode 2 (Trowers & Hamlins podcast)
Interview (BBC Look North, via BASW)
The inspiration behind Free Loaves on Fridays (Coram Voice)
In conversation with Al Coates (Wednesday Webcast)
Short clip (Pod Save the UK)
For media requests, email info@rebekahpierre.co.uk.