Lists, Plans
 & Journals,
 Oh My!

 Hello, I'm Hannah Louise, and I am the owner of Lists, Plans & Journals, Oh My! 

I created this website whilst working with care-experienced young people. It was during this time that I began to grow frustrated with the overall quality of the life books I was seeing. After looking through a great number, I was left with the overwhelming feeling that they just weren’t special enough to serve their purpose, many were black & white and contained very little 'real' information. So, working collaboratively with YP, their parents-biological, foster, & adopted, and care professionals, we were able to create a template based around what young people feel is truly important. 

From there, we worked to design a product in which quality mirrored importance whilst acknowledging the considerable time constraints foster carers face. It was therefore important that we create a template that is easy to use and can be completed over varying periods of time.

Our fifteen LB templates are divided into three categories: Baby/ Toddler, Children & Teens. This is to reflect their changing interests & lifestyles, as well as the level of input they are able to offer the project. 

It is through intentionally not including sections dedicated to specific milestones or events that we were able to design a template that can be fully completed for any child, at any level, without any gaps. Having a completed book to take with them into future placements, and beyond, can help a child build a better picture of their past and create a greater sense of self.

In 2019 I designed a wellbeing programme. Created around the holistic approach of the ‘8 Dimensions of Wellness’ & drawing from the ideas of philosopher Hegel, we were able to design a programme that truly adopts a person-centred, trauma-informed approach.  

From this time, I have put together a number of booklets detailing what worked (and didn’t/why), what area(s) of the 8 dimensions they serve, costing and how they could relate to CQC’s ‘I Statements’. These include Community Services (Expressive/Receptive Aphasia & Other Communication Difficulties), Day Services (Learning Disabilities), Community & Residential Services (Older People & Dementia Care), Intergenerational Care, Community Groups (Youth Services), Nurseries & Other Children's Groups, & PAs on Home-to-School Transport.

Working with young people that have experience of the care system, it was especially important that we work holistically.  With this in mind, we have placed a heavy emphasis on the journaling aspect, as it has consistently proven a powerful tool in exploring, expressing and understanding 'trickier' feelings & emotions. 

Journaling doesn’t have to be all about writing, though. Many children choose to spend this time drawing, painting, creating poetry or storytelling. Allowing space for creative expression is an incredibly important part of a foster carer's role, as it can allow the child to address and process trauma in a way that feels less threatening. 

Whilst I am currently not running community groups, I have made all digital templates available online, including a free version of our Life Books.