Fifty-One Moves

by Ben Ashcroft, Peter McParlin (Foreword)

A 'Going Straight' genre life story which breaks new ground in taking as its focus the vagaries of the child care system and in doing so is re-assuring for professionals and young people in care alike. It is a shocking fact that whilst just one per cent of young people enter care to be 'looked after' by a local authority, foster parents and in children's homes, a whopping 27 per cent of prisoners have been in care at some time or another. Ben Ashcroft was one of these. Fifty-one Moves is his vivid and telling first-hand account of his experiences in 37 different establishments. Altogether - as the book's title implies - he was moved 51 times from his first placement as a ten-year-old until he left care at age 16, as he drifted into penal custody. With his experiences of young offender institutions behind him and out of trouble for ten years, his is a positive example of personal change. The book contains many insights as to how this came about as well as the impact of care on a vulnerable child and young person. It also shows the difference that can be made by a person's environment, the work of the child care services, the help of its professionals and the ups and downs of success and failure as these efforts are brought to bear. Reviews The book was described as inspirational, powerful, emotional, compelling and required reading for anyone interested in the care system when released on Kindle, e.g. 'An inspiring and moving account of the trauma and distress caused to a young boy by his family and our care system': Sarah 'How do you fix pieces that have been utterly shattered-as a parent, ex-care man and professional psychologist I wish I knew-I guess the resolution to do so has to be out there': Dr Peter MacParlin. 'A very raw book...but this only adds to the sense of passion and honesty with which it is written': Fiona Sorsby, Bingley, West Yorkshire. 'This motivational read is such a hard hitting tale...it's heartfelt and gives such a clear first-hand account of life living in a care home...A brilliant worthwhile read about a man who truly turned his life around': Stacey Spencer. Author Since 'sorting out his life', Ben Ashcroft has had a variety of mainly unskilled jobs before setting out to realise his lifetime ambition to become a published author. Someone who also enjoys creativity, he is also in demand on the conference circuit where he has worked with audiences both large and small.

Genres: Social Science

150 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben Ashcroft’s bravery in writing this hard-hitting memoir of his neglected and chaotic childhood is admirable. So is the way he turned his life around, and the positivity he finds in his new life. This makes this book a remarkable, inspiring read.

Ashcroft’s extraordinary childhood memory for physical detail (the exact tackle on a fishing rod, or the layouts of endless foster bedrooms, children’s homes and cells) contrasts poignantly with his increasing emotional frustration with the world around him, which, abandoned and alone with unfamiliar and unfriendly adults, he can’t satisfactorily explain or express: a place where adults don’t listen, don’t ask questions and don’t show affection. As his life descends into chaos when his mother abandons him, we watch a clearly bright, keen boy (happy at school, with an remarkable passion for fishing) become a frightened, alienated and profoundly unhappy young man, dispatched through a procession of foster homes and children’s homes (some better, some much worse than others) until he has nowhere to call home or feel safe.

Soon, overwhelmed by emotions no one helps him to interpret, aggression becomes almost his only form of communication - but too often the state responds with just more control, rather than a kind heart or a listening ear. This, and the ongoing rejection from his mother, produces a profound pain, a rage which never receives an apology or explanation. This is a dark story with some heartbreaking and even heart-stopping moments, as his desperate, rootless choices lead him into real physical and psychological danger. Nevertheless, Ashcroft notices and treasures moments of kindness and thoughtfulness from people he meets along the way. Ultimately, he finds his own strength to choose a new and different life. Thank goodness - hopefully, there are lots more happy days fishing to come for Ben.

An enlightening read for anyone who wants to know more about the care system; fascinating if you are thinking about supporting a child in care.
Final warning - you’ll definitely need tissues for the final chapter! I was in floods.

Well done Ben - may your new life continue to bring you real happiness.

[Jane Wynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very hard read. Ben's world is turned upside down at the age of 10 and his journey through the care and penal system is thought provoking and sadly inevitable. A good book to give an insight into how quickly a child's life can descend into total chaos. Glad that he's made it through to a better life.

[Cathy Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone working with children and young people.
Learn to spot the signs and ask questions!
And never write anybody off.

This is not a highly theorised book about what is wrong with the care system but the authentic voice of one boy who that system failed. In my view that is much more powerful.

[Kirst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provokes significant frustration in me, it’s so preventable could have been managed so much better at everyone’s benefit and prevented such pain! It is also an eloquent account which seemed fair and honest and would be a great example if this field is new to you.

It really helped to know that Ben wrote this book and therefore had made it out to a better place!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who is interested in working with children in the care system, this is an absolute must read. It gives a heartbreaking insight into Ben who has gone through so much. This book is so powerful, it has sparked a passion. MUST READ!!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely author who did a session with us while I was in college about his book. I think this is a really important read, especially for those with an interest or career in any health or social care areas.

[Cathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Ben for sharing his experiences.

Reminds me why troubled young people need more than one second chance and a good listening ear when they are in tough circumstances

[Anita Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read

Thoroughly enjoyed the book, experienced so many different emotions reading this, and feel even more inspired to make a difference to young people I work with

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as I live in Halifax and was working with offenders at the time. I was really interested in Restorative justice and thought it would give me local perpective.

I found the book thought provoking, honest and very relevent to todays society. I have also made contact with Ben and I feel that his story should be required reading for many children so that they can see another life and its consequences and hope.

Great book, written in a bare-bones, straight talking manner.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read really enjoyed it