Carers share their best 'fostering moments'

Children and Families

Foster carers from across Lancashire have been sharing their best 'fostering moments' as part of a new campaign to raise awareness of the rewarding vocation.

Lancashire County Council is supporting Foster Care Fortnight, the UK's biggest foster care awareness campaign, delivered by leading charity The Fostering Network.

Running from Monday 13 May to Sunday 26 May, this year's theme is 'fostering moments', celebrating the special moments that define fostering journeys - building confidence, making young people feel safe and creating memories.

Three of our exceptional carers, Paula, Andy and Fiona, have shared their best fostering moments.

Paula, shown with her husband Paul, said: "Our best fostering moment was seeing our current foster daughter's face when she was told she was staying with us long term - she danced around the room so excited shouting how much she loved us.

"Our favourite part of fostering is watching the children flourish and grow knowing we have played a part in that. For anyone considering fostering, as long as you have got a place in your heart and patience and a welcoming home, do it."

Andy said: "One of my best fostering moments, and there have been many, was when our younger foster son started showing emotions and we realised he had become attached to us.

"I would categorically encourage people to foster. It gives these children a chance in life. It is the most rewarding thing you will ever do.

"My favourite part of fostering is watching my two foster sons thrive and become an integral part of our family."

Fiona said: "My favourite moments are seeing all of my foster son's achievements and breakthroughs, seeing him gain confidence and learning to relax within our family.

"To anyone wanting to take part in the fostering journey, not only are you helping to shape a young person's life, you do it with a great network of support from the social workers and teams and other carers.

"I love seeing the difference that we make with our child, and seeing him smile every day."

No formal experience or qualifications are needed to be a foster carer, all you need is a spare room available or plans to have one soon, and a desire to make a difference to a local child's life.

To be considered as a foster carer, you need to be over 21, and living in or close to Lancashire. We welcome applications from all parts of our diverse Lancashire community. Whatever your race, gender, if you are LGBTQ+, faith, age, living arrangements and employment status - we want to hear from you.

County Councillor Cosima Towneley, Lancashire County Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: "Fostering a child, or young person, changes their life. What an inspiration our foster families are, bringing stability, safety and opportunity to the children welcomed into their family group.

"The fostering moments shared by many of our carers are full of such hope, empathy and affection that you can understand how children thrive in their care.

"We have the best team and best support, so if you are interested in finding out a bit more about this satisfyingly challenging opportunity please speak to our teams who will be out and about through out the county promoting Foster Care Fortnight or ring the number below.

"In the meantime, thank you to all our outstanding and dedicated foster families for helping to change the lives of children in Lancashire."

For more information about becoming a foster carer, the events and the support available, visit: www.lancashire.gov.uk/fostering or call 0300 123 6723. For more information about Foster Care Fortnight, go to https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/fostering/information-and-events/foster-care-fortnight-2024