Foster carers share their experience of changing young people's lives

Fostering Moments is the theme of this year’s Foster Care Fortnight, and two of Wokingham Borough Council’s foster families have shared their own moment’s as part of the campaign.

Their stories show how fostering children and young people can be enormously rewarding, both for newcomers and experienced carers.

Our extended family

Havva and Jim went along to an information event around 35 years ago after seeing a programme about fostering and have since fostered more than 350 children. They said: “We felt that we’d love to help other families that weren’t as fortunate as us and wanted to do what we could to make their lives better.

“Fostering was not what we thought in the beginning but as we got used to the children and young people that came through our house and saw how our children were feeling about it all, it became our lives.

“After more than 350 children, we love every minute of fostering! We aren’t saying it is easy but it is the best thing we’ve ever done. 

“The best thing is seeing the young people we have looked after becoming parents and bringing their children to meet us, start businesses, become paramedics, lady plumbers, lady construction workers, and many more.

“Coming into the country not speaking the language and working so hard that they are starting university. That makes us very proud of all these young people. 

“They’ve become extended family and it’s all been so worthwhile.”

Incredibly rewarding

Kim and Stuart are newer to fostering and have been fostering with the council for a year caring for three children so far.

They said: “Our main motivation stemmed from wanting to make a positive difference in the lives of children. We felt that our children had reached an age where they were a little more independent so we thought we’d look further into fostering.

“We went on a ‘Skills to Foster’ course and both realised this was something we could do as a family. We spoke to our children, and they were happy to give it a go. As a family we felt that we could provide children with a safe and nurturing environment.

“The best thing about fostering is witnessing the growth and resilience of the children. It can be incredibly rewarding to see them flourish.

“However, fostering also comes with its challenges, like navigating complex emotions and supporting children through trauma. Despite these challenges, the opportunity to positively influence a child's life has made it all worthwhile.

“Being part of the council’s fostering family has been great. The support groups, training and events are a good way to meet people and learn. We would recommend fostering with the council to others because of the support and resources they provide to both foster carers and children.”

Building a community

The biggest event in the annual fostering calendar took place on Friday (17 May) with foster carers attending a celebration and thank you lunch at the Wokingham Cricket Club, during which they were presented with flowers and were thanked by Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Beth Rowland.

Events take place all year round to give foster carers opportunities to network and build a community, such as trip to the pantomime at Christmas and a walk round Dinton Pastures which took place on Saturday (18 May) as part of the Foster Care Fortnight celebrations.

Foster Care Fortnight is an annual campaign from The Fostering Network, showcasing the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers.

Vital to safe, happy homes

Cllr Beth Rowland, Borough Mayor, said: “Foster carers are vital to ensuring children have safe, happy homes. I was delighted to hear the experiences of Havva and Jim, who have an astonishing level of experience with fostering, and Kim and Stuart who as new foster carers are celebrating the highs and working on the challenges together as a family and transforming children’s lives as a result."

Cllr Prue Bray, executive member for children's services added: “I’m proud of our foster carers and the support and service that we provide here in the borough. I’d urge anyone thinking about it to have a chat – we have a helpful, caring and welcoming team who will answer any questions you may have openly and honestly.”

Could you foster?

Wokingham Borough Council offers a wide range of support for foster carers, including:

• Council tax contribution
• Starting from £140 a week per child you foster, plus generous allowances, extra for summer activities, birthdays and Christmas
• An experienced foster carer at level two who cares for two children all year could earn over £25,000 a year
• A range of local training opportunities
• 24-hour support from our fostering team

For more information visit the fostering website, email fostering@wokingham.gov.uk or call (0118) 974 6204 (Select Children’s Services).