Can you #changeafuture like foster carers Sharon, Abigail and Chloe?
Thursday, 16 May 2019
This year’s Foster Care Fortnight is underway with an appeal for people in Central Bedfordshire who could help change a child’s life.
This year’s Foster Care Fortnight is underway with an appeal for people in Central Bedfordshire who could help change a child’s life.
The theme of the Fostering Network’s annual UK awareness week – which runs until May 26 – is focusing on how foster carers can #changeafuture, so we're calling on people who think they have the relevant skills and experience, to find out more about becoming foster carers.
Sharon and her daughters, Abigail and Chloe, have been fostering with us for four years and, as intensive support carers, look after a child with complex needs. They wanted to offer a child their home and it has not only transformed the future of the child they care for but has also changed their own, as they are now permanently matched with the child.
In this video Sharon explains that: "The thing I really like about fostering long-term is that we really have made that child part of our family and given him that family kind of love, so it’s making a real difference in his life."
Foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds and professions, but what unites them all is a desire and ability to help and support children and young people in care to fulfil their potential, giving them the best chance of a happy and stable childhood and a successful future.
"It’s not just about having a spare room, it’s about having that love to give to a child and making them part of your family," Sharon said, adding: "I wanted to give something back to my local community, so it was a natural choice to ring Central Beds."
Sacha Rymell, our Assistant Director of Safeguarding and Early Help, said: "Fostering has the potential to be life-changing for fostered children and young people. Young people want foster carers and families who help them feel safe, secure, support and help them and, most important of all, care about them as an individual.
"We understand that, often, prospective foster carers find it daunting making that first step, but we will support people every step of the way. So, this Foster Care Fortnight, we want to encourage anyone considering fostering to get in touch to find out more. You could be that special someone to change the future of a child in need."
You can also call the team on 0300 300 8181 or email fostering@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.