Helen

"I have been a sole foster carer with Lancashire for 3 years now. I first had the idea that it was something I’d like to do when I saw the difference being fostered made, to a little girl in my Brownie pack. Although it was several years until the time was right for me, before too long I was approved."

"I had expected fostering to be about looking after lots of children for a short time before they returned to their parents or were adopted but I soon learned there’s a need for lots of different types of carers to match the different needs of the many children who, sadly end up in care."

"The child I care for has been with me from the start and is likely to be with me until they are an adult. It has been a wonderful experience watching them grow and develop and catch up on many of the normal child experiences they missed out on. Simple things like learning to swing and being brave enough to climb to the top of the climbing frame are milestones most kids take in their stride at a much younger age, however they are catching up fast and now have a taste for the thrills of the theme park!"

"There have been some difficult things to overcome for them and me but my social worker  is wonderful and I have had amazing support from her and the rest of the Lancashire fostering team which has allowed me to make a difference in this child’s life. I spent 37 years in my original career but I am blessed to be able to do something essential plus I have great fun doing it!"

"The allowances in Lancashire have recently been increased which means there’s enough towards holidays and treats and I’ve also been amazed at the training and development that is available. From mandatory first aid and exploitation training to therapeutic parenting, sensory processing, education transitions and a wellbeing offering."

"I’ve learned so much about myself as well as how to help my young person. There’s also lots of peer support from other carers in the same boat such as meetings, buddies and WhatsApp groups and you can join in or not. There’s always someone you can ask advice from, even those really ‘stupid’ questions."

"If you have time to give and a spare room, please get in touch and see where it takes you!"