“Fostering has been a great opportunity to become a better person. When I first came into care, I was very vulnerable. My carers have shown me how to be a better person and love myself at the same time. I feel 100% supported. I know my carers are always there for me when I need cheering up and reassuring and I’ve since realised that all I need is to be happy in life and appreciate the small things. If I’m faced with a challenge, I try to make decisions that will make a better version of myself.
In our fostering family we take trips to the beach and go on lots of family outings. Most of all we watch movies together, have campfires, eat dinner together and have lots of laughs. My carer has brought out the best in me. They have helped me realise that negativity ruins me and they have helped me in my hobby by getting me dance classes. Making big decisions to make a better version of myself.
Some people believe most children in care are troubled or naughty which isn’t true. My advice for new carers is that despite it being difficult, there is nothing better to a child than knowing someone will be there for you and feeling like part of a family again. When it comes to saying goodbye, I like to remember that it’s not goodbye but it’s ‘until next time’ and I know my carer will help me through it when it gets difficult.
To me fostering is important because it really helps children learn there can me more to life and they can fulfil a better story and take the right path. Being in care has changed me in an amazing way and there is no one to thank but my amazing carers.”
*Name has been changed