‘FOSTERING IS A REWARDING EXPERIENCE’
COUPLE TELL OF THEIR REWARDING EXPERIENCE
I don’t know how I would have turned out if it had not been for them Lynne and Michael Moore’s Foster child Emma
A HILLINGDON foster family is encouraging others in the area to foster children during Foster Care Fortnight.
Lynne and Michael Moore, who have three daughters of their own, began fostering children in Hillingdon more than 23 years ago.
They are using the national campaign, which runs from May 8 to 21, to inspire others to do the same.
Lynne said: “I’d been childminding for a while so I already had experience with children and I wanted to build on my skills and give something back.
“Fostering can make such a lifelong difference to a child’s life, it can turn their life around, but we also get a lot out of it too.
“Fostering can be extremely rewarding.
“To make a difference you need commitment and enthusiasm, so if anyone has just an inkling about fostering, please try it.”
One of Lynne and Michael’s foster children Emma, now 25, came to them after her mother passed away.
“When my mum died I was incredibly fortunate that Lynne and Michael agreed to foster me” said Emma.
“They put me into a good school and always made me do my homework, and they taught me the value of education.
“Lynne and Michael were so supportive and I don’t know how I would have turned out if it had not been for them.
“I always knew that I wanted to make something of myself, but they gave me the help and advice I needed along the way.
“Most importantly, they never made me feel like I was different and I always felt part of the family.”
Councillor David Simmonds, cabinet member for education and children’s services, said: “The Moores’ story shows that fostering really does have a monumental impact on young people in Hillingdon and it’s so rewarding.
“Foster carers can also earn up to £419.88 per week and will receive excellent training opportunities and ongoing support.
“Please come along to one of our events in May and find out if fostering is for you.”