“Fostering has changed my life”
MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL IS URGENTLY SEEKING NEW CARERS HEAR FROM THOSE WHO HAVE CHANGED THE LIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE
MANCHESTER City Council is on a mission to recruit at least 40 additional foster carers by the end of 2021 - to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children living in our region.
Although childminders, teachers, nurses, and social carers are among its pool of ideal foster carers, the council wants to hear from anyone who has a passion for looking after young people and is interested in fostering.
Foster carers come from a range of different backgrounds - married or unmarried, living with a partner or on their own, working or not working. They can be homeowners or living in rented accommodation, and of any sexuality or ethnicity.
We have spoken to carers in Greater Manchester about their fostering journey and the experience of becoming a foster parent.
“THE RIGHT CARE CAN TRANSFORM A YOUNG PERSON’S LIFE FOR GOOD”
Jane Panteli and her wife Lexi, have been fostering since December 2018. Jane is a former deputy headteacher, and Lexi is a materials scientist.
Jane said: “We signed up to become foster carers when we both decided to pursue fostering in a serious direction. We had space in our home to dedicate to a child and at the time Lexi was continuing to work full-time. I’d worked with children in the past and we both knew how the right type of care could transform a young person’s life for good.
“We’ve had a number of placements since then of children aged between 3-15 years, as well as sibling groups, for both long and short-term periods. Each placement has come with children of different backgrounds and their own challenges, but various rewards and learning experiences as well.
“When you take on a fostering placement you have to realise that every child is an individual in their own right. You may have your own interests and hobbies that you like to participate in but they can be tailored to meet the needs of the young people you take on.
“We’re very outdoorsy and some of the children we’ve looked after in the past have loved activities like dog walking, swimming, and going to parks and petting zoos with us.”
“We decided to foster with Manchester Council rather than a private agency.
Due to the size of the organisation and the amazing people who work there we’ve had a depth of support and training opportunities.
“During the 18-month period, we’ve been carers we’ve had access to social support workers and group meetings with other foster carers to talk about our own experiences and share mutually beneficial advice. The foster carer helpline also ensures there’s always someone you can talk to about any worries or concerns you might have.”
“MY GRANDPARENTS TOOK CARE OF OVER 80 CHILDREN IN THEIR LIFETIME”
Julie Adams* and her husband Rob*, have been fostering since January 2020. Julie is a PT primary school teacher, and Rob is an events manager. The carers also have two of their own children who are enjoying living in a fostering household.
Rob said: “My grandparents were foster carers and took care of over 80 children in their lifetime, so they were a big source of inspiration for me to become a foster parent myself.
“One of the children they fostered was my uncle whom they later adopted into our family. On the other hand, my wife Julie comes from a teaching background so she knew the transformative value good fostering can bring into a child’s life, it was a combination of the two that made us want to become carers.
“We first became approved carers at the end of January this year so it hasn’t been that long for us. Our first placement was a baby just five days old. Having such a young child comes with its own challenges such as meeting regular feeding, changing and nap times and we also have two young children of our own to look after.”
Julie adds: “For anyone interested in becoming a carer, I would say pick up the phone and ask. We had been thinking about fostering for around a year and if we didn’t make the initial enquiry we would still be thinking about it today.
“Manchester City Council is completely upfront and will explain the challenges that come with becoming a foster carer and help you find out whether you’re suitable for the role.”