Foster carers in Slough have been sharing their stories as part of Foster Care Fortnight, a national campaign organised by the Fostering Network to showcase the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers while highlighting the need for more.
The theme for Foster Care Fortnight, which took place over the last two weeks, was ‘why we care’ and foster carers with Slough Children First, provider of children’s services on behalf of Slough Borough Council, have been revealing why they care and what they love most about fostering.
“I just love children. I love working with them. I enjoy every minute with them,” said Diane Harrison, one of Slough’s incredible foster carers.
Another foster carer, Denise Chappell, stated that “The best thing is just knowing the permanent, positive change we’re having on that young person’s life and watching them grow and develop.”
You can find more of their stories at www.fosterforslough.com/fcf21
Foster carers open up their homes and welcome in vulnerable children and young people who are not able to stay with their own parents, whether it is in the short term or something more permanent. They welcome those children into their family and provide them with stability at a time when they need it the most.
“What I enjoy most about fostering is knowing we are making a real difference to somebody’s life and giving them the care and support to give them the best chance in life,” said Shazia Ali, another foster with Slough Children First. “It brings a lot of joy knowing you are doing that and you’re having a positive impact on someone’s life.”
Slough Children First is looking for supportive, patient people who can understand the challenges that the children have experienced in order to help to nurture and support them whilst they find their feet, build their confidence and prepare to enter adulthood with the view to having a successful future.
“We have a team of about 45 foster carers at Slough Children First who all do an amazing job and we are so incredibly grateful for what they do,” said Saima Arif, Service Manager at the Independent Fostering Agency. “However, we need more people to come forward to provide safe, loving and nurturing homes to the rising number of children coming into care.”
If you, or someone you know, has a spare room and the commitment to help a child in Slough to develop essential skills to reach their full potential in adulthood, Slough Children First would love to hear from you. For further information, just phone 01753 690777 or visit www.fosterforslough.com
