Wigan foster carers celebrated for Foster Care Fortnight

Wigan Council are celebrating the work of foster carers in a special two weeks dedicated to these hidden heroes.

The council are currently recruiting new foster carers and Colette Dutton, Director of Children and Young People’s Services, is hoping the fortnight will encourage more local people to step forward and apply.

Colette said: “The pandemic has shown us what a fantastic community spirit there is here in the borough so I do hope more people take some time to consider becoming a foster carer."

“Having more local foster carers will mean that we can look after our own children within the boundaries of Wigan Borough, a huge positive for our children as it usually means they don’t need to move schools amongst other positives of remaining living locally.

“Foster Care Fortnight is a great opportunity for us to say a big thank you to all of the fantastic foster carers we have in the borough and to let them know how much we value their hard work and care."

“Foster carers really do change children and young people’s lives by offering them stability through safe and loving homes and introducing them to positive new opportunities and experiences."

Fiona and her husband Shaun live in Pemberton have been foster carers for three years.

Fiona said: “I’d fostered before, years ago, it was something I’d always wanted to do."

“When Shaun decided to take voluntary redundancy three years ago, he suggested it to me and we just went for it."

“Seeing the progress the children have made who’ve been with us and seeing the difference that you can make to their lives is so rewarding.”

Shaun added: "Whenever we do have children come to us, the first thing we say is welcome, will not treat you any different. You'll be treated like one of the family. We say we know you've got a biological family but you'll be treated like ours and not different and that helps them."

"If you're thinking of fostering then take the plunge, ask all the questions you want. "

"Because all those children need is a loving home, you can give them that and the rewards are fantastic, they really are."

Fiona said: "Last year, one of our young people was in year 11, and the prom was cancelled. So we held a little prom for her and she had her hair done and she had a beautiful dress."

"It was just so lovely, to be able to make that difference to her and she talks about it almost every day."

"The process to become a foster carer takes a few months and during that time, you'll know if it's for you."

"It's worth taking that first step and having a go at it, we did and we've never looked back!"

Deb Clayton, who also lives in Pemberton, gave up her job of 19 years as a staff member at a residential home to become a foster carer in October.

She said: "I lost my husband four years ago this year, and it left a massive hole in my family life."

"I've always been a person that's very caring and wanted to look after people."

“I’d wanted to be a foster carer for 19 years and kept thinking that the time wasn’t quite right but I’m so glad I finally made the decision to do it.

“You get lots of support from your social worker and from Mockingbird, which is a network of other foster families."

“Nothing is a silly question, if you’re struggling with anything, you’ve got somebody there straight away."

“I just love being a Mum.

“I love being able to take him to school and bring him home and help nurture him to be the best that he can be."

“It’s the best job in the world.”

“Now that I am a foster carer, I can’t believe I waited 19 years to do it.

“If you’re thinking about it, just do it. You can get so much joy from it.”

To become a foster carer you need to have a spare bedroom, be over 21 and healthy, have some experience of caring for or working with children and have a caring nature and be committed to providing a stable home.

There will be three online open events for anyone who is interested in finding out more about fostering during foster care fortnight:

Tuesday 11 May, 6.30-8 pm. This is an exclusive session for residents of Wigan Borough. You can go to www.wigan.gov.uk/fostering to book a place.

Wednesday 19 May, 12-1 pm and 7-8 pm. This is a combined event for residents of Wigan, Bolton, Bury and Salford. For tickets go to: https://bit.ly/3xQSPPS

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