Fostering Support. A Vital Resource

We were lucky enough to catch up with Excel foster carer of eight years, Sue recently.

“Fostering is daunting in the beginning.”

Sue was keen to be open and honest about her fostering experiences, and admitted that at the beginning of her extensive fostering career, when you are a new carer the experience is an apprehensive one.

Deciding to foster

But let’s rewind a little. Sue’s decision to foster didn’t happen overnight, it was a well thought out process and a decision that she had taken many years to come to. She had pondered on the notion for many years before deciding to take the plunge.

Then with her three children having grown up and flown the nest, the time was finally right. In the beginning Sue maintained her role as a teaching assistant which worked alongside her fostering duties.

However, she felt like she was missing out. She told us,

“My teaching assistant role worked perfectly in harmony with fostering but I felt like I was missing out on the support groups, and as a single foster carer, at times this is even more isolating.”

When Sue retired from her position, she continued to foster and now had time to join the local support groups.

Support groups going strong

After spending a career in education, Sue was used to an environment where she always had back up on hand, which is why turning to support groups gave a great sense of comfort and also bought a more social side to the fostering role.

“The support groups are great, there is always something new and they just reassure you that we are all in the same boat.”

Indeed, after a lengthy career in fostering they are a vital resource which Sue continues to use. She has also come to be a part of the Fostering Forums provided by Excel.

“Not only are they great for the social aspect, and I have made some very real friendships as a result. But also, the fostering forums keep us in touch with the business side of things and helps me to feel like part of the organisation.”

Sue tells us that the support groups have evolved over time and now sometimes have guest speakers which pass on useful knowledge, such as a FosterTalk speaker discussing Tax Returns which can be a daunting subject for a fledgling foster carer.

“I think people that don’t use them are missing out.” Sue confessed.

Fostering in the future

Sue was a breath of fresh air to speak to, and at 64 she is still going strong with fostering. Although now she offers short-term fostering and has some regular children who come to stay with her who are part of long term arrangements with other foster carers, which suits Sues current situation.

“I love fostering, and the difference that it makes for children, I feel lucky that I have a career that can be adaptable to me too.”

When Sue started fostering she took on long term arrangements which she has loved being part of but now prefers more short term stays, her fostering career has evolved over time.

Advice for those thinking about fostering

Sue’s words of wisdom for those just starting out on their fostering journey is to keep and open mind, to follow your instinct and to not give in to pressure or stereotypical beliefs.

Well said Sue.

If Sue’s story has resonated with you then please do reach out and give one of our friendly advisors a call on 01253 712 734.