Fostercare UK are looking for new foster carers in your area. Could you make a difference to a child’s life?

Read the experience of one of their current foster carers called Julie, 54, from Lewisham, who has been fostering for seven years.

“I’d always wanted to be a foster carer and help children in need. Being a foster carer is extremely rewarding, though very hard work. You really need the right perspective to be able to do it; we’re accountable to a higher body and you need to accept that, as we have to maintain high standards, as the children are paramount.

“As a foster carer, knowing the child with you is comfortable, safe and part of a loving family is invaluable. It’s all about the little hug they give you for doing something you didn’t even know you’d done.

“Being a foster carer to a child with special educational needs is extremely difficult and everything is exacerbated by this. At the age of 13 he can’t read or write, becomes very frustrated and yet can also be very trusting of strangers due to his naivety. Even with the challenges it presents I would still recommend it to anyone.”

What does it take to be a foster carer?

“You need to be adaptable and to be able to think on your feet. You also have to be relaxed and easy going, whilst able to set goals and boundaries for your family. All this is so you can support the child so they can achieve what they want to. We’re a team doing this together.

“In addition, you need to be honest whilst not being too hard on yourself - though this is easier said than done!”

How important is it to the potential foster carers to be honest about the ups and the downs?

“Knowing about the good and the bad times is very important. When you decided to become a foster carer you have an idealistic notion that you’ll change the world very quickly, when it’s not like that at all. Every little step counts, as well as both the positive and the negative times as they increase your experience and knowledge.”

Why FosterCare UK?

“There’s so much support from FosterCare UK. It’s a really good agency and the process has been quick and smooth.

“I wanted to work with an agency that wasn’t too large and not to lise focus of the real reason we’re all doing this. FosterCare UK was a family company and had a good ethos, as well as being very approachable and personable. There’s always someone on the other end of the phone to provide mentoring and support – regardless of the time.”

Call 0208 226 6654 to find out more.