Foster Care Fortnight – how relationships make difference for young people

Foster carers for Wokingham Borough have shared their stories as part of Foster Care Fortnight. 

This year’s theme celebrates the power of relationships and the connections carers make with the young people that they care for.

Wokingham Borough Council is looking to add more local residents to its pool of foster carers. 

The stories below are shared from our fostering community, telling you what it is like to care for the young people of Wokingham borough and the relationships that they have built in this important role.

‘Blessed to play a role in their lives’

Foster carer Geri said: “Each day I feel blessed to play such an important role in the lives of the young people I have the privilege of meeting. It isn't just the young people either, I have also worked with their birth families.

“One of the most rewarding placements we had was helping a mother and son who were at breaking point. I worked closely with the mother and grandparents as well as the young person in our care. 

“I act as a mediator when needed and I support them to understand how best to communicate with each other. This has resulted in the young person being able to go back to live with his mum. I see them both regularly and we are treated as family.”

Information event to find out more

Wokingham Borough Council’s fostering team is running information events later this month if you want to find out more. 

Join them for a chat with foster carers and find out more on what it’s really like. 

• Thursday 22 May, 11.30am to 1.45pm at Wokingham Library, Carnival Hub (RG40 2AF)
• Thursday 22 May, 6pm to 7pm, online (email fostering@wokingham.gov.uk for an invite)

‘Settled in and part of our family’

Foster carers Matt and Carla said: "We have wanted to become foster carers for some time as we have both worked with children throughout our careers and have seen first-hand how much of a positive impact it can have, both on the children in need of fostering and to those families who open their doors and hearts to welcome them in.

“We really did like our training and felt it prepared us perfectly, whilst challenging it was good to be around others who shared our passion and we actually had a lot of fun whilst we were learning.

“We are now proud to say that we are foster carers for an absolutely lovely sibling group who have enriched our lives already. 

“Our own children, have really enjoyed their part in helping them settle in, and whilst there are challenges at times, we can honestly say we are looking forward to what the future brings for us all."

Our community of foster carers

The council’s fostering team also use this time of year to celebrate our community of carers, with a thank you event later this week and other social events.

Events take place all year round to give foster carers opportunities to network and build a community, such as a trip to the pantomime at Christmas. 

Foster Care Fortnight is an annual campaign from The Fostering Network, showcasing the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers.

Cllr Prue Bray, deputy leader and executive member for children's services, said: “Foster carers open their hearts and homes to children in need, providing not just shelter, but a sense of belonging and security. 

“You could join them in transforming the lives and creating brighter futures for young people in our borough. Join us for one of our local information events and find out how to start your journey to become part of our supportive fostering community.”

Could you foster?

Wokingham Borough Council offers a wide range of support for foster carers, including:

• Council Tax contribution
• Starting from £140 a week per child you foster, plus generous allowances, extra for summer activities, birthdays and Christmas
• An experienced foster carer at level two who cares for two children all year could earn over £25,000 a year
• A range of local training opportunities
• 24-hour support from our fostering team

Those interested in fostering can also contact the regional hub directly to speak to a member of the recruitment team by emailing contact@lafosteringse.org.uk 

Local Authority Fostering South East is a new virtual hub, bringing together 17 councils across the region with a shared common goal – to recruit and support more foster carers to provide safe, loving and local homes for children in our communities.