Fostering stories from the North West

If you’re reading this article and considering fostering in Liverpool, Manchester and other areas of the North West, you are probably wondering what fostering is really like.

Beacon Fostering promises a rewarding experience that brings great benefits for the carers and the young people they’re looking after. But don’t take our word for it; read these testimonies of carers in the North West and their experiences in fostering.

Annette

For 15 years, Annette has fostered over 20 children, three of which gained her as a ‘special guardian’.

Looking after them has brought its challenges of course, but what Annette loves the most is the love she can share with the children, and seeing their progress and growth. In recent times, she has directed her focus to parent and child fostering, where she helps parents with rearing their child(ren) in her home, giving them vital parenting and life skills.

Jim and Jeanette

This couple from Bolton, who always wanted a family of their own, was inspired to foster by Jeanette’s sister. Unfazed by the lengthy application process and background checks, the first children to enter their care were three siblings under 10. They describe fostering as ‘rewarding’ due to helping and seeing the children evolve under their care.

Colin

Based in the Wirral, Merseyside, Colin’s foster children included a 17-year-old who had been living with him and his partner for a decade. He recounts that although she was initially guarded, she became more open. He advised anyone who is considering fostering to ask questions to your local authority or a fostering agency, and not to be disheartened if you have second thoughts about embarking on the journey.