Local Foster Carers explain how you can make a difference in 2021.
With the New Year upon us, it’s the perfect time to reflect and make positive changes to improve your life. If this year you want to make a difference, give something back and are considering a career change, then fostering could be for you.
There is a growing demand for young people needing to be placed in safe, nurturing, family homes with the number of children needing foster care in the UK, rising by 44% during the coronavirus pandemic. Nexus Fostering are strongly appealing for people to come forward to foster in 2021, with local Foster Carers from Birmingham and the surrounding areas, also urging others to come forward.
Foster Carer Frankie explains the difference you could make to vulnerable young people and the rewards which cannot be matched: “As a foster parent the biggest benefit and reward I have ever gained is in the positive difference I can and have made to the life of the child or young person… while fostering may initially be one of the biggest leaps of faith you could ever possibly make in your life, you’ll soon realise how privileged you are to be in a position where you can make lasting bonds with foster children that not only improve their life, but better your life as well.
“Seeing a once timid, shy and unconfident foster child begin to blossom into a positive, hopeful, and self-assured young person gives you a feeling that cannot be compared to.”
Being a Foster Carer means that you’ll be able to have a fulfilling career as a highly trained carer whilst making a real difference to the lives of children and young people. Almost anyone from all walks of life can foster, whether you practice a religion, have or haven’t got children, are married, single or in a same-sex relationship. It doesn’t even matter if you have pets at home or think you’re too old… You’re needed! All that is asked, is that you have a spare bedroom.
With the young people’s interest at heart, the agency is continuing their dedicated work to look for appropriate Foster Carers throughout the pandemic. Whilst the physical offices are temporarily closed following government guidance, they reassure all potential Foster Carers that measures are in place to ensure that all enquiries are answered to and support and training is still readily available.
Foster Carer Michelle said: “I have had a great experience so far with Nexus Fostering…the support team are proactive and responsive. Training is readily available and ongoing via Zoom under Covid-19 restrictions. Would definitely recommend them if you currently or looking to become a foster parent.”
Nexus Fostering, rated Ofsted Outstanding, offer full and ongoing training and 24/7 support right from the start. You’ll receive a competitive fostering allowance which covers the professional fee to you as a Foster Carer, as well as covering the cost for caring for the child.
Becoming a Foster Carer is highly rewarding, and whilst it comes with its challenges, you’ll be making a difference to a child’s life like nothing else. If you could foster and wish to make a difference with a skilled career, call Nexus Fostering on 0800 389 0143 or visit nexusfostering.co.uk.