Summer is a special time for families — a chance to slow down, soak up the sunshine, and make memories that last a lifetime. For Gemma, a foster carer in South Gloucestershire, it’s also a time to nurture bonds and create unforgettable experiences with the children in her care.
“We always try to make summer exciting,” Gemma says with a smile. “We kicked things off with a trip to Cornwall — it’s where we’re from originally, so it’s like going home. The kids love it because, obviously, it’s beaches, isn’t it?”
From there, the summer calendar filled up fast. There were visits from friends, day trips to Longleat, and a surprise weekend in Birmingham still under wraps. “That one includes tobogganing, tubing, and a visit to the Trentham Monkey Forest,” Gemma laughs. “They don’t know about that yet. It’s a bit like the lemur enclosures, but monkeys — probably going to be terrifying! They’re going to love it.”
To help keep things calm and predictable, Gemma uses a summer holiday planner. “Both girls have one in their room so they can see what’s happening each day. It helps them feel secure — they know where they are and what they’re doing.”
Making Memories
But one of the most powerful memories didn’t happen this summer — it was last year, when Gemma fought hard to take the young person in their care to Disney World.
“We took our young person to Florida,” she says. “It wasn’t easy to arrange, but I did everything I could to get her there because she’d never been in respite. “I just couldn’t say to her, ‘You’re a part of our family, but we’re going on holiday without you.’ Even if I explained it, what it boiled down to was: we’re going, and you’re not. And I just couldn’t do it.”
Thanks to the support of their amazing social worker Clare, they made it happen — and it was worth every bit of effort.
“It was transformative. We had the best time. It completely changed the relationship dynamic. We thought we were as close as we could be, and then you do something like that and it’s even more. It was just so wonderful.”
The trip was full of firsts: her first time on a plane, her first roller coaster, and her first glimpse of Disney World.
“Seeing her face walking into Disney World — it was overwhelming. I was welling up. It’s a lot, even for an adult. And the two girls, they just loved it. And we loved them loving it. It was amazing.”
For Gemma, fostering is full of moments like these — big and small — that make it all worthwhile.
“Fostering isn’t always easy, but it’s the most rewarding thing we’ve ever done. There’s no job like it. I’m proud of what we do. We’re doing something good. We’re doing a good job for someone, we’re changing her life.”
Like Gemma, you could be the reason a child smiles. You could give them their first trip on a plane, their first roller coaster ride, their first memory of what family feels like.
To find out more about fostering with South Gloucestershire Council, fill in our get in touch form, or call 01454 866423.
