For Rachel, fostering was always part of her life plan, long before she made it a reality. It wasn’t just a career change—it was a shift toward a better quality of life, a more manageable work-life balance, and more time with her son. Reflecting on her decision, Rachel attributes it to timing, personal loss, and a desire to be more present for her child. She says, fostering changed her life!
“I’d always wanted to foster,” Rachel shares. “As a qualified nurse, I had spent much of my life caring for others, making fostering feel like a natural extension. But it wasn’t until my son, now eight, was old enough to understand the change that I felt ready.”
Timing
“The timing had to be right,” she explains. “By the time I began the fostering process, my son was on board. We had close friends who were foster carers, so we knew what to expect.
“Before fostering, I balanced a demanding corporate career with single parenting. My son spent more time in after-school clubs than with me. Something had to give,” Rachel says. “While the pandemic allowed me to work from home, it didn’t provide the balance I needed. I was missing out on my son’s school events and I didn’t want to regret not being there for him.”
Personal loss
“Just as I began my fostering journey, I lost my Mum. It was a devastating loss,” Rachel shares. “But it also gave me a new perspective: Life is so short. The loss reaffirmed my decision to foster—a choice that has changed our lives for the better.
“Fostering has created balance in my life. I can now structure my days around my son’s needs. I no longer rely on after-school care, I can do the school run and be more involved in his life.”
“My son embraced fostering. At first, he had to adjust to the fact that the babies couldn’t play the same way his friends did. He quickly developed a strong bond with the children. He’s always excited to see the babies in the morning,” Rachel says with a smile.
“Looking back, I have no regrets about leaving my corporate career. I’ve absolutely loved fostering,” she says. “It’s hard work, but seeing the children grow and knowing I’ve played a part in that—there’s nothing better. Fostering has changed my life. It has allowed me to be the kind of mum I always wanted to be.”
Advice
For anyone considering fostering, Rachel offers this advice: “It’s hard work, but the rewards are amazing. It’s truly the best decision I’ve ever made.”
She adds “For those worried about financial support, as well as the fees and allowances you get as a foster carer, there may be other support available, especially for single parents and low-income families.”
Rachel’s fostering journey has brought her closer to her son while making a lasting impact on the lives of the children in her care.
About Rachel
Rachel has been an approved foster carer with South Gloucestershire Council since May 2024. She’s supporting babies and children up to two years old by providing short-term foster care. Having been a qualified nurse, she’s perfectly placed to care for children with health issues. She’s currently caring for her second foster child who’s been with her for almost four months.
Thinking of fostering?
If you’re feeling inspired by Rachel’s story we’d love to hear from you. Come along to one of our fostering information events, request a Fostering Information Pack or fill in our enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch.
