Ever wondered what it’s really like to be a foster carer? Becky, who fosters with South Gloucestershire Council, shares her honest and heartfelt journey of long term fostering. From the everyday moments to the life-changing ones, she talks about why she started fostering, what it involves, and how it’s shaped her life in ways she never expected.
What does being a foster carer involve?
“Fostering means opening your heart and home to a child or young person in need of safety, stability, and support. It’s about being a steady presence—helping with homework, celebrating milestones, or simply listening when they need to talk.
“Every day is different, but each moment is a chance to make a lasting impact. Fostering goes beyond providing shelter; it’s about creating a loving, secure environment where a child can feel safe, grow in confidence, and just be a kid.
“Whether you’re solving tricky maths problems, sharing in their triumphs, or offering comfort during tough times, you become their advocate, role model, and sometimes the first consistent adult in their life.
“It’s not always easy—many foster children have faced difficult experiences—but with patience, empathy, and support, the rewards are profound. You’re never alone: training, guidance, and a strong community are always there to help.
“The difference you can make—for both yourself and the child—is truly life-changing.”
Why did you become a foster carer?
“I always wanted to make a difference—even if it was just in one child’s life. That feeling has never changed.
“I’ve always felt drawn to supporting children who haven’t had the easiest start in life. I knew I had a safe, loving home to offer, and I thought, “Why not?
What type of fostering do you do?
“I’m a long-term foster carer, and I’ve had ‘Daisy’ with me for four wonderful years. Honestly, I think I’ve learned more from her than she has from me! I feel incredibly lucky to have built a strong and lasting relationship with an intelligent, sensitive, funny, and kind young person – we’re in this for the long haul.
“I’ve also had other young people stay with me on short-term placements, which are fun, challenging, and rewarding. They help foster the idea of a wider fostering family, and each placement brings something new to my home.
“Every foster carer’s experience is different. Some care for babies, teenagers, children with disabilities, or sibling groups who need to stay together. There’s flexibility—whether it’s overnight, short-term, or long-term care. But at the heart of it, every child is looking for the same thing: safety, stability, and someone to care for them.”
What’s the most rewarding part of fostering?
“It might sound sentimental, but seeing a child begin to trust again—hearing their first genuine laugh or watching them open up—is something truly special. Helping a young person regain confidence and believe in themselves again is the most meaningful reward.”
What support do you get from the council?
“South Gloucestershire Council is fantastic—you’re never on your own. There’s training, a 24/7 helpline, other foster carers to connect with, and an entire support team behind you.
“I chose South Gloucestershire Council because they’re the local authority, meaning they work directly with children who need homes in our area. That helps foster placements stay close to schools, friends, and communities, making a real difference in stability and continuity.
“The council also offers personal and consistent support. You’re not working through a third party—you are part of a team that knows the children, understands their needs, and supports you throughout the journey.
- They prioritise keeping children local and stable – something that aligns with why I foster.
- There’s no profit motive – everything is focused on what’s best for the child.
- You’re not just a number – each match is carefully considered, and carers receive thoughtful support.”
How has fostering changed your life?
“It’s not just the foster child who grows it’s everyone in the household. You all go on a journey together, learning about compassion and strength.”
What are the challenges?
“You don’t have a magic wand. Fostering isn’t about fixing everything overnight. Some days are hard. Knowing the difficult circumstances that bring children into care can be heart-breaking.
“Some children come with trauma, and that can be tough to navigate. The hardest part is seeing how vulnerable children have been let down by adults who were meant to protect them. That never gets easier.
“But fostering is about providing consistency and showing young people that things can be different. That’s why there’s so much training and support available. And the good days? They absolutely outweigh the tough ones.”
Do you still keep in touch with any children you’ve fostered?
“Yes, and it’s always lovely.”
What would you say to someone considering fostering but feeling unsure?
“You don’t have to be perfect. You just need patience, empathy, and a willingness to learn. If you have space in your heart and home, there’s a child who could truly benefit from it.
“Start with a conversation. Fostering is flexible, and carers are always needed. Some people begin with short-term placements or stay-over care and later move into long-term fostering. No matter the type of care, you’re part of an incredible fostering family.”
Financial allowances and working while fostering
“Foster carers receive a financial allowance to cover the child’s needs—food, clothing, school costs, and activities. It also recognises the time and commitment fostering requires.
“There fees are in line with government guidance, ensuring carers are fairly supported. Most foster carers do it because they genuinely want to make a difference—not as a job replacement. But South Gloucestershire Council ensures fostering is sustainable, providing allowances based on experience and the child’s needs.
“Some carers work alongside fostering. I work full-time, and my employer has been incredibly supportive of my fostering journey. It’s possible to do both, but flexibility helps!”
Ready to make a difference?
Fostering is one of the most powerful ways you can change a child’s life and your own. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time to take the first step. Get in touch to find out more about the support, training, and community available to foster carers in South Gloucestershire.
📞 Call us on 01454 866423
📧 Email us on foster@southglos.gov.uk
🌐 Or contact us online
