"I love what I am doing and am considering early retirement to give all my time to more work in fostering."
We talk to Connie, one of St Christopher's foster carers, about why she chose to become a carer and how she manages a teenager and an autistic child.
Why did you decide to foster?
My sister fosters in Ireland and I could see how enjoyable and rewarding it can be. As my own children got older (teenagers) I decided I would love to share our loving home with a child who needs it.
How did you find out about fostering?
Well would you believe, on an evening out with friends in and I saw an advert on the back of the door in the ladies’ toilet! I thought I am going to ring this number and get started.
How has St Christopher’s performed as an agency for you?
They make it fun and have fun days out for the children to join in, meet each other and make friends. I can also tell that St Christopher’s cares for each child individually and has their care as their upmost goal.
What have some of the challenges been?
St Christopher’s was my hero and found me matches to fit in with my hours and continue to support me in this. This is now proving successful. St Christopher’s arranged a training course for me and this was very informative and proved invaluable to me.
The placement is going extremely well. I am very lucky with my foster children with their individual characters - I get a lot of fun from them.
How has fostering been rewarding?
My placement is now a fine young teenager who knows the values of life… sometimes he forgets them but they are there. My autistic child is expressing himself so much more and is also developing in his self care, for example making tea and toast, getting his own clothes out and talking a little more. I feel very much appreciated by the agency and this in itself is a reward, as gives so much self worth. Also social workers give positive feedback.
I was given an award at the last awards day and it was like having a lottery win. I love what I am doing and am considering early retirement in my work to give all my time to more work in fostering.
What advice would you give to people considering fostering?
I am one of the least likely person you would expect to foster and my friends say they wouldn’t have thought of me in this role. And nor would I, but I love it!
Find out more about fostering or if you are interested in becoming a foster carer with St Christopher's please contact us.