Every child deserves a place to call home and to succeed in their life.
I came into care when I was around 6 years old - and went to live with Gary and Debbie when I was 12, I’ve been with them ever since.
Now I’m 20 years old and entering my 2nd year at the University of Essex studying Finance and Management. I achieved a 1st during my first year of University, which I could never have imagined possible when I was at school.
I went from nearly failing my GCSEs to that in the space of a few years. I honestly couldn’t have done that without Gary and Debbie’s support.
As a foster child moving home is always an upheaval emotionally and mentally, but as soon as I arrived at Gary and Debbie’s, I was immediately made to feel a part of the family.
They treated their foster children like their own children, they involved me in everything they did, and I also got on well with their biological children. I even got teased by them, which just solidified my relationship with the family.
I knew that I was cared for, they treated me with respect and set standards for me to do well in my studies and in my life. These standards, and a new confidence to achieve, helped me push myself harder, especially after nearly failing my GCSEs. With Gary and Debbie’s support I put in the effort I needed to get where I am today.
When I first arrived, I’d been in the care system for 6 years and needed a lot of emotional support. They put in the time to help me and took an interest in what I was doing. These small things made such a difference to my life.
Gary and Debbie never judged me and even when we started to have a few issues after a couple of years we still all put in the effort. I have now been with Gary and Debbie for 8 years and I am lucky enough to still live in their annex whilst I’m at University.
More recently, I chose to be a part of the fostering panel at Essex County Council because I believe my experience of being a foster child has put me in good stead for helping the council make positive changes for all those young people coming into care.
I always tell new children going into care to allow themselves time to get to know their new foster carers, each new home will have new rules and standards. You will both need time to adjust, but you must always meet your foster carers 50-50. It must work from both sides
Foster care is a vital role that is always needed for children for a myriad of reasons. There can be a stigma surrounding foster children, but there are so many ways that children can come into care. Every child deserves a place to call home and to succeed in their life.