From winning the Best Support Carer in Bradford award in 2018 to becoming a full-time foster carer in 2020
Starting her foster care journey
Linda’s foster carer journey began over 10 years ago when she attended one of our fostering information events and discovered how fostering could improve the lives of children and young people in the Bradford area.
As a self-employed worker, Linda had flexibility in her job role, so decided to apply for a part-time foster carer position at Bradford Fostering.
She knew people her age who looked after their grandchildren, so knew it was possible and wanted to make a difference to a local child.
She said:
“I attended an opening evening to get more information, then filled in an application form when I left.”
“The assessment can seem monotonous and never ending, but it makes you look at yourself and helps you decide if you are committed - support is always just a phone call away.”
“My social worker was very helpful throughout the process.”
What inspired you to become a foster carer?
“I wanted to give something back and had spare rooms at home.
The most rewarding thing about being a foster carer is knowing you are making improvements to a child’s future.
I can now better understand my own upbringing and can now deal with my own issues.”
Training and friendships
As a foster carer, Linda has taken advantage of a wide variety of training to improve her skills, including food hygiene and safer caring.
Alongside our regular support groups, our active Foster Carers’ Association (BIFCA) runs several coffee mornings and social activities for carers to meet and interact with each other.
“You learn every day but training helps, as does chatting with other carers.
“I regularly join coffee mornings and chat to other carers, both about difficulties we face with behaviour and also activities to do with the children.
The foster carer community is happy to assist each other.”
Staying in touch
As a foster carer, Linda has provided stability and a loving home for children in their time of need, and has helped several children move home to their birth parents when the time was right.
She says:
“I am still close to several families who I have helped with their children, it means a lot to know they still want to keep in touch with me and appreciate the help I was able to offer.
These families helped me win the 'Best Support Carer in Bradford’ award in 2018, leading to me becoming a full-time foster carer in 2020.”
What advice would you offer people who are considering becoming a foster carer?
“Do you have a spare room? Do you love children? Do you want to help? If you do, I would tell people to go for it, you wont regret it.”
Would you like to learn more about fostering for Bradford Council?
If you would like to learn more about fostering, download an information pack now or get in touch with one of our friendly team. We look forward to hearing from you.
