Member News from Together Trust: “You get to invest time, love and experience in a young person and give them hope for the future": Meet some of the people fostering with the Together Trust

​Every fostering household is different, just like every child in need of foster care is different. We're actively welcoming applications from people from all walks of life, ages, and backgrounds to match with a foster child in urgent need of a home. 

If you’re passionate about providing a stable and nurturing home for young people, you could make a vital difference to a young person in need of a home now - just like these amazing Foster Together families.

“We had wanted kids and fostering seemed like a great option for us,” Lee says, who began fostering with his husband during the pandemic. “Everyone has been supportive since we told them. They can see the difference that can be made to young people in the right environment.” 

“We have experiences that can help young people if they have questions or need advice,” Lee adds. “It’s a great feeling to help someone and set them up for their life ahead.” 

The number of mainstream fostering applications in the UK experienced a staggering drop of 21% between 2018 and 2022.

Long-standing fosterers who foster time after time, like Annette, are therefore even more critical as waiting lists for placements continue to grow.

“Eighteen months ago, another young person came into our family and it’s been wonderful to watch them grow in confidence and develop their self-worth,” says Annette, who has fostered 5 children with her husband over the past decade. 

As well as competitive allowances and fees, the Together Trust provides fosterers with a tailored training programme, access to a round-the-clock duty social worker, and a monthly foster carers’ support group, amongst other benefits.

As a charity, we don’t take any profits for shareholders - all money is used to support and improve the lives of the foster children. 

Annette shares: “The Together Trust give so much to the young people in our care - offering days out and an annual holiday. The whole process of gaining the skills to foster has continued throughout the support that we receive each year.” 

“I decided to foster with the Together Trust because they are a charity,” adds Ronan, who began fostering in 2018. 

“There were a few challenges at first - getting used to having someone new in the house, arranging work around their schedule, being aware of what you say. Mostly just getting used to dealing with a teenager again!

“But there were so many highlights too. You get to invest time, love and experience in a young person and give them hope for the future - just knowing that you’re helping someone and making them feel safe was enough.” 

With Foster Together, we’ve worked hard to build a connected fostering family where staff, carers and families can support each other. In fact, our level of training, support and friendly community mean some of our foster carers have been with us for over 20 years.

Learn more about fostering here or click here to make an enquiry and kickstart your fostering journey.

Source:
www.togethertrust.org.uk

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