Watch Blake’s story to see why you should become a foster carer in Calderdale
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In a plain-speaking video, teenager Blake explains the difference foster carers made to his life and why you should sign up now to help address the issue of a shortage of families offering loving homes.
From helping to overcome speech and language barriers to dealing with school and bereavement, Blake tells his story of how foster carers helped to turn his life around.
In an emotive video explaining his experience, he says: “The foster family I lived with for five years were absolutely amazing. They helped me with every barrier I had to overcome, especially speech and language.
“I had a bereavement in my family . . . and they absolutely smashed that, getting me every single help.”
He adds: “We had another little boy with us as well but they juggled it really well cause it was quite difficult. They always outshone in everything they did for me. They showed that they loved me.
“You’ve got to be patient with a lot of kids and just be mindful of what they may have gone through as well.
“If you’re in it for the right thing do it, cause you’re giving a kid a home that they need. If it turns out great, it will be the best thing for them.
Blake’s powerful message is part of Calderdale Council’s campaign to recruit more foster carers in the borough. It’s available to watch here on the council’s and Foster4Calderdale’s social media channels.
Like the rest of the country, Calderdale has a shortage of local authority foster carers to care for children and young people of all ages. Their ‘Everything’ project is the largest public sector fostering film collaboration yet, with Calderdale Council taking part as one of more than 100 nationwide participants.
There are a number of different types of foster care, including short-term fostering, emergency fostering and long-term foster care. All can have a big impact on making a positive difference to a child’s life.
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Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr Adam Wilkinson, said: “Foster carers are amazing people who provide a loving family home where children and young people can feel safe, settled and happy. For some, the relationships between foster carers and young people can last a lifetime.
The love and care that our foster carers show is truly inspiring, and we know there are many more Calderdale residents whose kindness could transform a foster child’s life. I’d encourage anyone who’s considering a career in foster care, to speak to our supportive team and find out more about what the process involves.
He added: “Being a foster carer is such an important role, and there’s lots of support available as well as many additional benefits including a full council tax exemption for Calderdale foster carers who live in the borough. We’re also proud to have been granted Fostering Friendly employer status by The Fostering Network. This demonstrates our commitment to supporting children and foster carers in the borough and means we support our staff members to carry out fostering care responsibilities alongside their work.”
Find out more
For more information about fostering with Calderdale Council, visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/fostering.
The website contains lots of information about the support available and benefits of fostering, as well as detail about the process and commitment involved.
You can also call 01422 266020, email [email protected] or find out more on Facebook