Fostering has become ‘our life’ says couple supporting children in Nottinghamshire

The Nottinghamshire couple first discovered fostering and say it has become such a rewarding part of their lives that they now encourage others to take their first step into fostering. What began as a curiosity after seeing a lamppost banner calling on people to foster a child, has since become a way of life.

“Fostering is our life now,” said Paula.

Paula said the support they have received from Nottinghamshire fostering service has helped them with both the rewards and challenges of caring for children.

“I feel like we’ve been really supported, we’ve had excellent supervising social workers, we’ve felt supported by every one of them.”

For the past two years the dedicated couple have been part of the Mockingbird programme which involves linking foster families with an experienced foster carer, known as the ‘hub carer’, who provides guidance and support for adults and children in foster families.

This extended family network brings foster families together into small support groups, known as hubs. Each hub includes up to ten foster families and, together, they form a community where children and carers feel connected and supported.

Paula said the programme’s family-based approach was one of the reasons they were keen to get involved as hub carers.

“The whole idea behind it, which we loved, is that it takes a village to raise a child, and it is based on a family model.

“What the Mockingbird does, by creating this family model, is provide long term stability for those children so that placements don’t break down when there are challenges.

“The Mockingbird hub carers can step in and help, we can say ‘why don’t you bring the children over to us and we’ll have them for a couple of days.’ It normalises care for those children, so it's not respite, it's come and have a sleepover.”

In Nottinghamshire we have three hubs supporting six to ten families each. The hubs have regular meet-ups, shared activities and experiences, help to reduce isolation, strengthen placement stability, and create a sense of belonging.

Reflecting on their fostering journey, Paula acknowledges that fostering can be both challenging and hugely rewarding but says the experience has brought immense fulfilment to their family.

“You’ve got to make sure it is right for your family. If you’ve got children yourself, you’ve got to be talking to them, making sure that they’re happy and want to be involved.”

“You can have a lot of fun with this, and it can be really fulfilling and at the same time it can be really challenging.”

For anyone considering becoming a foster carer, Paula’s message is simple: embrace the support available and become part of the wider fostering community.

Councillor Rory Green, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, echoed Paula’s message encouraging people to consider fostering. He said, “Our foster carers are amazing people, Paula and Andy’s story proves that. They are selfless in the support they give and that has made a huge difference to children in our county.

“I want to say a big thank you to them both for their years of dedication, we really cannot do it without you. It was a pleasure meeting them both and seeing firsthand the support the Mockingbird group provides to foster carers.”

“If you have ever thought about becoming a foster carer please get in touch. I know there are more people who can offer their time and support to children who need it, and we are here to help you with support and advice.”

If you are interested in fostering for your local council, take your first step today. Find out more by visiting Foster for East Midlands or call 03033 132950.