The first major steps in Rhian and Tom’s fostering journey began in a Costa coffee shop, after hearing a radio advert for fostering with Gloucestershire County Council. “We met some foster carers there who had similar backgrounds to ours… it was a great opportunity to have conversations about the challenges and rewards of being foster carers,” Rhian recalls.

Many foster carers talk about their personal reasons for deciding to foster for their local council. For Rhian and her husband Tom, “local” was the driving reason behind their decision. “Having local children from the area with a local team was important,” Rhian emphasizes. Her career in the NHS also reinforced the importance of “keeping things local.” She always wanted to be part of her local council, which meant they never considered other fostering providers. This emphasis on keeping things local is echoed by many of our foster carers, who also cite benefits such as working for a not-for-profit organization, enhanced training and support, and competitive fees and allowances.

Rhian fondly recalls her favourite moment as a foster carer. She shares a story about home time with a young girl they fostered. In the early stages of caring for this child, “whenever she came out of school, there was always a look of panic on her face. You could see her searching among the parents to see if there was anybody there for her.” It was a significant moment when the child no longer had this look and would just “come out smiling,” making everything worthwhile for the couple.

The biggest surprise from their time fostering? Unfortunately, Rhian shares that it is the magnitude of the need for foster carers in the local area. “I never thought there were that many children in need or that the support for foster carers was as crucial as it is.”

As we wrap up this look into the lives of one of our fostering households, we hope their stories have moved you and shown just how much of a difference they make. Their dedication, kindness, and strength are truly inspiring, and we’re so thankful for everything they do. Stay tuned to meet more of these amazing individuals who make fostering possible. Together, we can support and celebrate the incredible work of our foster carers, making sure every child has the chance to grow up in a loving and caring home.