Cumbria Fostering is appealing to residents across the county to consider becoming foster carers as part of its latest recruitment drive. The campaign aims to secure safe, stable, and loving homes for local children requiring care.
The initiative seeks to increase awareness about the pressing need for foster carers for children of all ages and backgrounds. This includes sibling groups needing to remain together, teenagers, and children requiring long-term placements. The organisation stresses that carers can come from diverse backgrounds, including single individuals, married couples, those who are working or retired, homeowners, or tenants.
Local foster carers, Stacy and Michael from Workington, are sharing their personal fostering journey to inspire others to learn more. What began as kinship care for family members has evolved into a fulfilling fostering role that has positively impacted children's lives and supported other families through Cumbria Fostering's Mockingbird programme.
“"If you can make a difference to one child, that's one child who can then go on to make a difference to other people."
The couple currently provides a long-term home for a young boy, describing fostering as an integral part of their family life. Stacy added, "The little boy we've got now is just like our little boy. He's fitted into our family. He's like a missing part of our jigsaw."
Michael, who transitioned to full-time fostering, finds a renewed sense of purpose in his role. He stated, "It gives you a sense that you're giving back to the community. You're doing something that's useful to people and making a positive difference to a child's life."
A significant reward for the couple is witnessing children gain confidence and achieve their potential. "Watching children grow, gain confidence and overcome challenges is what makes fostering so special," said Stacy. Michael echoed this sentiment, noting, "That's the reward. Seeing where a child starts and where they are now, and knowing you've had a positive impact on their life, is really special."
Like all Cumbria Fostering carers, Stacy and Michael receive continuous support, training, and guidance. As Mockingbird Hub Carers, they also offer practical and emotional support to fellow fostering families, fostering a robust network around children and carers.
Cumbria Fostering aims to dispel misconceptions, emphasising that foster carers originate from all walks of life. Various fostering opportunities are available, tailored to individual circumstances.
Prospective carers are invited to attend upcoming information events across the county. These include drop-in sessions at Penrith Library on Tuesday 13 October (12pm-1pm) and Workington Library on Wednesday 14 October (1pm-2pm). An information stand will be at The Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle on Saturday 17 October (1pm-3pm). An online information session is scheduled for Wednesday 21 October at 7pm, and an information evening will be held at the Holiday Inn in Barrow on Thursday 22 October from 7pm.
Further details and registration for the online event or the Barrow information evening can be found at cumbriafostering.org.uk.
