Our Bridgend foster carers Amy and Rhys says they’re so proud of the way their three daughters have made the child in their care feel like “one of the gang”.
As part of Children of Foster Carers Week (from October 13 to October 19), Foster Wales carers are sharing stories of how their children have helped make those in their care feel happier, more welcome, safer, and more loved.
Some people say the potential impact on their children is one of the barriers to becoming a foster carer, but many children find benefits to being a part of a family who fosters. Seeing life from another’s perspective can be an enriching experience that can help a child learn and develop as an individual. Children also find they can develop their own bonds with children who are fostered in their home.
Foster carers Amy and Rhys
Amy and Rhys fostered a young person through Foster Wales Bridgend for the last year, and said they’ve been blown away by the support of their daughters Georgia, 14, Grace, 12, and Gabi, 8.
“It’s made us so proud,” Amy said. “They have acted in such a wonderful way and have always helped out and just the way they have taken to it. They have been brilliant.”
Amy said it was important for them to always involve their daughters in the fostering process.
“I first brought it up to the children before I spoke to Rhys,” Amy said. “They were very positive right from the beginning, from the first social worker visit.
“They treat her as one of the gang. The eldest has mentioned that it’s made her feel more grateful for her life and helped her realise not everyone has it so easy. They are very appreciative of what they have got.”
Fostering community and support
Rhys said he’s been pleased by the amount of support the family have received from the fostering community.
“We often go to the coffee mornings where it’s a great chance for the younger children to get together to play and for us to ask questions and seek advice,” he said.
“Being new to fostering there are a lot of things we’re having to learn. The community we have and the support we get from other foster carers and the social workers has helped us along with the process.”
Their daughter Georgia shared “I feel good about being able to help other children and it makes me grateful for having a secure family. I love the activities arranged for foster families and feeling like a part of the fostering community. I like how our family works together and how it has brought us closer, fostering makes me feel happy that I can give something back to someone who is in need.”
When asked about their children and fostering, Amy added “Our girls have made us so proud by giving their all when caring for their foster sibling. They have accepted her into our family and love showering her with love and attention. Our girls have been patient and kind, but most of all, mature in their approach to accepting the change of having a new member of the family in our house. They have loved the whole experience and that makes us both proud and happy.”
Could your family foster in Bridgend?
If Amy, Rhys and their girls have inspired you to get the conversation started about fostering in Bridgend, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via our enquiry page.
Our Recruitment Officer will call you for a quick chat so you can ask any questions you may have and we can explain the process. From there, they will come and visit you in person for a more in-depth chat to get to know you and your family a bit better.
If you reside outside of Bridgend, please visit the Foster Wales website and click through to your relevant local authority.
