This year, we are proud to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 30 years of fostering for Graham and Rose! Three decades of opening their home, their hearts, and their lives to children who need safety, stability, and above all, love. Their commitment is nothing short of inspiring.
For Graham and Rose, fostering has never been about doing something ‘extraordinary’. It has always been about doing what feels right.
Why should someone consider fostering?
When asked why someone should consider fostering, they reflected on a simple but powerful question:
“If you go into fostering thinking ‘how would I feel if my children were going into care’, how would you want your children to be treated?
You would want them to be part of a loving family. To be treated equally as your own children. You can’t go far wrong.”
That belief has shaped everything Graham and Rose have done as foster carers. They’ve fostered 13 children long term, often from youngsters through to adulthood and every child who has come to stay have been welcomed as part of their family.
“Every child we’ve had, they’ve come through our front door, and they’re ours. We treat them exactly as our own because they deserve the same amount of love.”
They’re also honest about the realities of fostering. Children are children, after all!
“Don’t expect other people’s children to be better than yours, to behave better, or to hold them to higher standards. Your own children will play up, as will the children that come into your care.”
What matters most is understanding. Many children in care have been through experiences that no child should face.
“It’s important to remember what they may have been through, and that even though you might not always get along with them, you still always love and support them. Why wouldn’t you?”
In Bridgend, we have Pioneer Foster Carers, who are experienced carers that have undertaken additional training to support and mentor other foster carers. Graham has been a fantastic Pioneer, with a wide range of experience in different situations and has supported other foster carers to help get them through when they’ve needed a bit of guidance.
Graham has been a fantastic Pioneer Foster Carer! Whether he’s helping others navigate challenges and providing guidance, or cracking a joke and making people laugh, he’s made a big difference. He’s also a huge part of the fostering events in Bridgend – recruitment pop-ups, coffee support sessions, foster family parties etc!
Graham and Rose’s dedication goes far beyond their own fostering household they continue to give back to the wider community, helping to ensure that foster carers feel confident and supported.
Are you sitting on the fence about fostering?
For anyone thinking about fostering but unsure whether to take the leap, Graham said:
“If you’re sitting on the fence, there’s already a big part of you that wants to do it. And if you weren’t thinking about doing it, you’re not even looking over that fence!”
If you’ve considered it, just do it. There are always people to chat to, to get advice from, and to support you.”
Our Recruitment and Retention Officer Dawn shared:
“Graham and Rose interact with everything that goes on in our fostering community, for example the Halloween parties they always get stuck in and dress up.
Graham is the best coffee maker in our coffee support sessions, he makes everyone feel welcome and included. He’ll chat with anyone and everyone about fostering and how much of a positive impact it’s been on his and his family’s life, and is open in sharing their wealth of experience to help other foster carers grow.
Thank you so much Graham and Rose, you truly are an inspiration in our fostering community in Bridgend!”
Looking back on more than 30 years of fostering, Graham and Rose shared:
“We’ve had an amazing time and we’ve gained children who are still a part of our lives as adults. A massive part of our lives.”
Their story is a powerful reminder that fostering doesn’t just change the lives of children, it enriches the lives of carers too. Graham and Rose’s legacy is not measured in years alone, but in relationships, love, and the lives they’ve helped shape along the way.
Thank you, Graham and Rose, for 30 incredible years of fostering! You have made such a difference and you’re an incredible inspiration for our fostering community.
Inspired by Graham and Rose’s story?
If you’re considering fostering, even if you’re just curious or “sitting on the fence”, we’d love to hear from you. Our friendly team is always happy to chat, answer questions, and support you every step of the way. Get in touch today and find out how you could make a life-changing difference.
If you reside outside of Bridgend, please visit the Foster Wales website and click through to your relevant local authority.
