Meet Muriel

At 63 years of age, single carer, Muriel has been fostering for seven years. This is her story.

“Since I was 16 years old, I’ve known that fostering is something I would like to do.

“Coming from a similar background to many children in foster care, I wanted to make a difference and ensure that children don’t go through what I went through.”

It’s important to take up fostering when it’s the right time for you and discuss the prospect with your family to ensure that they are also comfortable.

After Muriel’s three older sons moved out and she retired from the health service at 55 years old, she decided that was the right time for her and her family.

“I would be lost without fostering - it gives me so much pleasure.

“I enjoy taking the children out to places they have never been or had a chance to experience.

“It’s the simple things, like seeing their faces light up when you buy them something, often small, like a new pair of pyjamas.

“It keeps me busy and gives me opportunities to meet new people.”

When you become a foster carer, you become part of a community. Foster Wales Vale of Glamorgan have several support groups where nearby foster carers can meet up and form a support system for one another, whether that be discussing concerns or giving advice.

“As difficult as the journey is in the beginning, it’s an amazing experience and gives you so much back.

“You meet so many different professionals and foster carers.

“If you need help, you can phone your supporting social worker or even reach out to the managers or non-social workers in the team like Alex - she is amazing and always willing to help me.”

Foster Wales has an approachable team that are always available to support you. As a local authority, we are with you at every step of your fostering journey.

If Muriel’s story has inspired you to find out more, visit the Vale of Glamorgan Foster Wales website to have an informal chat about fostering.