Meet Vale of Glamorgan foster carer of 9 years, Nicola

Nicola has been a foster carer for 9 years. She knew it was something she wanted to do since she was 18 years old. After owning two successful business, a career in nursing and starting her own family she decided it was the right time. Once she felt that her birth children were old enough, she made that step. She has always been involved with children with a big and active family life. Nicola has fostered children from diverse backgrounds and age’s - she currently fosters babies and provides respite.

What first sparked your interest in fostering?

“I have always gravitated towards children and have been very maternal. In my first ever job I met lady who fostered for the local authority, I created many bonds with the children she cared for. I remember thinking to myself what an amazing job – One day, I am going to do that and make a difference in a child’s life.”

Was there anything holding you back, if so, how do you feel about that now?

“The path my life took with running my businesses and raising my children meant that I did not have the time to foster. I wanted to foster full time, so I decided to wait until my children were older and I had more free time. I knew that I was not going to have any more of my own children and I wanted to give other children the life I was able to provide for my own. I had to be sure that it was the right time for me and my family.”

How does fostering fit around your life commitments?

“I gave up my job as a nursery nurse to be a dedicated, full time foster carer so that I could commit 100% to the child.”

“At first, I was worried how my children react. However, when I asked them how they would feel about it they really pushed me to go for it as they knew it would be something I would love doing and thrive in. My children love fostering just as much as I do, and it has helped them grow. It has had a positive impact on their lives because they do not take anything for granted, understand the world a bit better and have so much understanding and empathy for others.”

“The children you look after really do become part of your family. I am still in contact with children who have moved onto adoption, so I still get a chance to watch them flourish. I am still ‘Aunty Nicki’ to them!”

What does fostering mean to you?

“As a family, we get the chance to meet children from all different walks of life. We can love and care for them as if they are your own and watch them thrive. Every child deserves to be loved and nurtured. To make a difference in just one child’s life makes it all worth it.

It is not all a smooth journey, there are some tough times. However, the rewarding outweighs the challenging times. It is the best job I could ask for.”

What advice would you give to someone considering fostering?

“Just go for it! Half of the battle is making that first step. If you are considering it, you must be dedicated and committed. Your motivation should be for the children and nothing else.

You get so much support from the local authority. You have your own social worker plus you get know the child in your care’s social worker. You really become part of the team supporting the child. The local authority regularly holds meetings with the team managers and foster carers, so you have a chance to meet everyone and get your voices heard. Not only do you get help from the team, but you also have an amazing group of foster carers surrounding you. We have created close relationships and a support network. There is always someone on the other end of the phone ready to help when you are in need or just need a listening ear. Fostering has created a second family for me.”

If Nicola’s story has inspired you to make that first step, contact us:

valeofglamorgan.fosterwales.gov.uk

01446 729600

fostercare@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk