Cara & Charlotte's Blog

“I don’t see her as my foster carer, she’s like my mum”

“I’m 17-years-old and I’m currently at college studying BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care. Being in care has shaped what I want to do growing up, I just want to help other children.

“I work at a Family Centre in Essex and we run sessions and groups based on specific needs, how to cope with certain situations, it just makes a difference.

“I see children struggling with how to express their feelings, I feel like I’m in a unique place to understand them and to share what I’ve learnt along the way.

“In five years’ time I’d like to be a Social Worker, to really make a difference in other people’s lives.”

“I don’t see Cara as my foster carer, she’s like my mum. She got me into a good school, encouraged me to get good grades, she wants me to be the best that I can be. I wouldn’t be sat here today if I stayed where I was, Cara has changed everything for me.”

Foster mum Cara Fitch shares her experience

“When Charlotte first arrived with us at 9 years old, she was this ball of anxious, nervous energy and that just descended. It’s fair to say there had been lots of disruption in her early years so it was important for us to make this work, she needed a long-term commitment, a family.

“Charlotte quickly became a natural part of the family and we’ve never looked back.

“Charlotte’s always had an affinity with children, and this drive to do better than what she had as a child, to be that support that she always wished was there for her. I’m so proud of Charlotte, she’s a beautiful young woman.”

“I think fostering is the best thing we’ve ever done, it becomes a way of life. If you’ve already looked after children and have spare time in your life, then it’s easier than you realise.”

To find out more about fostering you can attend one of the online information events where you can speak with the team and foster carers and ask any questions you may have.