Pearl and Nigel have first-hand experience helping to transform the lives of children. They have five grown-up children between them and decided to foster when they were in their mid-fifties about 11 years ago.
The couple decided to look after children with disabilities and chose to offer respite care to see if they liked it. Their passion for the job took them by surprise and they soon asked to foster children on a long-term basis.
Now they look after two children with learning disabilities. Pearl said: “We love life with them. It’s hard work but also very rewarding. Things that they do you would probably take for granted with another child but for us it is quite a big deal.
“The county council gives you a lot of support and training and there are carers’ groups you can access. We think it’s the better option to foster through the council rather than an outside agency because of this support.
“It is such a rewarding career but if you are on the cusp of deciding, at least try respite or short-term care because it gives you a feel of what is right for you.”