For Samantha and Stuart Ockelford from Sible Hedingham, the coronavirus lockdown was a time of transformation. Not only did they successfully challenge themselves to get fitter, they also became foster parents. They've now been fostering for six months.
“It was quite sad in those initial stages as we had to teach her how to eat with a knife and fork. She hadn’t even experienced that, until now. As the weeks went by and she became more settled, we saw a positive improvement in the whole situation and she also started to learn to read. It was lovely seeing her play in the garden. She was learning to be a child again and enjoying being part of a family.”
The couple decided that fostering was meant for them after many years of unsuccessfully trying for their own child.
“Our journey was instead to help children in need. We discussed adoption as a possible option but felt more drawn to short-term fostering, so we could help more children feel wanted. We had the two things needed for fostering in abundance: time and two spare rooms."
Samantha, who now works full time as a foster carer having left her job as a Safeguarding Officer for a local school, say that fostering has enhanced their life greatly.
“It gives you the warmest feeling knowing that when we come to say goodbye, we have made a real difference in her life. We have given her skills that she will continue to use but, more importantly, she now knows that there are people that won’t hurt her and do love her”. Read their full story here.