“As a single parent I’m not what most would consider as a typical foster carer; it just shows that those from all walks of life can do it successfully”
Friday 19 June 2020
“It’s such a positive thing to be working with these teenagers. They have often had many chances taken away from them already and experienced much disappointment. They often crave some stability and routine. I love showing them that there is a better way and instilling some self-worth in them, so they can have a happier life”.
Pride month
Friday 19 June 2020
Our carers come from all walks of life, all genders and all ages because we know that what’s important is that they can offer the care, security and stability that a vulnerable young person needs.
Read Paul and husband Gerry's story of fostering here.
“You often want to change the world. When you foster a child, you change their world. And your own” - foster carer of 30 years reveals joy of fostering
Thursday 14 May 2020
Fran Barzoukas from Basildon is urging people to think about whether fostering could be a life-changing opportunity for their own future.
“Being a foster parent has very much enriched my life for the better. It’s not always easy, but l wouldn’t change it for one minute. You often want to change the world but when you foster a child you often end up changing their world. And your own”.
“You just have to use the cards you’re dealt with and play your best game with it” - Benfleet Police Officer’s advice to other foster children
Thursday 14 May 2020
Police Constable Stuart Sheridan, aged 32, has been in the foster care system since a baby. When he was 7 years old, he was taken into care by Fran Barzoukas from Basildon.
“I distinctly remember feeling terrified when I first turned up. Fran just seemed to get it though. She made a real effort with me even though I was probably very difficult. My favourite memory was being treated to a Burger King. It’s sometimes the smallest gestures which have the biggest impact”.
Josh, now 24, was with other foster carers until the age of 13 when he went to live with Colchester foster parents Iain and Karen Cameron.
“I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.....
"My foster family made me believe that I could achieve"
Tuesday 28 April 2020
“Foster children can make you feel so proud when they do well. If I can make a difference to one child, then I feel I have done a good job,”
Tuesday 4 February 2020
It was a radio interview about fostering on Dream 100 that sparked her interest. Having adopted her niece, now 25, she already had a positive relationship with social services and knew fostering could be the job for her.
Following the interview, it wasn’t long before Maria, 46, and husband Phil, 55, were caring for their first foster child – an eight-year-old girl who, backed by the Ledgertons, has excelled at school.
‘It was my birthday and she just walked up to me, gave me a hug and said she loved me’
Tuesday 21 January 2020
In 2020, up to 500 children in Essex are expected to come into care. Essex County Council needs new foster carers to help change these children’s lives.
Paul and Gerry have seen first-hand how welcoming a child into your home and hearts can turn a young person’s life around. “One of our foster children has been with us for seven years. She’s now 17 and is at college.
“Being fostered changed my life” – new mum’s message to potential foster carers
Monday 13 January 2020
Kerry, from Dunmow, is now 28 but she was 13 when she was taken into care because her mother, who had mental-health issues, could not look after both her and her younger brother.
Proud foster parents who transformed the life of a boy “He just needed someone to believe in him.”
Tuesday 7 January 2020
So, six years ago they turned to fostering and because it has been such a positive experience, they are urging potential foster carers to come forward.
In 2020, up to 500 children in Essex are expected to come into care. Essex County Council needs more foster carers to help transform these children’s lives.