Don & Bernadette

Husband and wife Don and Bernadette have been fostering teenagers in the London Borough of Newham for more than six years. They say they have found the role of foster carer to be one of the most rewarding and uplifting.

“Even though there have been many demanding challenges and stressful situations in looking after the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people in our community, the belief that you are making a difference in a young person’s life is a very fulfilling feeling,” says Don.

Don describes the assessment process as “rigorous but necessary.” Training is thorough and Don and Bernadette have enjoyed access to help and support from the council’s fostering team.” It is good to know that, with Newham, you are never alone in having to deal with difficult situations, arising from being in foster carer,” says Don.

Don says there are also other professional bodies within Newham that are easily accessible. One good example is the Fostering United Newham group forum, which is run solely by foster carers for foster carers and offers practical advice and answers to any issues relating to fostering.

“As well as being financially supported by the London Borough of Newham, the knowledge that you have helped bring some security, stability, and happiness into the lives of the most vulnerable children and young people, and helped put a smile on a face, where there once wasn’t one, is reason enough to be a foster carer.”