Helen and Martyn have completed 30 years of fostering, during which they have cared for 30 children in both short-term and long-term placements plus a few more for short breaks only. This is an incredible achievement and a testament to their dedication and kindness. Their efforts have positively impacted many lives.
We caught up with Helen and Martyn to discuss their fostering journey.
What motivated you to become a foster carer?
Martyn’s parents were foster parents, so Martyn grew up as part of a fostering family. When we met, fostering was new to me, but we started to help his parents out by supporting the children in their care for short breaks and then we decided to pursue it and were approved as full-time foster carers.
What is your biggest achievement?
Our biggest achievement is undoubtedly our 30 years of fostering. It’s a massive accomplishment to raise a fostering family. We couldn’t have done it without the support of our birth children, they have always welcomed the foster children into our home and supported us throughout the journey.
There have been many highs and lows. Reaching 30 years has given us a chance to reflect on the difference we have made, whether small or life changing. Whether the children move back to their families, transition to independent living, or just need holiday cover, it all makes a difference. We are fortunate to keep in touch with many of the children we have cared for.
What have been your biggest challenges?
Fostering can be a rollercoaster of emotions. We have experienced very difficult times, one of the most challenging in recent years was a family bereavement, navigating through the grieving process was particularly challenging.
What support do you receive from FWC?
We always have support when we need it. Our supervising social worker is always ready to listen if we need to offload. We have known our supervising social worker for many years and feel highly supported. Being part of the team at Foster Wales Cardiff is reassuring and helps us continue our fostering journey.
What is your advice to anyone thinking of fostering?
Fostering is not childminding. You must be realistic that it’s not always easy, but we’ve loved it. Our 30-year journey has had its challenges, but if you can offer children the stability and space they need, then do it. Making any difference to a child’s life is positive.
want to start your own fostering journey?
If reading Helen and Martyn’s story has encouraged you to think about becoming a foster carer, then we’d love to hear from you.
Living in Cardiff, Wales? Send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
If you live in Wales, visit the Foster Wales website where you can find all the information and contact your local authority service.
