Sisters get behind Greenwich’s appeal for more foster carers

Greenwich council says it urgently needs more foster carers to provide children and young people with a safe and caring home while they are unable to live with their own families.

And two sisters, whose parents have fostered more than 60 children since 2008, are only too happy to support the campaign by saying how the experience enriched their own lives.

Chloe, 21, and Hannah, 19, have had two foster brothers living with them for almost 10 years and have been speaking about what it was like growing up in a fostering household to encourage other people to consider.

Hannah said: “The first child my mum fostered was the first friend I ever had. When I was younger, having other children in our house was fun – it was like a sleepover that never ended. Having those experiences shaped who I am, making me able to be sociable and enjoy meeting new people.

“It’s taught me how to adapt and communicate to different people. It’s easy for me to interact with people from all walks of life, cultures and backgrounds. It’s definitely improved my social skills.

“Last year, the council took foster families down to Southend. I’m scared of rides, but my little brother was being so brave – I was so proud of him. I love seeing them grow. I also enjoy helping them with their homework and school exam preparation.”

Chloe said: “I never really understood it when I was younger. One day there was a baby in our house, and I was confused about the concept. As I got older, I understood the impact my family were having on children who needed a safe home. I now appreciate the responsibility I have and understand how life-changing fostering can be.

“I’m someone’s pillar now and someone’s important person that they look up to and get advice from. All children need someone to depend on, no matter what their age and no matter if they’re foster children or not. It’s taught me how to be a good listener for someone else.

“We stay in touch with our foster children and one of my favourite memories was when one of our previous foster babies’ adoptive parents asked us to be a god family for them. It was such an amazing feeling but really emotional too.”

The pair admit fostering is not without enormous sacrifices, with the biggest arguably the moment of parting.

Hannah said: “The biggest challenge for us is having the foster children leave. We make a connection with them even if they’re here for one day. We like to look back at pictures or talk about children who have stayed with us as a family. We stay in touch with some of them by texting or calling and seeing how they’re getting on in life.”

Both women believe their experiences have shaped their future ambitions.

Hannah said: “My experience with fostering and seeing what some of the children had been through made me want to work in social justice. I’m currently training to be a lawyer so I can play an active role in changes lives”

Chloe said: “I’ve been around children all my life, so I want to work with them. I’m currently training in medicine and would love to work in pediatrics – perhaps as a GP.”

A council spokesman said: “We need more foster carers because demand is high. If you are are considering fostering, you can take the first step by heading to royalgreenwich.gov.uk/fostering.”

Pictured top: Chloe and Hannah, who have shared their views about welcoming foster children to their home (Picture: Greenwich council)