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Melissa is 31 and from Wrexham. She is a connected carer for Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Why did you become a foster carer?
“I became a family & friends foster carer (connected carer) to help a friend as her children were going to go into care. The children moved in 14 months ago.”
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your family?
“As a whole family, there are eight of us, there’s myself, my partner, my birth child and then the five foster girls. We all love days out, we like to keep active and busy. Every day is something new, fun and enjoyable!
“We have two cats, Sapphire and Daisy. They love a fuss off the girls.”
Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer or starting the process?
“The process is hard but it’s worth all the gruelling questions in the end. I’ve been able to see the girls achieve so much. I’ve been able to see them become children again and smiling.
What have been the challenges?
“Definitely behaviours, with having so many they some what clash but with a lot of listening we’ve got that under control!”
What changes have you seen in the children you have fostered?
“No longer craving attention. No more talking over one another to be heard, no more survival mode, and wanting food after food, acting like a family, seeing them bond. Being excited to attend school, wanting to do home work!”
What small things have made a big impact?
“The listening to one another, taking time to hear each other out has made their sibling relationship so strong. That was never there before.”
What have been your best memories so far?
“There’s been so many, but definitely has to be Christmas! It was so beautiful to see their faces lit up, and excited to sit down for a Christmas dinner as a family!”
What impact has fostering had on your family?
“I think it’s brought us all closer together, there’s more celebrations with birthdays etc, which has brought us all together more times of the year, which is lovely.”
Please could you ask the child/children you are fostering to describe you and tell us what they say?
“She’s fun! She’s always happy! She like to take us out.”
Request an information pack to find out more about Fostering & how your Local Authority can help you.
