Love and laughter got me through lockdown

Being a foster carer helped Jeff and his wife Gina get through the pandemic.

“I cannot imagine how lonely and quiet our home would have been if it wasn’t filled with the laughter and fun that these special children have brought us,” he said.

Jeff has been a foster carer for Salford City Council for 10 years and gave up his own business to make the switch.

“I felt very confident as a dad and, as I was working so much, often envied my wife being the main carer for our young children,” he said.

“When our children grew up and started their own families, I realised I enjoyed caring for children so much I wanted to do it as a profession. I thought I’d try it for a year. Here I am 10 years later and it was the best thing I ever did. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.

“We take in children for short periods when they are at their most vulnerable and work with them, their birth families and other foster carers to make their future brighter. They come to me as withdrawn, anxious, unhappy little people and leave with confidence, happiness and the ability to not only take on the world but to put their mark on it.

“It isn’t always easy to say goodbye but it’s always for the best whether they are going back to their family, moving to long-term foster care or being adopted. We stay in touch with a few children who have imprinted on our hearts and I am so proud of what I do.

“I have made so many friends with other foster carers and when restrictions lift I’m looking forward to meeting them again for support or play dates for the kids.”

If you’re looking for a new challenge, there’s a fostering role for you. You’ll get full support from our staff and other foster carers, on-going training and a generous tax free allowance.

If you have no children under 16 living with you and are available during the day, you could join our specialist Focus foster carers looking after vulnerable children. Or be a short-term foster carer like Jeff or provide long-term care for a child until they’re at least 18 years old.

Call 0161 799 1268 or visit www.salford.gov.uk/fostering and change your life and theirs.

Photo posed by models pre-pandemic.