The Word
CONSIDERING FOSTERING? Avery Bowser, Fostering Services Manager at Action for Children in Northern Ireland, discusses how to know if it is the right time to start your fostering journey. TALK Discuss what you are thinking with your family and friends. Ask their honest opinion whether they think you have the skills to be a foster carer. Things to consider would be: are you empathetic, caring, resilient and patient? If you know anyone who fosters, talk to them. START READING There are a lot of resources out there that will give an insight into fostering. The Action for Children website features fostering blogs filled with tips and advice. You can also find real stories from our foster carers who discuss what fostering is like for them. DO RESEARCH Now is the time to ask questions. Are you unsure if you meet the criteria to foster? Do you want to know more about fostering? Then contact our fostering team. They will send you a copy of our information pack and chat through any questions you may have. CONSIDER YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES Have you recently had a relationship breakdown, lost a job, or experienced bereavement? If you have had a major change in circumstances in the last year, now might not be the best time to foster. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF There are questions you need to ask yourself. Such as, are you ready to invite someone into your family and your life? How is your general health, fitness, and wellness? Do you have other commitments or stressors in your life? When you foster, you need to
Avery Bowser.
be able to say to yourself honestly that any children who live with you, will be your priority. Fostering is not easy. However, watching a young person thrive in a safe and loving home is such a special and rewarding experience. To foster you need to be over 21 years old, have a spare room and have love to give. To find out more call 028 9046 0500 or visit: actionforchildren.org.uk/fostering
A Magical Christmas Experience at Titanic Belfast Watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his Elves count down to their favourite night of the year in Titanic Belfast’s Magical Christmas Experience from 23rd November - 23rd December! Journey through the Enchanted Forest to make a wish by the Magical Wishing Tree, before stepping through the Old Curiosity Shop to enter the Elves’ Workshop! Visit Mrs Claus in her cosy kitchen to hear Christmas tales, stop by the bustling post office to write and post your Christmas letter and peek into the toy shop where the Elves have been hard at work, before letting your creative juices flow with some arts and crafts! Finally, wrap up your Magical Christmas Experience by having your name checked off the ‘Naughty or Nice’ list by the Chief Elf – those on the ‘Nice’ list will get to meet Father Christmas!
Christmas Escape
The Central Hotel Make the Central Hotel your home away from home this Christmas
Warm Welcome to the Central Hotel with Mulled Wine & Warm Mince Pies on Christmas Eve Traditional Christmas Day Lunch In true Christmas atmosphere you will indulge in the finest of local fayre overlooking Donegal Bay Christmas Evening Supper St Stephen's Day Sumptuous Evening Dinner followed by live entertainment in the Central Bar Late Checkout
Christmas 3 Day Escape €465pps Christmas 2 Day Escape €365pps (Includes Full Irish Breakfast)
CENTRAL HOTEL CONFERENCE & LEISURE CENTRE
CALL 0035374 97 21027 WWW.CENTRALHOTELDONEGAL.COM
Make Christmas memories to last a lifetime and book your tickets today at titanicbelfast.com/magicalchristmas 188
PAGE188.indd 2
05/10/2022 09:52
