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
Down Arts Centre Craft Shop
Down Arts Centre hosts a craft shop specialising in the best of craft both regionally and abroad. Artists include Gill Graham, Mount Ida Pottery and Ghost and Bonesetter plus prints from both Belfast and Seacourt Print Workshops. Come in and collect that special gift or just a treat for yourself. E: downartscentre@nmandd.org T: 0330 137 4014 Ag freastal ar an Dún agus Ard Mhacha Theas Servcing Down and South Armagh 172
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