Michael
Michael was 45 when he decided to foster in Lancashire with Community Foster Care.
Michael who is a former chef, grew up in Lancashire in a big family where he was the youngest of nine children, with 15 years between him and his oldest sister.
Having left school at 16, he carved a career in the catering business, working in hotels, pubs and restaurants in and around Blackpool.
“I’d been in catering for more than 20 years and decided I’d had enough. I’d been married and divorced by then and wanted a new direction. I thought about internet sales and that kind of thing. Then I saw something about fostering on TV and that was it”.
Why did you chose CFC?
I heard from someone who fostered that CFC was a very good agency. My neighbours in Preesall were foster carers, so I went to see them about how to get started. They put me in touch with Community Foster Care, and I’ve never looked back. It’s wonderful. I have no regrets about choosing Community Foster Care. I’m so glad I spoke to my neighbours and found CFC. I couldn’t have had a better agency. The staff have given me all the support I need – they’re fantastic. It’s also a non-profit organisation, so everything goes back to the children.
What is your favourite thing about fostering?
Knowing that what I am doing no matter how small it seems could change a child’s life. It’s incredibly rewarding to see children change as they become settled, when they start to make friends and feel happy in themselves. I love it.
How have CFC helped you in your fostering journey as a single carer?
CFC has been beside me on my entire 10-year fostering journey and has helped me become the carer I am today. From my first child – an 11-year-old boy who stayed with me for three months – they have always been there for me.
What is the most important thing you’ve learnt in your fostering journey?
How wonderful and resilient foster kids can be and how they can become a major part of your family. Despite a poor start in life, most strive to succeed. The love and nurturing that happened to me in my own childhood is the main thing that cared-for children miss out on. My job as a foster carer is to give children a stable, loving life and be a role model – someone who will take care of them and be there for them, whatever happens.
What would you say to something who is considering fostering as a single person?
I would say to someone considering fostering - just go for it, it’s wonderful. It is the most rewarding, fulfilling, and fantastic job that you could ever do and that what you do could change a child’s life in the most positive way ever. If you can accept a child into your home and into yours and your family’s lives, then you are doing something truly wonderful. It may not work out, but you have tried and hopefully made that little bit of difference.