Partners Jack and Colin, together with Jack’s mum Mary, are foster carers who live in Blaenau Gwent.
the foster family
For Jack and his mum Mary, fostering always felt like something they wanted to do.
“I remember, there were adverts in the paper for Foster Care Fortnight and we would always talk about who we could help.”
They have been fostering together for eight years now and Jack’s partner, Colin, joined their fostering family three years ago. They care for two boys: 16-year-old Sam and 10-year-old Ben.
“Because of the age gap, we’ve tried to teach the boys in different ways. We want them to know that they don’t have to be the best; they just have to try their best.”
“fostering is a way of life”
For Mary, Jack and Colin, fostering isn’t just part of their life – it’s their whole life. They know being a foster carer means making a commitment. It’s challenging, but it’s rewarding too. They know how much it matters, and can see the positive changes in Sam and Ben’s lives.
“we’re just helping them by giving them all the things that we believe children deserve to have, like a home, people who love them and a place to feel safe.”
“we’re all one big team”
Teamwork is important. Jack, Colin and Mary aren’t in it alone – they’re part of our local Foster Wales Blaenau Gwent team. We’re always available, whether it’s for advice, training or just as someone to talk to.
“Our social worker is so good at listening and giving us a moment to stop and take a deep breath before we carry on again.”
We’re committed, just like they are – we’re in it together.
want to start your own fostering story?
If reading Jack, Colin and Mary’s story has inspired you to take the first step towards fostering, we’re looking forward to hearing from you. Get in touch today, and let’s get started:
want to learn more?
Find out more about fostering and what it could mean for you.
Our fostering success stories are based on the real-life experiences of Local Authority Foster Carers in Wales. To protect their privacy, and the privacy of the children and young people to whom they provide care, love and support, all the names have been changed and actors have stepped in to help us tell their amazing stories.
