Skip to content
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Weather
  • Contact
  • Account
  • Log In
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Weather
  • Contact
  • Account
  • Log In
Explore Liverpool logo white
  • WHAT’S ON
  • OFFERS
  • GUIDES
  • JOBS
  • FOOD & DRINK
    • Gaucho
    • Best Restaurants
  • THINGS TO DO
    • Strawberry Field
    • Liverpool Watersports Centre
  • HOTELS
    • Malmaison
    • Classy Nest
  • DIRECTORY
  • LIVE
  • WHAT’S ON
  • OFFERS
  • GUIDES
  • JOBS
  • FOOD & DRINK
    • Gaucho
    • Best Restaurants
  • THINGS TO DO
    • Strawberry Field
    • Liverpool Watersports Centre
  • HOTELS
    • Malmaison
    • Classy Nest
  • DIRECTORY
  • LIVE

Inspiring stories shared by Liverpool foster carers

  • July 29, 2021
  • Editor
Inspiring stories shared by Liverpool foster carers

A campaign has been launched in which foster carers explain how looking after children in care has changed their lives for the better has been launched in Liverpool.

‘Small moments, big difference’ features inspiring stories from three people who look after sibling groups and teenagers, and is aimed at encouraging more people to come forward to foster with the local authority. 

Last year the council’s fostering service received 522 referrals, of which almost one-third (166) were brothers or sisters.

Because there is a shortage of council foster carers, 31 per cent of the sibling groups were placed with external fostering agencies – some of them outside of the city, or were separated

Over half of looked-after children in Liverpool are aged 10 and over, and last year alone the fostering service received 167 referrals for this group.

As part of Liverpool City Council’s Recovery Pledge, Opening Closed Doors, the fostering service aims to increase foster carers by 50 per year for the next three years.

Maria’s story

 Liverpool foster carer Maria shares a fostering memory that made her realise the difference she’s made. With Maria’s love and support, three siblings are now truly able to be themselves. 

She said: “When you see the kids grow and flourish and do their own thing, you look back and you think they may not have got that far, if they’d been split up.

“The thing I love about fostering is that it doesn’t discriminate, anyone can become a foster carer. There’s always someone out there who needs that care, who needs that love.

“It’s been rewarding for me. I’m 58 and I don’t know when I’m ever going to stop!”

Debbie and Dot’s story

 After two years of fostering, Debbie and Dot reflect on the equal joy and heartache of “fostering firsts” for them and the three siblings they foster.  

“When he said, ‘I love you Nanny Deb and Nanny Dot’, we knew we had gained their trust. 

“My advice if you’re thinking of fostering would be go for it! Don’t wait as long as we did. But only go for it if your heart is really in it. They’ve had a big change in their lives, and you can make that difference, and I think we have.”

Stephen’s story

 As a sole male foster carer, Stephen is passionate about supporting teenagers at a crucial time in their lives.  

He said: “I try and be firm but fair. Have that banter with them and speak on their level as well as being their guardian and setting boundaries.

“Guiding, talking and believing in them, and even that bit of trust in them, helps them make the right decisions.”

Stuart Williams, service manager for Fostering, Adoption and Residential Care Services, said: 

“Across the city we have some truly inspirational people who foster for us.  

“Knowing the impact foster carers have on our young people, fills me with the confidence.

“We have seen a steady increase this year on those thinking about fostering, our enquiry rates continue to rise, but there is so much more to do. 

“Through the Recovery Pledge, Opening Closed Doors, we have made a commitment to recruit a net increase of 50 carers per year for the next three years but we need the city of Liverpool behind us – we need those thinking that this could be them to have the courage to start this journey.”

Councillor Frazer Lake, cabinet member for children’s social care, added: 

“There is nothing more powerful or inspiring than sharing real stories to show the difference fostering makes to children’s and young people’s lives.  

“We also wanted to show that foster carers can all come from different walks of life. If you can offer a happy and secure home to a child, we’d love to speak with you.”

On 29 July, from 6-7pm, the fostering service will be holding a webinar with foster carer Maria as a guest speaker.Find all the details and more at www.fostering.liverpool.gov.uk

READ MORE: Liverpool Football Club support in feeding thousands of local children this summer

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Social Media

Facebook-f Youtube X-twitter Instagram Linkedin Threads

Related Posts

Volunteers sought to try out ‘Tap and Go’ ticketing system

Volunteers sought to try out ‘Tap and Go’ ticketing system

May 15, 2025
New Lord Mayor to be sworn in at Liverpool Town Hall

New Lord Mayor to be sworn in at Liverpool Town Hall

May 14, 2025
Liverpool-Manchester Railway plan could unlock £90bn economic boost

Liverpool-Manchester Railway plan could unlock £90bn economic boost

May 14, 2025
This City Is Ours will return for a second series on iPlayer and BBC One

This City Is Ours will return for a second series on iPlayer and BBC One

May 11, 2025

Categories

  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • Registration
  • Login
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • Registration
  • Login
PrevPreviousLiverpool Football Club support in feeding thousands of local children this summer
NextMetro Mayors join forces to call for extension of Housing First to end rough sleepingNext

Latest Posts

Boojum is giving away 17,000 free meals for students this Wednesday

Boojum is giving away 17,000 free meals for students this Wednesday

Cunard’s Queen Anne returns to Liverpool for 185th Anniversary Celebrations

Cunard’s Queen Anne returns to Liverpool for 185th Anniversary Celebrations

BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend: Simple tips and reminders

BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend: Simple tips and reminders

British Music Experience celebrates Live Aid anniversary

British Music Experience celebrates Live Aid anniversary

Stay in the loop
Never miss a thing! Stay up to date with all the best articles, events and offers from across Liverpool!

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Conditions and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Explore Liverpool about news, events, offers and partner promotions. We never share your information with anyone.

Stay in the loop

Never miss a thing! Stay up to date with all the best articles, events and offers from across Liverpool!

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Conditions and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Explore Liverpool about news, events, offers and partner promotions. We will never share your information.

Keep In Touch

Twitter Facebook-f Youtube Linkedin-in Threads Instagram
Explore Liverpool logo white

Explore Liverpool is a central hub for the Liverpool City Region, helping not only visitors and students but also residents of the city.

EXPLORE MORE

  • Directory
  • LIVE Webcam
  • WhatsAppenin'
  • Newsletter
  • Weather Forecast

USEFUL LINKS

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Login
  • Add Listing
  • Contact
To find out more, please visit our Terms and Conditions page here.

© 2025 Explore Liverpool. All rights reserved.

Change Location
Find awesome listings near you!