Our carers

Our foster carers are as diverse as the children they take care of and bring a wide range of life and work experiences.

One thing our foster carers do have in common however is a passion for transforming the lives of some of Blackpool’s most vulnerable children and young people.

Hear from our foster carers and find out what it is like to foster with us. 

Gillian and Colin

Gillian and Colin have been fostering with us for nearly three years and are currently caring for three boys aged 8, 9 and 15.

They have three birth children. As one of their children still lives at home, the couple were initially seeking to care for younger children so they could see how their son adjusted.

During her support visits, our social worker made sure to include him in her support visits, and he has coped with the change very positively.

After this, Gillian and Colin then decided to consider caring for some of our older children and siblings.

The couple are also part of our Mockingbird programme, which enables our foster carers to join a friendly community with other foster families in Blackpool, just like a big extended family.

We had a quick Q&A with Gillian.

What made you decide to foster?

When we decided to foster, we had a long talk with our own children and we knew that we have the space and time to give another child a place to call home.

How have you found caring for some of our older children?

Older children do give a different kind of perspective as a foster carer, but as long as you have patience it really helps.

How have you found being part of our Mockingbird family?

Since becoming a foster carer, the Mockingbird programme Blackpool Council offer in our opinion has been great. We have a great community of support, and it lets you know that if there is an issue, you’re not on your own. We have monthly socials, coffee mornings and training that suits our needs.

Has fostering changed your lives, and if so, how?

Yes, fostering has changed our lives. We love seeing children safe and happy, and also thriving with the right support in place.

What would you tell someone thinking of fostering?

Sometimes fostering isn’t for everyone, but if you are thinking about it, just talk to someone and ask questions.

Describe fostering in three words

If I could describe being a foster carer in three words, I’d say happy, rewarding and a safe loving home.

Margaret and Graham

Margaret and Graham had thought about fostering for a long time before deciding to apply.

With three grown-up children and nine grandchildren, they are used to have a busy family home! The couple were approved as foster carers in May 2021 and have been looking after a teenager who is now 17.

We caught up with Margaret to find out more about their fostering journey.

Alison and Gary

Alison and Gary believe that fostering is one of the best things they have ever done.

They have been fostering since May 2021 and have helped a teenager make the move from a residential children’s home to their family home. The couple have a teenage son and have been enjoying lots of different family activities.

Listen to the couple share their experience on becoming foster carers.

Diane

Diane has been fostering with us for around 17 years. She was working as a chef when she was called upon to help a group of children.

Diane started off fostering by looking after four siblings and has looked after many children across all ages but now tends to look after older children.

Hear from Diane as she tells us what it’s like to foster teenagers and young people.

Renata 

Renata has been fostering with Blackpool Council for four years and has two sons. She has taken care of several sibling groups during this time.

Renata’s sons have been very positive about having foster children in the house and treat their fostered brothers and sisters as if they were just part of the family.

Find out why Renata decided to start fostering with us.