Wiltshire teen shares impact of fostering in bid to help others
Cora had been in care since the age of 7, but is now thriving in early adulthood
A teenage woman from Wiltshire is urging people across the county to consider opening their homes to children and young people in need of support.
18-year-old Cora is sharing the impact of being fostered in Wiltshire, in a bid to help others find safety and begin to thrive, just as she is.
Having been in care since the age of 7, Cora says being fostered has been "the best thing that I could possibly have ever asked for.”
She tells us that her foster carer allowed her to feel safe, loved and supported during a crucial time in her life.
“She saved me,” Cora said. “She made me feel warm, she made me feel safe, she made me feel welcome. It was lovely to spend time with her, her partner, and siblings. She showed me the life I deserved to be in."
Cora is now flourishing as a college student and living independently, with high hopes for her future.
She's hoping her story inspires us to open our homes and hearts to one of the over 460 children and young people in care across Wiltshire, many of whom require a foster family.
Having more foster carers in Wiltshire allows the Council to ensure children remain close to their communities, schools, and friends.
Wiltshire Council foster carers receive a generous rate of pay and have local opportunities for training, development, and support.
Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We are fortunate to have so many big-hearted people who have opened their homes and helped children and young people turn their lives around. We need more people like our amazing foster carers. Teenagers need love and support just as much as younger children, and fostering them can be incredibly rewarding.”
The fostering team will be at locations across the county in August to provide more information.
They'll be at:
- Barton Farm, Bradford on Avon from 10am – 2pm on Tuesday 5 August
- King George V Park, Melksham from 10am – 2pm on Thursday 21 August
- John Coles Park, Fleet Road, Chippenham from 1pm – 5pm on Sunday 31 August
Foster carers must be aged 21 or over and have a spare bedroom. Those fostering babies up to 12 months can use their own bedroom if space allows for a cot. Carers receive weekly payments ranging from £410 to £760 per child, depending on skills and experience, along with full training and ongoing support.
More information on becoming a foster carer for your local council can be found on Fostering South West’s website, www.fosterwithyourlocalcouncil.org, or you can speak directly to a member of the recruitment team via 0300 456 0120, or [email protected].