North Yorkshire couple's 20-year fostering journey reshapes children's lives
Sarah and Tim Sharp inspire others to consider fostering
Sarah and Tim Sharp from Bedale have devoted two decades to fostering children and young people, providing them with love, stability, and care. Their journey began in older adulthood after they welcomed their daughter, Lydia, and decided fostering was the right path for expanding their family. To date, the Sharps have fostered up to 30 children, creating cherished memories through shared experiences like family outings and exploring new interests.
To mark Foster Care Fortnight, the couple hopes to inspire others to make a difference by embracing fostering themselves. Reflecting on their experiences, Sarah and Tim explained:
"“When we first started fostering, children often came into care because parents couldn’t cope, whereas now the service works hard to keep children safely cared for with their families before making a decision to bring children into care.
“We have really noticed how the support has strengthened over the years too. Social workers are far more focused on providing guidance, helping us understand children’s needs and being there when we need advice.”
“If you think you can provide a safe, comfortable, loving household for a child, you’ll gain a lot from it. It is hard work. There’ll be situations you aren’t sure about but make sure to use the support you can get. You are the voice for that child. If you, or they are not happy with anything, you can be their campaigner, you can help them.
“Ask if you need help because that’s what Fostering North Yorkshire are there for. Get as much support as you need and enjoy it!”
Executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson, praised the couple, saying, “Sarah and Tim Sharp embody everything that is remarkable about our fostering community. Their dedication, compassion, and resilience are an inspiration.”
As of September last year, homes are provided for 438 North Yorkshire children, highlighting the urgent need for more local foster families to come forward.