Could you be like Joe and become a Foster Carer?

Wiltshire Council is asking people thinking of a change of career to consider fostering and help make a difference to the life of a local child.

Joe and his wife Ana are foster carers to two children and are sharing their own experiences to encourage more people to come forward.

Previously Joe was a carpenter but during lockdown he took a step back to think about what he wanted to do with his life.

He explained: “Lots of people have a dream of like winning the lottery or becoming a millionaire and making loads of people’s lives better. I couldn’t do that. I couldn’t improve lots of people’s lives, but I had a chat with my wife and we considered that we could change one or two people’s lives.

“Deciding to become a foster carer is obviously a huge thing. It’s a huge life change and I think people who think about fostering just keep it in the back of their mind for a very long time before they commit. In my life story the pandemic was that life-changing moment. It was a big event, it changed society and the conversations I was having with my partner were why not now?

“I went from a very traditional 9 – 5 Monday to Friday and now fostering is vocational, it’s my whole life. I don’t work as a carpenter anymore I’m a foster carer full time and I’m basically a stay-at-home dad, making lunches, doing the PE kit and making sure the kids are getting to the right clubs on time – all the standard parental stuff.

“My advice to people thinking about becoming a foster carer – you’re probably already thinking about it. You probably may not have been brave enough to have had the chat with your partner yet or you may both be considering to do it later on when the kids are older and have left home. Jump in is what I’d say. Pick up the phone to Wiltshire Council, ask them about fostering. It’s actually a really nice process becoming a foster carer and they will be happy to answer any questions you have.”

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services explained: “January often feels like a time for new beginnings, and many people start thinking about a career change or pursuing something more meaningful. Becoming a foster carer means you will make a lasting difference in a child’s life, and you won’t be doing it alone—we’ll be with you every step of the way, offering support and training. Joe’s story beautifully captures what it means to be a foster carer.

“As a council, we’re proud to offer generous fostering rates to ensure this vital role is accessible to everyone. Fostering with us means you’re helping children stay close to their communities while ensuring resources go directly to supporting local families. There are many different types of fostering to suit a variety of circumstances, and if you’ve ever considered it, we want to hear from you. There’s no pressure—just contact us to learn more and explore whether fostering could be right for you."

Foster carers need to be aged 21 and over and have a spare room (or they can use their own bedroom, if they have space for a cot, to foster a baby aged up to twelve months)

People need time to care for a child and a willingness to understand young people who have experienced trauma and loss. Fostering payments are from £400 to £740 a week, per child depending on skills and experience.”

For more information on fostering visit Fostering Home - Fostering with Wiltshire Council email fostering@wiltshire.gov.uk, call 0800 169 6321 or text the word Foster to 60002.

People can also find out about the council’s fostering events including online information sessions. People should download the Teams app to join:

• Saturday 11 January 4pm – 5pm - Microsoft Teams: Find out about fostering: Drop-in session - join online
• Monday 13 January  12 noon – 1pm - Microsoft Teams: Fostering South West Information Evening Session
• Monday 13 January 7pm to 8:30pm - Microsoft Teams: Fostering South West Information Evening Session

There are also face to face events:

• Thursday 16 January 4:30pm – 6:30pm - Fostering drop-in Westbury Library, Edward Street, Westbury BA13 3BD
• Thursday 23 January 11am – 4pm Wiltshire Council Careers Fair, County Hall Trowbridge
• Wednesday 29 January 11am – 2pm Leighton Recreation Centre, Wellhead Lane, Westbury BA13 3PT

Wiltshire Council is part of Fostering South West which provides a ‘front door’ access and support service across local authorities in the south west region.