MEN in Northwich and Winsford are being encouraged to consider a rewarding role as a foster carer ahead of Father’s Day.

Foster4, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s foster carer recruitment service, asked some of its male foster carers to explain the immense satisfaction they get from fostering.

David, along with his wife Michelle, has fostered six children in more than four years – from a newborn to a teenager.

Initially resistant to the idea of becoming a foster carer due to a demanding job and other commitments, it was the perseverance of David’s wife that eventually led to him changing his mind – and he is so glad he did.

He said: “I have been so surprised since becoming a foster carer. It has been the most amazing thing I have ever done and I feel extremely privileged to be able to make such a positive impact on children, some of whom have had very difficult and traumatic lives.

“It is important to remember that as a male foster carer you can be a really positive role model, especially for older boys, who may not have experienced much of this in the past.

“Demonstrating good behaviour, kindness and nurturing their hobbies and interests are ways of helping them excel.”

For many children and young people, it is particularly important for them to have a positive role model in their lives, someone who can help give a child the best possible chance of happiness and success.

When asked if he has any advice for anyone considering being a foster carer, David said: “Stop thinking about it and get on with it. You won’t know how good being a foster carer is until you’ve tried it.”

During the Coronavirus pandemic, many people have found themselves developing new skills as they adjust to spending more time at home, educating and supporting their own children to the changes in the world around them or by volunteering to help people in their communities.

Foster4 is asking anyone who has found their new role rewarding to consider fostering.

Cllr Bob Cernik, CWAC cabinet member for children and families said: “It’s wonderful to hear foster carers sharing the positives that they, and the children they care for, get from being part of a foster family.

Northwich Guardian:

"Foster4 recruit and support more foster carers than any other organisation in Cheshire and we really want to grow our fostering family even more this year.

"If you think you can provide a loving and stable home for some of our children in care please get in touch and make an enquiry today.”

Cllr Margaret Parker, CWAC’s member of Foster4, added: “All our foster carers make a real difference to the lives of our children and young people and, as David has illustrated, it is a very rewarding job.

Northwich Guardian:

“If you’ve been thinking about fostering, please get in contact with the Foster4 team who will be able to provide further information and support you through the application process.”

Visit foster4.co.uk/enquire for more information.