Are you ready to make a difference in a child’s life in 2025? Cumbria Fostering is asking those thinking about new beginnings at the start of a new year to consider becoming a foster carer.
Fostering with your local council is one of the most enriching things you can do for a child, but it’s also rewarding…you’ll meet new people, take on new challenges, and make a change to your life as well as theirs.
Our foster carer, Gillian Clark, said: “The greatest reward has been watching the impact of providing a child with a safe and nurturing environment and seeing them develop and blossom.
“If you have a genuine love of children, lots of patience and empathy, a willingness to learn and to accept advice, then fostering could be for you.”
In fact there has never been a better time to foster with us, as we have recently introduced a new model of fostering in the county.
Led by the Fostering Network, the Mockingbird model is based on the concept of extended family.
It brings together a ‘constellation’ of six to 10 ‘satellite’ fostering families who all live close to each other and are supported by an experienced ‘hub home’ foster carer.
Alex and Ian Nancollis, of Egremont, who have more than two decades of fostering experience, are the hub home foster carers for the first Mockingbird constellation in Cumbria, established six months ago.
Ian said: “Sometimes as a foster carer you can find yourself a little isolated, so the idea of having a group of foster carers who meet regularly, do things together and share ideas, is fantastic.”
Alex agreed, and added: “It is some extra layers of support from people who live and breathe fostering.”
Gillian, who is in the same constellation as Alex and Ian, said: “It provides that safety net – there is always someone there to support you when you need it.
“Other carers know exactly what you are going through and can offer that extra level of support and advice, which makes you feel more confident.”
Find out more
If you think you might have what it takes to foster, come along to one of our information events in the next few weeks and speak to our friendly team and carers to find out more:
- Friday January 17 – Fostering drop-in at Costa Coffee in Steelman’s Walk, Workington between noon and 1pm
- Friday January 24 – Information stand in the atrium at Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle from noon to 2pm
- Friday January 31 – Fostering stand at Kendal Library from noon to 1pm
- Friday February 7 – Fostering drop-in at Costa drive-thru on Walney Road in Barrow from noon to 1pm
