As part of Refugee Week, Cumbria Fostering is highlighting the life-changing role that foster carers play in welcoming and supporting children who have arrived in the UK seeking safety — many of them alone and having experienced hardship.
This year’s Refugee Week theme — Community as a Superpower — celebrates the everyday acts of kindness that help build powerful support systems for young people seeking sanctuary.
To mark the week, the service has released a new podcast episode — Fostering Refugee Children: Deb’s Story of Care, Community, and Courage — featuring a foster carer from Wigton who has supported three young people seeking asylum.
In the episode, Deb shares heartfelt stories from her journey as a carer, and the joy, challenges, and deep rewards of helping children rebuild their lives.
“Life is more culturally diverse and enriched by sharing our home with young people from different cultures — but it is also emotionally challenging when you hear what they have been through,” Deb said.
Deb always tries to make the transition easier for young people arriving in her care by preparing ahead.
She said: “Even if you have just a few hours before they arrive, you can get online and read about their culture and learn how to say ‘hello’ and ‘my name is’ in their language.
“I always provide a welcome pack with a soft toy — they all love something to cuddle — and a fleecy blanket. It’s about comfort and showing them this is going to be good and fun.”
Language barriers are a common challenge, but Deb uses creative ways to connect. She added: “We play games like I-spy — sometimes in their language too, so I can learn from them. It becomes two-way communication, and it really builds connection.”
While Deb also fosters local children from Cumbria, she says her approach never changes. She said: “They are children who need a home and need love. I don’t believe in the false lines we draw between countries — children are children. If we love them for who they are, no matter where they come from, then we’re building a better future.”
Anyone can foster — whether you’re single, in a couple, working or retired — and full training and support is provided from day one.
“Anyone who says ‘I don’t think I could do that’ — nobody knows until they try,” said Deb. “I get so much joy from it. It was my birthday the other day and the girls baked me a cake and planned a movie night. That’s a gift. The gift doesn’t have to be anything other than family.”
You can listen to the podcast episode on Spotify.
To encourage others to consider fostering, Cumbria Fostering is also hosting a free online information event on Thursday, June 19, from 630pm to 7.30pm. To attend, visit https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/80541 or call 0300 019 0200.
