This Is Not Just Fostering…it’s making space to welcome another child
ALi, TACT Foster Carer Since 2022
On how TACT’s ‘Making Spaces’ scheme has been life changing.
TACT foster carer, Ali, shares her experience of TACT’s new Making Spaces Scheme, how it supported her son in buying his first home, while also creating more space for her to continue fostering.
We adopted our son when he was three, alongside his three older siblings. For around 18 months, my son had been hoping to buy a property, but like many young people, he found it difficult to save for a deposit and secure somewhere near us in London. Then, by chance, I read about [TACT’s] Making Spaces scheme in a newsletter. At the end of an online meeting, I briefly mentioned it to my Area Manager, who kindly invited [TACT CEO] Andy Elvin onto the call. Together, we discussed the possibility of using the grant as a deposit.
From there, everything moved quickly. The application process was straightforward, and we were able to use the grant to secure a flat for my son. It truly felt like perfect timing. Had we not had that conversation, we might never have explored the opportunity. With our son now settled in his own home, we have a vacant bedroom available. We’re preparing the space, refreshing it and buying a new bed so that we can welcome another young person into our home through fostering.
We feel incredibly fortunate to be in a position where we can offer a safe and supportive home to another young person. All young people deserve somewhere they can feel secure and valued. I’m especially proud of how our family embraces others, welcoming them in and helping them feel like they belong.
If you have space in your home and a willingness to understand the impact of trauma, attachment, and adverse childhood experiences, fostering can be an incredibly meaningful way to make a difference.
TACT has been an incredible organisation throughout this journey. Their understanding of both young people’s needs and those of their carers, along with their commitment to delivering high quality care, has been outstanding. We were in regular contact throughout the grant process, and everything was handled seamlessly.
The Making Spaces scheme has truly been life changing.
