For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a foster carer. I grew up with looked after children and as I got older, I would help out friends of the family who were foster carers. From this experience, I decided to make the leap to become a single foster carer.

I had tried to start the fostering process with a few agencies previously but for one reason or another I never got past the first phone call. I had just about given up when I phoned TACT; they really listened to my side of things and managed to get the ball rolling. The training which has been supplied by TACT has been brilliant – everyone is so relaxed and each course has been informative and appropriate. They are understanding of each carer’s personal needs and they even support you if you need to bring children along to the training with you.

My supervising social worker and other staff were amazing at organising appointments around my schedule and other commitments while I was going through the assessment process. I also love how approachable TACT have been – it’s always nice to recognise the voice on the other end of the phone when you’re seeking help or a bit of friendly guidance. The placements are always chosen carefully to meet the circumstances of both the child and myself – you’re never pressed into having a placement that you don’t feel is right for you.

Being a foster carer is so rewarding – I honestly love all parts of it. Even though I’m only on my second placement, there have already been so many successes with helping to change the lives of the young people in my care. There are challenges – I’ve recently had a child in my care who needed toilet training as well as needing to lose weight to become healthier – but seeing the changes in the children and young people over a short space of time definitely makes it well worth it.

To anyone thinking about becoming a foster carer, my advice would be to prepare yourself for the craziest emotional rollercoaster you will ever go through. There can be highs and lows, but the rewards of seeing the difference you can make to a child makes it all worth it and is 100% the most rewarding part of being a foster carer.