Fostering helped me to find 'daughter I never had'

A WOMAN has shared the inspiring and touching story of her fostering experience and how it has changed her life.

- ZHARA SIMPSON

Kate Hill, from Saltash, is encouraging others to think about fostering as a record number of 18-year-olds have flown the nest for university, leaving thousands of families with space in their homes and hearts that they could dedicate to a child in care.

Kate, 53, worked as a nurse for 35 years and is a mum of two boys, Callum and Archie, who have since moved out for university and starting families of their own. Kate said she enjoys having a busy household, and likes making a fuss of people, so reached out to a local Facebook group to get people’s thoughts about fostering, the process, and the support available for foster carers.

Caring is in Kate’s nature, and she felt like she still had so much love and support to give. She has opened up her home and fostered 13-year-old Caitlin, who she describes as the ‘heartbeat’ of the house and family. Kate has now been fostering for over a year with Five Rivers Child Care, a local fostering service, who she ‘applauds’ for the support she has received.

Five Rivers Child Care says it provides high-quality foster care for children and young people. Five Rivers works in partnership with service users, carers, local authorities, health and education services, and parents to help children and young people to feel safe and happy so they can thrive, achieve their potential and live fulfilling lives.

There are more than 31,000 students across the region who moved to university this year, and the number of children entering the care system is rising rapidly. It would take 2% of parents whose children have flown the nest to meet the current shortfall of 720 foster homes currently needed across the region.