Could you consider fostering this World Social Work Day?
Today (21 March) is World Social Work Day, which celebrates the impact social workers have on our communities across the world. Every year, we hold a conference of activities and talks for our social work teams, giving us the opportunity to thank them for all of their hard work all year long and the amazing service they provide to Gateshead families.
Two years ago, guest speaker Paul Sams attended our World Social Work Day conference to share his story on growing up in care. Little did he know, the day would change his life forever.
Now one of our foster carers, Paul shares his story on how he was encouraged to take the first step on his fostering journey and why he thinks more people should consider fostering.
Tell us about why you decided to become a foster carer...
"Almost two years ago to the day, I was guest speaker at the Council's World Social Work Day conference. I joined the event to share my experience of being in care as a child, explaining how I'd been left to look after myself at 16 and the impact that had on me.
"My aim was to remind social workers not to give up on even the most difficult of young people (I would be the first to admit I fitted firmly within this category) and to continue supporting them - no matter what. Care experienced young people have so much to offer and often need a little bit of extra support to develop a secure foundation to work from, particularly if they have been in care.
"I went into the question-and-answer part of my talk, and I was asked 'have you ever considered being a foster carer?'. My response was 'yes, but I thought difficult childhood might make me less appealing as a prospective carer'.
"I was assured I was just the type of person they would want as I have an empathy and understanding that can only be gained from having lived through similar experiences. I spoke to my wife about fostering, and 8 months later we had been through the application process and were at panel.
"Just over a year on from being approved as short-term foster carers, we have our fourth little one staying with us. We love what we do and are proud we can offer a positive, safe and loving home when it's needed."
Any advice for people considering fostering?
"As a 16-year-old, leaving care and going it alone in the scary world, completely under prepared, I never imagined this is what I would end up doing - I think it's the same for many others.
"You might not have ever thought about fostering yourself, but once you're doing it, it's a hugely rewarding role. I am proud of what we offer the children in our care and would recommend anyone who thinks they could foster, to reach out to their local authority. There is so much need for the care we offer, and if more people choose to foster, it will really help. There are also different types of fostering that could suit your lifestyle, so it's not one size fits all.
"It has been so rewarding going from cared for to carer. My advice for other foster carers and even social workers is to never forget that every child is capable of great things - don't give up on any of them."
If you would like to find out more about fostering this World Social Work Day, please visit our fostering page or call us on 0191 433 8333 for more information.
Today (21 March) is World Social Work Day, which celebrates the impact social workers have on our communities across the world. Every year, we hold a conference of activities and talks for our social work teams, giving us the opportunity to thank them for all of their hard work all year long and the amazing service they provide to Gateshead families.
Two years ago, guest speaker Paul Sams attended our World Social Work Day conference to share his story on growing up in care. Little did he know, the day would change his life forever.
Now one of our foster carers, Paul shares his story on how he was encouraged to take the first step on his fostering journey and why he thinks more people should consider fostering.
Tell us about why you decided to become a foster carer...
"Almost two years ago to the day, I was guest speaker at the Council's World Social Work Day conference. I joined the event to share my experience of being in care as a child, explaining how I'd been left to look after myself at 16 and the impact that had on me.
"My aim was to remind social workers not to give up on even the most difficult of young people (I would be the first to admit I fitted firmly within this category) and to continue supporting them - no matter what. Care experienced young people have so much to offer and often need a little bit of extra support to develop a secure foundation to work from, particularly if they have been in care.
"I went into the question-and-answer part of my talk, and I was asked 'have you ever considered being a foster carer?'. My response was 'yes, but I thought difficult childhood might make me less appealing as a prospective carer'.
"I was assured I was just the type of person they would want as I have an empathy and understanding that can only be gained from having lived through similar experiences. I spoke to my wife about fostering, and 8 months later we had been through the application process and were at panel.
"Just over a year on from being approved as short-term foster carers, we have our fourth little one staying with us. We love what we do and are proud we can offer a positive, safe and loving home when it's needed."
Any advice for people considering fostering?
"As a 16-year-old, leaving care and going it alone in the scary world, completely under prepared, I never imagined this is what I would end up doing - I think it's the same for many others.
"You might not have ever thought about fostering yourself, but once you're doing it, it's a hugely rewarding role. I am proud of what we offer the children in our care and would recommend anyone who thinks they could foster, to reach out to their local authority. There is so much need for the care we offer, and if more people choose to foster, it will really help. There are also different types of fostering that could suit your lifestyle, so it's not one size fits all.
"It has been so rewarding going from cared for to carer. My advice for other foster carers and even social workers is to never forget that every child is capable of great things - don't give up on any of them."
If you would like to find out more about fostering this World Social Work Day, please visit our fostering page or call us on 0191 433 8333 for more information.
