Five reasons to explore fostering in 2024
A new year is the perfect time to consider new goals and to make positive changes. Could your 2024 resolution be making a life-changing difference to a child in need?
From babies to teenagers, thousands of children and young people are placed in care every year. At Unity Foster Care, it’s our mission to find these vulnerable children a safe, stable home to thrive in.
Whether you choose to provide long-term or short-term care to children and young people, fostering is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding things you could do.
Here are five reasons to consider fostering in 2024…
1. Changing lives
Fostering is a direct avenue for creating positive societal change and transforming lives. By offering a nurturing environment to a child or young person in need, you’d actively be participating in breaking the cycle of adversity. Becoming a foster carer allows you to offer a safe environment, where a vulnerable child can feel secure, valued, and loved. Providing such stability can be transformative. Your positive influence could empower a young person to overcome obstacles and build the foundation for a successful future.
“Fostering is so rewarding, especially when you know you’re making a difference to a child’s life!” – Nazelko, Unity Foster Carer
2. Personal growth and development
Fostering is a fulfilling journey of personal growth and development. It challenges individuals and families to expand their perspectives, cultivate patience, and enhance their communication skills. Through Unity’s regular training courses for carers, you’ll also learn new skills in areas including first aid, behaviour management and self-care. The rewards of fostering extend beyond the positive impact on the lives of young people, offering an opportunity for self-discovery, resilience-building, and enhanced interpersonal skills.
“Fostering is such a rewarding experience! It can be an emotional rollercoaster, but the success stories outweigh the negatives.” – Louise, Unity Foster Carer
3. Unparalleled, around-the-clock support
No one fosters alone. As a Unity foster carer, you’re part of our skilled team, all dedicated to supporting the children and young people in our care. You’ll receive unparalleled support, full training, and regular opportunities to meet like-minded foster carers in Yorkshire and the North East. We’re proud to know our carers by name, not by case number, which is why we offer 24/7 support, financial provision, and access to a free Foster Talk membership.
“We are on our fourth year fostering with Unity, and it’s the best thing we have ever done. The training is really good, and the support from everyone is fantastic.” – WL, Unity Foster Carer
4. Addressing the growing need of foster carers
The demand for foster carers in the UK is more urgent than ever, following a net loss of 1,000 foster families across England last year.* In 2024, there is a pressing need for individuals and families willing to open their hearts and homes to children and teens facing adversity. By becoming a foster carer, you’d actively be contributing to meeting this growing need, playing a vital role in providing stability to those who need it most.
5. Building connections
Fostering is about more than just providing temporary shelter; it’s about building lasting connections. The relationships formed during the fostering journey often extend beyond the time spent together. These connections, grounded in empathy and understanding, can become lifelong bonds that profoundly impact foster carers, the children involved, and even birth families. Many children in foster care eventually return to their birth families, and you could contribute to this healing process by offering support and guidance. You will also have the opportunity to connect and get involved with our wonderful fostering community.
“I have loads of lovely memories. It’s seeing the barriers come down; it’s those moments of pure joy. Feeling like you’ve made a difference means a lot.” – Jenny, Unity Respite Foster Carer
Ultimately, fostering allows individuals and families to fulfill a higher purpose, that of making a significant and positive difference in the lives of others. The satisfaction that comes from knowing you’ve played a pivotal role in a child’s journey towards a better life is immeasurable.
The reasons to explore fostering in 2024 are manyfold. By opening your heart and home to a vulnerable young person, you would be embarking on a transformative journey that not only shapes their future but also enriches your own life in many ways.
Could you provide a safe space for children across Yorkshire and the North East? Start your application with Unity Foster Care today. Our friendly team are on hand to answer any questions you may have, as well as support you in starting your fostering journey.
To make a start on your application, call us on 0333 772 2333 or contact us online and we’ll be in touch.
*https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fostering-in-england-1-april-2022-to-31-march-2023/fostering-in-england-1-april-2022-to-31-march-20