Relocating, retiring, re-marrying, or simply wanting to give back to the local community - in a brand-new series of vlogs, foster carers from across Wales have come together to explore the reasons, life experiences and changes that led to them becoming carers.
The six-episode series will allow potential foster carers in Rhondda Cynon Taf to recognise the valuable life experiences they already possess, which could help them become well-rounded and supportive foster carers in their communities.
Find out more about fostering in Rhondda Cynon Taf
The series has been produced by Foster Wales, the national network of not-for-profit fostering services, comprising of the 22 local authority teams in Wales.
The episodes are being released weekly on the Foster Wales website, social media and You Tube channels, and capture an honest and open conversation between foster carers from all walks of life.
The conversations were recorded in December 2022, with experienced journalist and presenter Mai Davies hosting the chats. In one particularly moving episode Cath from Denbighshire discusses her journey.
Foster carer Cath said: “I think people’s perception of being a foster carer is something that they’re not. A lot of people say when you’re out and about, that they would love to be a foster carer but are not sure. But I always say, ring up and ask, nobody will ever knock on your door and ask if you want to be a foster carer.
“Some of these children have had experiences by the age of five that people will never have in their lives, and it’s just having that empathy, understanding and non-judgemental attitude really.”
Meanwhile, Jenny began fostering when she was 66 after her husband passed away, after initially thinking she may be too old. Now, Jenny thinks her age has advantages for fostering.
Foster carer Jenny said: “Where I live, the children on the street will play with the children who come to me, and they’ll say, ‘is that your Nan?’ And course, they say yes because it’s easier, they then don’t have to explain and say well no actually it’s a foster carer looking after me because that’s awkward.
“They see me as a kind of grandma-type figure, and I do spoil them quite a bit because that’s what grandmas are for.”
“People don’t understand the level of support, it’s not just about social workers supporting you, it’s about other foster carers supporting you because you make friends within the community.
“Other people with different experiences will be able to advise you how to work with particular children because they’ve met similar children before.”
Head of Foster Wales, Alastair Cope, said: "We have foster carers from all walks of life caring for our children within Foster Wales. We need people from different backgrounds, cultures and with a variety of life experiences to foster because we have a diverse range of children needing that care, support and love within our local authorities - children who need the opportunity to thrive and stay in their own local communities. That's what fostering for your local authority is all about.
“Whether you have thought about fostering recently or for the last 10 years, we'd love to ask you to contact your local Foster Wales team. We'll help you consider if the time is right for you and support you every step of the way throughout your fostering journey."
To arrange an interview with representatives from Foster Wales, or for more information on The Time is Right campaign, please get in touch. Email
Posted on 02/02/2023