A Derby foster carer is encouraging others to consider fostering after sharing her experience of supporting children and young people over the past five years.
Melanie and her husband began fostering with Derby City Council in 2021 and are now part of Derby’s first Mockingbird constellation, a support network for foster carers and families.
Originally approved for short-term fostering for children aged four to 11, Melanie says their role has evolved over time and now includes baby respite care and long-term fostering.
“Five years on, we’re now also approved to do baby respite,” said Melanie. “Our fourth child has been with us now for nearly five years and we’re long term, so they’re likely to be with us until they’re 18 plus.”
Melanie decided to become a foster carer after reassessing her career during the Covid pandemic and wanting to make a positive difference to the lives of children.
After years working in an office environment, she wanted to take on a completely different role while continuing to provide the kind of experiences and support she had enjoyed sharing with her own daughter growing up.
“I didn’t want to stop doing all the fun things that I’d done with my daughter as she was growing up,” she explained. “We were able to invite somebody else into the home and continue some of that stuff that I love doing.”
Since becoming foster carers, Melanie says some of the most memorable moments have been simple everyday experiences, from trips to the beach to spending time together after school.
One standout memory was taking a child to the seaside for the first time and watching them jump over the waves in the sea.
“It was just so idyllic,” she said.
Melanie says fostering can be both rewarding and challenging, but believes the support available through Derby’s fostering community makes a significant difference.
“There are so many different types of fostering,” she said. “Short term, long term, respite, babies, youngsters, teenagers, there’s something that suits everybody.”
Alongside fostering, Melanie is also an active member of Derby’s Foster Carers Association and says networking with other carers has been invaluable.
“There’s lots of opportunity for networking and chatting to other foster carers because, as a foster carer, you never stop learning,” she said.
“Kids will always surprise you in a new way and it’s lovely to have those networks around you.”
Those interested in fostering can contact Foster for East Midlands Councils on 03033 132 950, email hello@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk or visit Foster for East Midlands Councils web page.