For George and his wife, fostering was about making a difference to a young person who needed safety, stability and support. Nearly three years into their fostering journey with Derby City, they have opened their home to an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child, helping him build a brighter future in the UK.
Choosing to foster
George explains that fostering was initially his wife’s idea, but together they felt particularly drawn to supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
These are young people who have arrived in the UK without a parent or guardian, often having experienced significant challenges and uncertainty in their lives. George and his wife wanted to offer them a safe place to call home.
"We thought unaccompanied asylum-seeking children were a good group that we could help," George says. "We wanted to give them a bit of a safe haven."
Seeing a young person thrive
One of the most rewarding aspects of fostering for George has been watching the young person in their care grow in confidence.
"The one we've got at the moment is doing well and learning English," he explains. "It's nice to compare him to what he was two or three months ago. He's far more confident now and seems happier."
For George, it is these everyday milestones that make fostering so memorable. Seeing a young person settle into a new environment, develop new skills and gain confidence provides a powerful reminder of the difference a caring home can make.
Support every step of the way
George is keen to reassure anyone considering fostering that they won't be on their own.
"Go for it," he says. "You're going to get help and assistance."
He highlights the network of support available to foster carers, including their own supervising social worker, the child's social worker and a range of professionals dedicated to helping both carers and young people succeed.
This support helps foster carers navigate challenges, celebrate successes and provide the best possible care for children and young people.
A fulfilling experience
When asked what he would say to someone thinking about fostering, George's answer is simple:
"If you're thinking about it, then you're more than halfway there."
For him, fostering has been an incredibly rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to change a young person's life while enriching his own family life.
"At the end of the day, it's going to be fulfilling for you."
Could you foster?
Every child deserves a safe, supportive home where they can feel valued and have the opportunity to thrive. Foster carers come from all walks of life, and if you have the commitment, patience and desire to help a child or young person, you could make a lasting difference.
Find out more about fostering with Foster for East Midlands Councils and see how you could help provide a safe, supportive home, visit the web page or call 03033 132 950
Together, we can help children and young people build brighter futures.
Watch George's interview below.