How my foster carers showed me what a good home should look like

A TAMESIDE teenager has talked about the positive difference foster carers made to him by being “incredible role models” and showing him “what a good home should look like”.

Robert Grayson, 19, from Ashton-under-Lyne, was placed into a foster care placement at the age of six years old.

Rob is sharing his experience with others to highlight how vital and valuable the care system is - especially foster carers who can provide a loving and stable home environment for local children in care.

He described his first fostering carers as being the “most impactful and welcoming”, adding: “They showed me the blueprint to what a good home should look like by being incredible role models.”

Tameside Council are looking for more Tameside residents to come forward and become foster parents.

Rob also wants reassure other children and young people in care.

He said: “No matter how hopeless your situation feels there will always be light at the end of the tunnel.

“Even though my journey in care felt like a physical rollercoaster my overall experience was positive as I was supported throughout, I was informed about my processes, and I was able to remain in my local area and stay at my schools.

“This allowed me to maintain and build on my friendships and see familiar faces when my living environment was changing.

“It’s good that we have a system that protects and cares for young people where families for whatever reason can’t provide this support.

“I’ve learnt how people from different and diverse backgrounds can still turn out well, and we can break the stigma around care kids, as this doesn’t define who we are or restrict us from making any choices we want to make.”

Rob has now been living independently for two years yet he still accesses the support through the Care Leavers Tea Time Club and the Care Leavers Forum, whilst volunteering to offer support to other young children in care.

Rob said: “I feel somewhat like a success story of the care system as they provided me with support and every functional skill I could need to live independently.

“To anyone considering fostering the long-term impact you have is real and the young children really will notice it.”

Tameside Council Executive Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Teresa Smith, said: “I’d like to personally thank Robert for sharing his story of living in care, as this really highlights the impact that foster carers and other forms of care can have for a young person and how this sets them on the right path in life.

“If you are interested in fostering in Tameside, I urge you to please get in touch and join us in truly making a difference to local children and young people.”

Tameside Council is looking for people from all backgrounds to become foster carers for local children and provides full training, support and an allowance.

For more information call 0300 303 0321 or email enquire@fosterforgm.com or visit www.tameside.gov.uk/fostering