Foster Carer Celebrates Mothers Day
19.03.09
Foster Carer Celebrates Mothers Day
Mother's day is extra special for Carmarthenshire mum Anne Bishop this year. With two grown up daughters, she and husband John are sharing family life with two fostered brothers.
The 55 year-old from Tycroes has been fostering with leading UK fostering agency Pathway Care for seven years and has looked after 18 children, providing short term, long term and respite care. Anne currently cares for brothers Mark, 15 and Josh, 12, (not their real names) with John, a retired accountant.
As a former nursery nurse, her training has equipped her to deal with all types of people and situations, having worked with children for 38 years in nurseries, hospitals, primary and secondary schools.
Her fostering experience has been such a positive one that Anne is keen more people realise the benefits and rewards a career in fostering offers. "It can be hard work and challenging but it is ultimately a very rewarding experience, especially when you see the positive difference you're making to young lives," she said.
This Mother's Day, Anne is looking forward to a roast dinner with all the trimmings prepared by John, Mark and Josh. She said: "We'll just spend the time together as a family and the lads love helping John - it gives me a welcome break from the cooking."
Acting director for Pathway Care west Wales, Judith Rees, said: "Foster carers offer an invaluable service helping children and young people from difficult backgrounds to rebuild their lives for the better and there's a real need for more foster carers."
"While the motivation for becoming a foster carer should always be a desire to help vulnerable children, more and more people are recognising the benefits a career in fostering can offer, such as flexible working, a structured career path, training and a competitive salary.
"There are a wide variety of fostering roles. For instance, we need foster carers to look after mothers and their babies, sibling groups, challenging young children and teenagers. We are looking for foster carers from a variety of backgrounds." she added.
Anne added; "I've seen the two boys grow into wonderful young lads and there's no greater feeling. Anybody looking to help the lives of vulnerable children and youngsters should consider fostering."
For more information about the Pathway Care Group please visit their website at www.pathwaycare.com/west-wales or email: mail@pathwaycare.com tel: 01267 290 033.
