Could you be a life-changer this New Year?

A teenager in care is urging more local residents to consider fostering, telling them they could help save a child’s life.

Mary, who’s been in care since she was at primary school, is one of many vulnerable children being looked after by some of the amazing foster carers who work with Slough Children’s Services Trust. In the run-up to the New Year, she shared some of her thoughts on fostering, to highlight the urgent need for more people in and around Slough to think about making a difference:

“So many foster carers are needed. You may think you’re not the right one but everyone can be the right one for the right child. Becoming a foster carer will change many lives in a strong, positive way,” she wrote.

The message, which is part of a social media campaign, has already had a great response with more than 37 people contacting the Trust’s fostering service.

“We’re really grateful to Mary for taking the time to write about her thoughts and experience of fostering. It’s an incredibly brave thing to do. We’re looking into all the enquiries and really hope that a number of those who’ve got in touch will go on to provide loving homes for some of Slough’s vulnerable children. But we still need more! This is about changing lives and I’d urge anyone interested to give us a call and find out about the excellent support package we offer to our foster carers”, said Saima Arif, Fostering Service Manager

“I’m really pleased my words have got people interested. It’s so important to me that people understand the big difference foster carers can make. My foster parents have changed my life and I want to help change the lives of other children too”, said Mary.

“We’re really proud of Mary. She’s an amazing girl and it’s a privilege to care for her and watch her thrive. While fostering provides benefits for the child, my husband and I are passionate about the telling everyone how much fostering also changes the lives of carers for the better and, as a foster carers, we feel very well supported with Slough Children’s Trust”, said Sam, who has been fostering for more than ten years and caring for Mary for two years.

In her piece, Mary also said:

“You should become a foster carer and watch a child grow into something amazing. You should be a foster carer to make the child happy and give them life experiences. You should be a foster carer and support the child with their views and feelings...You should be a foster carer to achieve and to know that you’ve saved a child’s life.”

Foster carers with Slough Children's Services Trust receive excellent support which includes generous allowances, excellent training and 24/7 support. Anyone interested should call 01753 690960, text FOSTER to 60066 or email foster@scstrust.co.uk