Meet Our Foster Carers

Welcome to the first in our new series of Meet Our Foster Carers.

Here at Olive Branch, we completely understand that if you are starting to look into foster caring, there is a lot of information to take on board, and that it can be overwhelming.

So, we thought it would be helpful and useful for you to hear from our foster carers, about their experiences.

First up, we have Lynsey, who spoke to us about her foster care journey.

Hi Lynsey, how long have you been fostering?

I’ve been fostering for seven years. I’ve worked currently with Olive Branch for the last two and a half years.

How did you first start to think about fostering?

I have a foster background. My grandparents fostered for 35 years. I was inspired by their work and the support that they did for young children and thought that one day I would like to do that myself.

I was also told I wouldn’t have children of my own at a very young age and that really pushed me along to be able to have the opportunity to support children in my life. That brought me into fostering.

What do you love most about foster caring?

One of the things I love most about foster caring is getting to share myself with children, it’s giving them an environment which is a loving, caring environment.

Some children struggle as their background hasn’t come from an environment that’s warm, safe and loving.

My grandparents fostered for 35 years. I was inspired by their work and the support that they did for young children and thought that one day I would like to do that myself.

What challenges do you face as a foster carer?

The challenges on a day-to-day basis, I actually thoroughly enjoy. I feel while a child is struggling and have challenges that they face, they get the best from me, and then I feel I am actually achieving something for them, which hopefully will help them when they’re a bit older, going on to young adults, supporting themselves in life.

What support do Olive Branch offer to a foster carer?

So, although we have challenges that can be day to day or from week to week with children who struggle with their health, emotional well-being, Olive Branch has a huge network of support.

There’s a team of therapists that work alongside children in therapeutic placements. You have your support and social worker who’s on hand 24-seven.

Whenever we face challenges, Olive Branch has been amazing, there’s always someone on call. Just to know that we have someone from our support network available is so reassuring.

Get In Touch

If you would like some further information on foster care in the North West then you can get in touch with us here, or alternatively you can call us on 01706 558910. If you would like to follow our social media accounts you also can send us a private message there.