My name is Jeanette, and with my husband Paul we have been fostering with Peterborough City council for over 11 years.

We thought about Fostering a child for several years before we started the process, we knew it was a big commitment to make and wanted to make sure it was right for us and our family.

Over the years, we have fostered 4 children. When we started fostering, we cared for babies and helped move them onto adoption. Caring for babies was lovely and very rewarding. Seeing them reach their milestones and supporting them in their development was an absolute joy.

We have a teenager who is with us long term, she has been with us for several years, it has been lovely to watch her grow over the years, from her being able to trust us, to seeing her confidence and self-esteem grow, and overcoming challenges. By giving her the right tools she has been able to explore new talents e.g. she is now an amazing artist; by working closely with her teachers and head teachers she is excelling in her education.

For us, one of many special moments was when we arranged an unexpected, surprise birthday trip to London, it was a total surprise for her and to see the delight and joy on her face was truly amazing. A memory that is still talked about today.

We have always liked the idea of having a large family and we consider it a privilege that we have been part of this person’s life, we have been there to help, support, guide her and to see her grow into the beautiful person that she has become today.   It is truly rewarding.

If you’re a person with a sense of humour and you can provide a safe warm loving home, and you’re thinking of fostering, then think about the type of fostering you would like to do, the ages of the children, are you better with teenagers or younger children, how will it work with your family, and the impact it will have on your life.  Fostering can be challenging at times but there is a huge support network that is there to help and guide you, you don’t have to be perfect, we are all, always learning.

When you Foster with Peterborough, you will be helping to care for our own Peterborough children.  Keeping children in Peterborough will allow them to stay close to friends and school, it will help with stability for the child as he/she or they are in a community that they recognise.

 We have a variety of support networks from having a breakfast morning catch up with foster carers, to our new Hub support which can offer our new carers and existing carers a wealth of experience and support.

 There is a vast amount of training that covers a range of topics that will support you in your role as a foster carer. You will have a designated Supervising social worker who will be a phone call away to offer you advice and support.

When you foster with Peterborough you will be fostering directly with the team who are involved in making plans for the child, their family and their school. We all work within the same organisation.

There are many different types of fostering, from time limited, long term, parent and child, respite, emergency care etc. So, if you feel that Fostering is for you, then Just pick up the phone and give Foster with Peterborough a call. Our team are there to guide you through the process of becoming a foster carer.