Health & Lifestyle | Posted on April 18th, 2024 | return to news
Foster carers needed in Dorset – Niki tells her story
Niki, who lives in East Dorset, has explained why she chose to give a home to two sisters, with more foster carers needed.
A woman living in East Dorset who has been a long-term carer for two sisters has explained why she chose to foster siblings.
Niki, 51, said: “When we were approached and asked if we’d offer a home to two sisters, we thought it completely made sense to welcome them both. The room we had put aside was the biggest in the house with two single beds and I liked the idea of keeping them together.
“When the girls arrived, they were adorable from day one. They are a constant source of comfort to one another. Having somebody else within the household that they already love and trust reduces anxiety for them. I would say it helps them to feel safe and less isolated from their family.”
During their time with Nikki, the girls, who were nine and six when they arrived, have found their feet and discovered their own passions and interests.
Niki added: “The best thing about fostering so far has been seeing the girls blossom and come into their own. Seeing them develop their own style and interests has been wonderful to see. They both have their own passions, and they take every opportunity given to them with both hands and run with it.
“In our case, keeping the girls together was 100 per cent the right choice. I know this isn’t always the case, but for us I cannot imagine it any other way. They know they are loved and cared for and we couldn’t imagine being without them both.”
Theresa Leavy, Dorset Council’s executive director for Children’s Services said: “We need more foster carers to help keep children and young people in Dorset, close to the people and places that are important to them. We have a great need for more loving homes, especially for teenagers, sibling groups, children with special educational needs and disabilities, and for asylum-seeking children. By offering a young person or sibling group a safe and loving home, you will be making a huge difference and can change a child’s life for the better.”
To find out more about fostering with Dorset Council and the support available, head to the website, download an information pack or request a call-back from the team.
Please share post:
LATEST NEWS:
CHARITY OF THE YEAR
Subscribe to the online magazine news letter
