A FOSTER carer from Coggeshall has urged people from all backgrounds to come forward to provide a safe home to vulnerable children.

Jason and his partner have been fostering for three years and say it’s “one of the best things they’ve ever done”.

The couple felt the need for a new direction in life and were keen to experience family life through long-term fostering placements. They have since welcomed their six-year-old foster son into the family and have enjoyed the benefits of bringing up a vulnerable child in care.

“I love seeing our foster son progress at school, meeting friends, building his confidence, playing sports, knowing that my partner and I are helping to shape his life,” he said.

Gazette: Foster carer - Jason shared his experience of being a foster carerFoster carer - Jason shared his experience of being a foster carer (Image: Jason)

The foster carer continued: “It’s a joy to see a young lad grow and enjoy a normal family life, becoming a part of society where he wasn’t before.

“As a same-sex couple, we never felt any different. From the outset we felt fully supported by Essex County Council – we were assigned a social worker and we buddied up with similar households where we all keep in touch.

“It’s like Essex County Council is waving a magic wand. They work so hard behind the scenes to offer training, support, guidance, and networking opportunities so we can be the best foster carers possible.

“My outlook on life has changed so much, I’m a lot happier and I have a lot more flexibility in my day - I can work alongside fostering. We thought it would be the opposite, that our usual life would disappear, but fostering has opened my eyes and changed our lives for the better.”

The local authority needs to recruit 60 more foster carers every year to offer children safety, security, and a nurturing home where they can thrive.

Carers of any age, sexuality, and ethnicity are welcome, but less than three per cent of the council’s foster carers are from the LGBTQ+ community.

Beverley Egan, the county councillor responsible for children’s services, said: “It is heart-warming to hear stories like Jason’s and to know the life-changing benefits of fostering.

“Fostering is open to everyone from all walks of life across our county.

“If you’re able to provide a loving, stable, and supportive home to vulnerable children, we urge you to consider becoming a foster carer.”