Daniel and Gemma’s story
- Ellie Wicks
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Meet Gemma and Daniel - they've been fostering together since 2017 and have welcomed nearly 20 children into their home over the years. Now, they're sharing what it’s really like, and how being part of a Fostering Friendly workplace has made all the difference.
"I have been a foster carer, along with my wife Gemma and our son, since 2017. Over the past eight years, we have cared for almost 20 children, providing support ranging from a few days to a few years. The role is challenging but incredibly rewarding - knowing that you’ve been able to make a positive impact on the lives of children in need, even when caring for them on an emergency or short-term basis."
"Because of the nature of the role, you take on additional responsibilities and must complete further training to ensure you have the skills to provide the best possible care. I initially thought this would be difficult to manage alongside my job as an Engineer within the Highways Service. However, since the Council became a Fostering Friendly employer, balancing work, family, and fostering commitments has thankfully become much easier. The Council provides me with additional support and leave, which enables me to attend training and carry out fostering-related duties."
"My manager is understanding about the need to take leave at short notice, and we have flexible working arrangements so I can attend important events in our fostering children’s lives. Being able to use Fostering Friendly leave for things like training - when I previously had to use annual leave - has made a big difference. These days can also be used to attend events for the children in our care, such as birthdays, school plays, and key transition moments."
"While fostering has its challenges, the support offered through the Council’s Fostering Friendly status allows me to provide children with the highest level of care within a nurturing family unit, while still managing my work commitments."
Is there room in your life to provide a loving home for a child in need? We have an incredible fostering community of 130+ families and we'd love to have you! Book a call back with our friendly team to find out what fostering could look like for your family!
