Louise & Nick’s first year of fostering

Louise and Nick, both 39 from Nottinghamshire, recently celebrated their first year of fostering with Nexus Fostering. For them, fostering was something they had thought about for a long time.

“We’d always felt we had space in our home and in our lives to give a child the stability and care they deserve. When we learned more about the need for foster carers, it really struck a chord with us. ” they explain.

The application process was, in their words, “thorough, but in the best way, it made us feel prepared and supported right from the start.” Their first year has been full of learning and new experiences, but also moments that reminded them why they chose fostering in the first place.

Louise and Nick were approved as foster carers in August 2024 and, just two days later, offered respite care before soon welcoming an almost 13-year-old boy, and it was shortly after his arrival that they realised the true reason they had come into fostering. As he began to relax, laugh, and join in with their own children, they knew they were making a real difference.

“Those times reminded us exactly why fostering is so important,” they say.

Support and training from Nexus Fostering have played a big part in their journey, "We can’t fault them". They describe the agency as, 

"approachable, supportive, and always there when we’ve needed advice. The training has been invaluable, practical, eye-opening, and delivered in such a supportive way that it gave us real confidence."

Like many new foster carers, they had to adjust to the different needs and emotions a child brings into the home. “It was challenging, especially early on when everything is new for everyone. Patience, consistency, and leaning on the advice of our social worker helped us through those moments,” they reflect.

The most rewarding part of their first year has been watching him grow in confidence. Even though he has now moved on, Louise and Nick are proud knowing they gave him a safe and supportive home when he needed it most. Some of their favourite memories are of him playing football.

"He really started to join in with the others as opposed to coming across withdrawn, quiet and shy, he was genuinely happy with his friends , and we were so proud watching him join in with such enthusiasm. It was a really special time for all of us."

Looking ahead, they are excited to welcome their next child. “Every child is different, and we’re looking forward to offering another young person a safe, caring home where they can feel supported.”

Their advice to anyone considering fostering is simple:

“Do it with an open heart and realistic expectations. It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely worth it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, the support is there when you need it.”

Nottinghamshire is currently facing a significant shortage of foster carers. As of March 2024, the combined areas of Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City, and Nottinghamshire had 3,314 children in care. However, only 1,732 of these children were placed into 592 foster homes, meaning around half of all children in care were without foster placements and were instead in other forms of care, such as children’s homes. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for more local foster carers to provide stable and loving homes for children in need.

If you're considering making a difference in a child's life, Nexus Fostering is here to support you. They regularly host fostering drop-in sessions at their Nottingham office, offering a relaxed environment to learn more about fostering opportunities and the support available to you. Visit their office at Unit 26, Eldon Road Business Park, Chilwell, Nottingham, NG9 6DZ. 

To find out more, visit Nexus Fostering or call 0800 389 0143. Your decision to foster could change a child's life and yours.