'There’s no one-size-fits-all' - meet the people fostering for a charity in Greater Manchester

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

“We had wanted kids and fostering seemed like a great option for us,” says Ryan, who began fostering with his husband during the pandemic. “Everyone has been supportive since we told them.

They can see the difference that can be made to young people in the right environment.” Every fostering household is different, just like every child in need of foster care is different.

The Together Trust charity is actively welcoming applications from people from all walks of life, ages, and backgrounds to match with a foster child in urgent need of a home. “We have experiences that can help young people if they have questions or need advice,” Ryan adds. “It’s a great feeling to help someone and set them up for their life ahead.” The number of mainstream fostering applications in the UK experienced a staggering drop of 21% between 2018 and 2022**.

Long-standing foster carers who foster time after time, like Annette, are therefore even more critical as waiting lists for homes continue to grow. “Eighteen months ago, another young person came into our family, and it’s been wonderful to watch them grow in confidence and develop their self-worth,” says Annette, who has fostered five children with her husband over the past decade.