How fostering children in Portsmouth is easing the pain of an empty nest
For some, the transition to this new phase leaves a yawning gap that can feel hard to fill: a troubling sense that something precious is missing.
But while it can be tough to navigate, an empty nest can be a time for positive change – and a chance to consider a new role as a foster carer.
According to Paula Lewis of Portsmouth-based south coast fostering charity Fair Ways , ‘empty nesters’ often find opening their home to a foster child is a positive, life-enhancing experience that breathes life back into the house, brings a new sense of purpose and the personal satisfaction that you’re making a difference.
While for the child, the comfort of living in a caring environment – whether for a short spell or long term – can be life-changing.
“Empty nesters in my experience often become great foster carers due to their desire to continue to have a buzzing, busy family home life,” says Paula Lewis, the charity’s fostering Recruitment Manager.
“They enjoy the excitement of fostering and the variety it brings to their life.”
Could you fill the gap?
Fair Ways has been providing high quality services for children across an area from Bournemouth to Portsmouth and beyond for more than 20 years. It says it receives around 200 referrals relating to local children seeking foster care every single week.
While the latest statistics show the number of children in care in the UK now stands at over 100,000 - including a record high of over 80,000 in England (Ofsted (2022).
The charity says there is a gaping need for caring foster parents, who have space in the hearts and homes to help out.
Fair Ways’ experts work hand-in-hand with foster carers across the Solent area, providing fantastic training and ensuring they are supported every step of the way.
They say empty nesters are often a perfect fit because:
- They have space at home now their own children have left,
- Plenty of good life skills that come with the fact they have already parented their own children to adulthood.
- Often retain a yearning to continue caring for a child.
- Plus, they have the mental and emotional resilience to help vulnerable children turn their lives around.
Having already raised a family, they are familiar with the cycle of loving and watching a child progress and move on.
Bringing the house back to life
Children in need of foster care come from a huge range of backgrounds but all share a common thread: whatever their past journey, they all need the security and comfort of a caring home.
The constant expert support of Fair Ways’ professionals means becoming a foster carer can be far more straight-forward than you might think.
“As empty nesters, fostering filled a big void in our lives and brought the house to life again,” says one mum of grown-up children who has become a foster carer.
“My husband and I have only been fostering with Fair Ways for a short time but cannot fault the amazing support through every challenging situation.
“The on-call staff are quick to respond, and we never have to wait long for someone to come back with an answer to any query.
“We are very pleased with support for sure from Fair Ways.”
So, where to start?
Fair Ways has been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted and has more than 20 years of experience in helping children to rebuild their lives and realise their potential and supporting foster carers.
Because it’s a charity, there are no shareholders to worry about and any surplus profits to straight back to helping carers and young people.
To find out more about how you can change a young person’s life or just have an informal chat about fostering, visit www.fairways.co/fostering-services, call or message 07837 650468, or email [email protected]