10th April 2025
Simon* has just turned 11 years old, is 4ft 10” with a slim build, and has ginger hair, blue eyes and the biggest smile you have ever seen. Simon is a clever boy, who is really sociable and likes to talk and ask lots of questions. Simon has a learning disability, and he needs people who have some understanding of this in order to care for him.
Simon has been in foster care for over 5 years. He lived with a single female foster carer for 4 years. Simon loved living there, and they had a cat and dog. He enjoyed playing with the lady’s grandchildren, and spent time with them at weekends. Unfortunately she died very suddenly in May 2024, and Simon had to go to live with other carers further away.
Simon presents as younger than his age, and needs a lot of support with his emotions. He is mostly happy, but he can get frustrated if he does not get his own way. When this happens he may shout, stamp his feet, and lash out.
Simon enjoys playing with Lego. He can concentrate for long periods of time and follow instructions; he has built some really difficult pieces, and has a large collection of Lego which he is very proud of. Simon also enjoys playing Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch and Wii. He likes quiet time on his tablet playing games like Talking Tom and Subway Surfers. He likes to watch football, go out on bike rides, go on long walks with his carers, and going to the swimming pool. He is very imaginative, and still likes to play with toys like Spiderman and Paw Patrol. Simon is keen to please and fit in, and will join in with activities which he does not enjoy, because he really wants to be part of a family again.
We would like to find new foster carers for Simon who live in the Mid Ulster or surrounding area so he can stay in the same school. Simon loves his school and everyone knows him so he wants to stay here if possible. Simon has had a lot of change in his life recently. School staff continue to support Simon with his grief through nurture provision, drawing and talking therapies.
Simon thrives on routine and structure. He needs to know his schedule in advance so he feels reassured and does not feel anxious.
We are looking for a one or two adult household where Simon can live long-term, to provide him with stability and security. Simon’s carers are not expected to be at home full-time as he will be at school. Simon would be best placed in a home where he is an only child or the youngest child, and not in a home where there is a child with additional needs, because Simon needs one-to-one time.
Simon has a good appetite and food is a motivator for good behaviour. His favourite dinner is chicken goujons, chips, onion rings and garlic dips. He loves sweets and chocolate, but these are limited to treats.
Simon’s foster carer(s) will receive fostering allowances and an additional fee per annum, alongside ongoing social work support and training and development opportunities.
Please call us on 0800 0720 137 or complete our online enquiry form to find out more about caring for Simon.
*Name changed and stock image used to protect his identity
Added 07/02/2025