As a former nurse and single foster carer, Mairead from Claudy began her fostering journey four years ago. She cares for a 15 month old and 6 year old child on a long term basis and has two teenage children of her own.
“My own children are fully on board with fostering. I think it has helped them really appreciate things, and they’re a good help to me too,” says Mairead.
“We as foster carers are not here to judge birth families or their lifestyles, but to work together in the best interests of their child. My role is to give these children a safe and secure home for as long as they need it.
My supervising social worker is always there for me, I know I’m not alone. The children’s social workers are also brilliant and my mum is my rock. She takes on the granny role and wider family circle are all involved too – the kids love to go out to my family’s farm and I have a close friend who really help me out as well,” she adds.
Mairead acknowledges that it can be difficult to see the children move on. “It can be very hard to say goodbye but when I know the child has thrived in my care, that makes it all worthwhile. It’s a really good start in life for them.”