Over the last two years, families across the country have been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic.

With people not able to see loved ones, schools being closed and lines of support difficult to access, communities across Wales have found other ways to support one another during these most testing of times. This is even truer for fostering families.

Many have used this difficult period as an opportunity to create an altogether more positive ‘new normal’ - not only in their lives but also in the lives of local children. According to Foster Wales, over 350 families in Wales started fostering with their local authority during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This Foster Care Fortnight (9 to 22 May), Foster Wales wants to celebrate the difference that foster carers have made to children’s lives by working with the Isle of Anglesey County Council. From foster carers who have shown dedication over many years to those just starting their fostering journey to help give children a better future.

Foster Care Fortnight is the UK’s biggest foster care awareness raising campaign, delivered by leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network. This year’s theme is 'fostering communities' and the campaign will focus on the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers.

It hopes to shine a light on the many ways people in the fostering community have supported each other during the Covid-19 pandemic – and to highlight the need for more dedicated foster carers.

Anglesey’s Director for Social Services, Fôn Roberts, said, “On behalf of the Fostering Wales Anglesey team and the Children and Families Department, I wish to express our appreciation and pride for individuals on the island who offer foster care to babies, children and young people who need their support, care and love. They invite children into their homes, enabling them to stay in their communities, here in Anglesey.”

“Each child will have their unique story of why they are in care, and those stories are interwoven by sad and heart breaking experiences at times. Some of our foster carers will offer periods of occasional respite caring for a few days, or for a short period up to three months and some children can also stay with their foster parents for many years.”

“The relationship developed with the child is seen as a key one, with the foster carer listening to concerns, praising and applauding their successes to different challenges, spending time together playing, walking and wandering and being the child’s primary care giver.”

He added, “The path of fostering is not always easy and trouble free, but there is so much satisfaction and a sense of achievement from seeing an increase in the child's confidence and ability.”

“We are extremely keen to recruit new foster carers on the island, with consistent and excellent support and clear communication - we will work together and aim towards the same objective of safeguarding children and improving their horizons to move forward.”

Anglesey County Council is one of 22 local authority teams in Wales, working together as Foster Wales, a national network of not-for-profit fostering services.

Foster Wales wants to encourage more people to become foster carers for their local authority so that children can remain in their local area, close to their friends and family and remain in their school. This can help children and young people retain their sense of identity during an otherwise turbulent time.

Alastair Cope, Head of Foster Wales, the national network of local authority fostering services said, “Most people don't realise that it's your local authority, your local council, who take care of children when their family are experiencing difficulties or when children are living with abusive and neglectful situations, and it’s your local authority who finds them a safe place and is responsible for them.”

“There is a wealth of knowledge in the Foster Wales local authority fostering team and dedicated social workers who all work together with local families and local schools to build better futures for local children.”

“By fostering locally, you are helping children to stay in their community, with the surroundings, accent, school, language, friends and activities they know. It keeps them connected, builds stability and confidence.”

“We'd encourage people not just to foster, but to foster with their local authority, which is part of Foster Wales, a not-for-profit organisation responsible for the children in our care.”

One foster carer who decided to open up her heart and her home to care for children and young people in recent months is Karen Davies.

Karen became a foster carer with Foster Wales Anglesey in February.

Fostering has already provided me with a variety of experiences and opportunities, taking time to get to know the children and their characteristics and interests has been a blessing, preparing and informing them about the prospect of visiting my home for planned respite days and evenings. This was suggested by the fostering team as a means for minimising their fear of the unknown, building a sense of trust and acceptance.

I am enjoying working in partnership with both the foster team and social workers, sharing ideas and sharing with them how well things have mostly worked out, and any occasions, which were more challenging. I feel that I am constantly learning from each interaction, and I look forward to possibly providing a foster home for a child or two siblings in the future.

Meanwhile Barbara Jones is an experienced foster carer.

Along with the local Foster Wales team, Barbara Jones now advises new foster carers about what support is available attended a session in Menai Bridge where the host was welcoming, giving us details of how to progress.in the local area.

We became foster carers after seeing a poster in the local doctor's surgery advertising a walk in 'learn about fostering' session.

Fostering was something we talked about, with our own children all grown up and leaving home, we felt that we could offer children a happy, comfortable home, we felt we had a lot to offer, we had space and time to give to the children who needed it.

Fostering has made a difference to our lives, as well as making a difference to the lives of the children we look after.

Everything we do, we do it for the children, it’s a very rewarding role; seeing the change from when they come to you and that growth and development to when they move on; we're helping set them up for their future, making memories that will stay with them, and us forever.

We have had so much support along the way, regular training and informal get togethers with other foster carers. We feel part of a team all working together for the best outcome for the children. It is a decision we have not regretted and have enjoyed our fostering journey so far.

To find out how you can foster in Anglesey visit www.fosterwales.anglesey.gov.wales

Ends 9 May 2022