The Greater Manchester fostering community is made up of people from all walks of life, from all backgrounds, who dedicate their time to support local children. This festive season we're celebrating our 'Stars of Christmas' by highlighting the wonderful people across the region who call themselves 'foster carer'.
Lawrence and Tina have fostered for Stockport Council for over 20 years. Over the last 20 years, they've fostered over 25 children and are now long-term foster carers for a sibling pair - one who is studying at university and one who is training to be an engineer. In September this year, the couple were awarded the prestigious 20 years long service award at a celebration event hosted by the Mayor of Stockport and Councillor, Wendy Meikle.
Marylin and Michael foster for Rochdale Council and have been fostering for over 45 years! In this time they've provided a loving home to over 300 children and are still in touch with most of them today. Unsurprisingly, the couple are well known to staff in children's services for going above and beyond to ensure children's needs are met.
Keith and Julie have been fostering for nearly ten years, providing a safe and secure home for two young girls, as well as emergency care and short and long-term placements. They make sure that each new arrival is welcomed as part of the family.
When their own two daughters grew up and left home, they soon realised they wanted to fill their home with the love and laughter of children and young people who need a place to stay. They love fostering and offering a home to children who need it.
Dot has fostered for Bury Council since 1981. She began fostering as she was inspired by a work colleague who did it and has never looked back since. Dot's most treasured memories of fostering are seeing the babies move from her care into their forever homes, seeing them grow old and thrive.
She's maintained connections with a lot of the families she's helped over the years. Dot has a Christmas memory tree full of decorations, ornaments and toys which represent every baby and child she has fostered over the 45 years.
Ilyas is a Muslim foster carer who fosters 4 children, 2 of which are Muslim and 2 are Christian. In their home, they make sure that this time of year is special so the children they care for aren't missing out. They do lots of Christmas activates including decorating the tree, getting out the Christmas crackers and going to the pantomime! As a family, they all get involved and make it as fun as possible for the children.
Zoe fosters for Oldham Council and has done for ten years. Nothing phases Zoe and she always goes above and beyond in everything she does. At Christmas, she makes sure to help create lasting magical memories for the children and young people she cares for. One of their Christmas traditions is going to the cinema on Christmas eve and they always eat a selection box for breakfast on Christmas day!
Janet utilises her skills and knowledge of fostering in the best interests of children. She has the ability to work therapeutically and uses her skills creatively in order to support a child's development and wellbeing. Janet always prioritises the children she cares for and consistently seeks out appropriate opportunities to enhance their learning and development, in order for them to reach their full potential.
Inspired by our foster carers? We asked our fostering community to give us answers to the most frequently asked questions about fostering - so you know what it's really like to be a foster carer. Find out more.