Simon, a successful local business owner selling Caribbean soul food has become a newly approved foster carer. We caught up with Simon to discuss his reasons for wanting to foster, how his fostering journey is going and how he continues to run his business alongside fostering.
“My interest in fostering was sparked by a desire to make a positive difference to the lives of children in need of a stable and loving home environment. I realised that my knack for turning chaos into a semblance of order might come in handy outside of organizing my sock drawer. Plus, who doesn’t want to be a real-life superhero with the power of love?”
What first sparked your interest in fostering?
“My interest in fostering was sparked by a desire to make a positive difference to the lives of children in need of a stable and loving home environment. I realised that my knack for turning chaos into a semblance of order might come in handy outside of organizing my sock drawer. Plus, who doesn’t want to be a real-life superhero with the power of love?”
Simon’s passion for uniting people through food and his expertise in the catering business has provided a valuable opportunity for the young person in his care to acquire new skills, gain hands-on experience, and be exposed to real-world situations in the industry.
Simon connected with the young person through cooking, he was exposed to a whole new world of different culture and food. Before staying with Simon, he had never tried curried goat, now it’s his favourite meal to cook!
How does fostering fit around your life commitments?
“Fostering fits around my life commitments by careful planning, communication, and flexibility. It’s important to prioritise the needs of the foster child while also balancing other responsibilities.”
We have a variety of people fostering for the Vale of Glamorgan, from busy business owners like Simon to retired couples. If you feel passionate about taking that jump into fostering but unsure if you have the time to foster, we have a great team that can help you figure out if it’s the right time for you.
What does fostering mean to you?
“Fostering means providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for children who may have experienced trauma or instability in their lives. It’s about offering them stability, love, and the opportunity to thrive.”
The young person has started his training for his food safety qualifications and has decided it is a career path he wants to pursuit. Discovering his passion for cooking has transformed his outlook on life and given him a new perspective.
What advice would you give to someone considering fostering?
“My advice to someone considering fostering would be to educate themselves about the foster care system, be prepared for the challenges and rewards it brings, seek support from experienced foster parents or agencies, and above all, approach fostering with an open heart and mind.”
If Simon’s story has inspired you, contact us here for a friendly and informal chat about fostering
