We have become our own little community, with everyone supporting each other in our constellation. Children have found it great as they are not the only one who is fostered within the group. When we go on activities, our children say that this is the best one each time we have gone somewhere. We celebrate birthdays together for the children. The children call us grandma and grandpa and call the other carers aunties and uncles, so it really feels like we are a family. All of the adults are very supportive - when they are going through a rough time they have someone to talk to. It's a different way of fostering. You meet many more people and have a consistent group to look after. I have enjoyed being Hartlepool's Mockingbird Hub carer and I have found it so rewarding.
Joyce Melrose, Mockingbird Hub Carer for Hartlepool Borough Council
I would urge all of you out there - if you're thinking about fostering, give it a go. It doesn't matter what your age. I'm retired, my partner is retired and it has brought us much joy and happiness.
Anne Allison, Foster Carer for Hartlepool Borough Council
I have always found it so rewarding to watch a child grow. The time and love you give is so rewarding - they can learn to give so much back. I always say to everyone if they are unsure about fostering for Hartlepool Borough Council, if you give one child a year of your time it makes a massive difference to a child's life. And there's always help and support available.
Carol Archibald, Foster Carer for Hartlepool Borough Council
