Cumbria Fostering
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Stacy & Michael's story

For Stacy and Michael, caring for children has always been part of family life. What began as supporting family members through kinship care has grown into a rewarding fostering journey that is helping children thrive while supporting other foster families in Cumbria.

Foster carers Stacy & Michael at home

 

The couple, from Workington, first welcomed a family member into their home almost nine years ago and have since become long term foster carers for a little boy and also Mockingbird Hub Carers supporting a ‘constellation’ of fostering families in their area.

"We've had a few children over the years," said Stacy. "Nearly nine years ago we had our first child come and live with us, who was a family member. Then we had another child who stayed with us until she turned 18. We now have a little boy who came to live with us last year.

"The little boy we've got now is just like our little boy. He's fitted into our family. He's like a missing part of our jigsaw."

As a qualified social worker, Stacy had long worked alongside children and families, but fostering gave her the opportunity to make a different kind of difference.

"You know you're helping children through your job, but by becoming a foster carer you help them in a different way," she said. "If you can make a difference to one child, that's one child who can then go on to make a difference to other people."

Michael, who gave up his job to become a full-time foster carer, says the role has transformed both his daily life and sense of purpose.

"It gives you a sense that you're giving back to the community," he said. "You're doing something that's useful to people and making a positive difference to a child's life.

"It's a whole different way of life, but it's also given me more flexibility. I can be there for school events, appointments and all the things children need. It's incredibly rewarding."

Alongside fostering, Stacy and Michael are Hub Carers within Cumbria Fostering's Mockingbird programme. Mockingbird creates a support network, known as a constellation, bringing foster families together to share experiences, practical help and friendship.

"The whole idea is that it takes a village to raise a child," said Stacy. "We're there to support new foster carers, existing foster carers and friends and family foster carers, offering advice, guidance and a listening ear.

"We're a family. We can all reach out to each other for support, and the children build relationships too. We want it to feel like visiting aunties and uncles."

Michael added: "You meet people who are in the same boat as you, share experiences and realise you're not alone. You can talk through challenges and learn from what works for others."

The couple say the support available through Cumbria Fostering has been invaluable, including training, support groups, coffee mornings and emotional wellbeing services.

"There's a lot of training available and lots of support," said Michael. "Not only training, but people who can help you and support you in your role."

For Stacy and Michael, one of the most rewarding aspects of fostering is seeing children grow in confidence, achieve their goals and thrive in a stable, loving home.

"Oh, it just fills your heart with joy," said Stacy. "Honestly, the little boy we've got now, he amazes us every day. He's grown so much. Even when we had our last child, seeing how far she came and everything she achieved was incredible. Watching children grow, gain confidence and overcome challenges is what makes fostering so special. It's seeing that progress and knowing you've helped provide the stability, support and love they needed to get there.”

Michael added: "That's the reward. Seeing where a child starts and where they are now, and knowing you've had a positive impact on their life, is really special. It's something that stays with you."

For anyone considering fostering, their advice is simple – contact Cumbria Fostering, have a conversation or attend an information event.

"There are lots of myths about who can and can't foster," said Stacy. "I'd rather say I've tried it than sit there and wonder what would have happened if I had. If you've ever thought about fostering, speak to the professionals and find out more."

Find out more

Cumbria Fostering is looking for more foster carers from all walks of life to help provide safe, stable and loving homes for local children.

To find out more, attend one of our information events or contact our friendly team today. Your journey could make a lifelong difference to a child.

Get in touch

If you're thinking about fostering then we'd love to help.