'Obviously, kids in care are there because they've had something that's gone on in their lives, either from birth or if they're five or six, or even in their teens. That's not to make excuses for them but they are normal kids and you can't let them get away with things that other children wouldn't get away with. All the time, though, you're trying to explain (to them) why you're doing something, so it's not a "because I said so", it's "this is why you can't do this; it's because, etc", and set it out like that.'
On today's episode, I chat with my special guest Vanessa about being a foster parent. She shares some of her experiences with me including the challenges, emotions and the rewards fostering brings. We discuss about LGBTQ & fostering, what 'Respite Fostering' is, and what she has learnt so far with her partner in their parenting journey. Vanessa also chats about how she picked up Eastern European languages, trips to the former Soviet Union. Ness also shares her musical tastes, what her first Rock concert was and why she plays the viola. And of course, we talk about the quote that continually inspires her.
Vanessa Townsend graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in Modern East European Studies and joined a charity as a researcher into religious and human rights abuse in the then Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. She then joined Jane’s Defence Weekly
as a reporter/sub-editor. Having worked on numerous business magazines, including freelancing for a book publisher, business and commercial publications and newspapers, she has been production editor on Recruiter/recruiter.co.uk since 2007, and two other
magazines. In her spare time, she plays viola for the Bromley Symphony Orchestra and other musical groups in the local area, enjoys walking with her partner and two mischievous Cavapoo dogs, Misty and Millie – and goes to the gym, where she tries not to
injure herself.
Vanessa and her partner have been respite fostercarers for the past 5 years, looking after children from 5-18 any time from overnight to a couple of months. They also fostered a 16-
year-old girl over lockdown until she turned 18, and they continue to help her outside fostering now that she’s in supported accommodation.
For further information about fostering, please visit https://www.gov.uk/becoming-foster-parent
Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at theswingingpalmtree@gmail.com.
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ!
