In this episode of Voices of Fostering, Helen sits down with Simon — a foster carer of 11 years — to hear his remarkable story of turning personal experience into a life's purpose.
Simon opens up about growing up in a turbulent household and moving in with his aunt and uncle as a child, and how that experience inspired him to give back to children who need the same stability he once received. Alongside his husband, Simon has been fostering for over a decade — and the very first person in their care, a teenager who had been through 11 carers in 10 years, is still with them today.
In this episode, Simon shares:
🏠 What drew him and his husband to fostering as a same-sex couple
📋 How he found the assessment process and what to expect at panel
💪 The ups, downs, and resilience required on a long-term fostering journey
⚖️ How they balance fostering with maintaining their own careers
🤝 The importance of community, support groups, and stayover care
❤️ Why he believes fostering is his life's mission — and why he can't imagine stopping
Whether you're curious about fostering, just starting your journey, or already part of the fostering community, Simon's story is a powerful reminder that the right home can change a young person's life forever.
If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit our website here.
If you have any questions that you would like to be answered on our next episode email podcast@nfa.co.uk
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