Foster carer Helen Wilde is enjoying a new lease of life since opening her home to young children who need her love and attention.
Helen’s story is one of overcoming personal tragedy, displaying strength of character and determination to raise three children alone, and then be faced with a relatively solitary life in retirement.
But Helen was determined to give parenthood a second chance now that her own children have grown up and flown the nest. Following a lifetime of work in education, particularly children with physical and learning disabilities, Helen is raising two young sisters at her Church Village home.
At the age of just 39, Helen’s husband tragically passed away, leaving her with three small children to raise.
Helen had followed a childcare course at Bridgend College following school and began working in a children’s home in the area where she had experience first hand of children who needed foster carers or adoptive parents. She continued working in various schools and children’s special units throughout her career before retiring from a unit in Pentyrch which catered for young people with cerebal palsy.
”My children had grown up by then and two of my sons are serving in the armed forces, so the house began to feel very empty,” she explained.
“My sister worked full time and together we shared the responsibility of caring for mum who suffered with Alzhiemers Disease, but I still had evenings to myself and it started to feel very lonely. I wanted to do something positive with my time and contribute in some way. That’s when I considered becoming a foster carer and realise it’s the best thing I could have possibly done.
“When raising my own children I had to continue working because I was a single parent. Now I can have a second chance at it and this time I’m a stay-at-home carer, which is so fulfilling.”
Three years ago Helen made the initial contact Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, which responsible for more than 580 children in care.
“The social workers support you every step of the way and in fact it’s a very easy process indeed,” said Helen, aged 55.
“They hold your hand every step of the way, from the first meeting right through to the various aspects of training, the panel of officers who interview you and the first placement of a child in your care. It’s only natural that staff need to know everything about you and your home life to ensure the total care of the child.
”I had several short-term placements at first and from the outset I knew this was for me. The support continues from various social workers and other foster carers I come in regular contact with who help share a lot of experiences. I really do recommend foster caring to others, you don’t know what you’re missing.”
Now Helen’s life has never been busier. Her two long-term placements are sisters aged six and nine, and both of them live busy and happy lives in her care.
“There isn’t much time to spare!” she laughed. “We’re out almost every night of the week with brownies, dance, drama, swimming, netball or badminton and I genuinely believe this has been the making of me.
“The children are wonderful, they consider my own children as their brothers and sister and they call me “nan”. It keeps me active and it keeps me young. It’s the best decision I ever made.”
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Foster Care Service is continually looking for people to join its team of professional, dedicated foster carers, who earn a living by opening their homes and lives to children and young people.
The Council’s policy is that children and young people should remain with their parents where it is safe, and they proactively support families wherever possible. But when this isn’t possible the Council aims to provide placements that can provide a child with stability and a sense of security.
Cllr Annette Davies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Equalities, explained: “Foster caring is a demanding but hugely rewarding career, welcoming people who have different backgrounds and experiences but share the same commitment to ensure children’s potential is fulfilled.
“With such a variety of foster care schemes available, from short term, long term and respite placements, we will work closely to find a scheme suitable to both the carer and the young person alike.”
All carers receive professional support and training including fist aid, child protection and fire safety, with the chance to secure formal qualifications in childcare. There are generous fees and allowances, and incentives such as free leisure access for all the family.
Potential carers don’t need to own their own property, but will need a spare bedroom. Many people who become foster carers do not have children of their own. They will also have access to support 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a social worker allocated to both the carer and child alike.
If you want to know more about how to become a foster carer, then contact the Council’s Fostering Team on 0800 085 26 35.
