A FOSTER carer has shared the joy of receiving a Mother's Day card from one of the young people she looked after.

Foster carer Sue Neale, aged 54, from Maldon shared the emotion she felt on receiving the card and encourages more people to get into fostering.

Sue said: “The card took me by surprise because I hadn’t realised how much of an impact I’d had on this young person’s life.

“This reinforced that what I am doing for my foster children is right and that it can make such a difference to them.” 

More foster carers are needed to keep up with the rise of children coming into care. 

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Sue wants to encourage people in Essex who are thinking about fostering, to give Essex County Council a call to find out more information. 

She continued: “The most fulfilling part of fostering young people is building those relationships.

“When a foster child comes to you, it can take a while for them to trust you, but when you start to see them grow and flourish in their life, it's the most rewarding thing to see. 

“You may only be a small part of their journey, but you can still have a positive impact on their life and build these amazing relationships, even after they’ve moved on.” 

There is a particular need for more Essex foster carers who can provide homes for children with disabilities. 

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The county council offers bespoke training with a network of support groups providing opportunities to meet and learn from other carers.

It also offers 24/7 support, a dedicated social worker and access to a team of clinical psychologists. 

Sue says she has learned so much with every young person she fosters as well as from other foster carers she's met.

“Fostering has completely changed my life," Sue added.

“If you’re thinking of fostering, I can honestly say that it is one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had, but it is one of the most rewarding as well, and it’s one I don’t ever want to end.” 

Find out more about fostering by visiting essexadoptionandfostering.co.uk/fostering or call 0800 801 530.