A foster mum from Chester is urging others to consider a career in fostering as the pandemic has resulted in many people across the UK looking for a career change.

With over 35% of people feeling unsatisfied in their current jobs, and 20% of people planning to switch to a career that helps others, a foster mum is calling on people across Cheshire to consider a rewarding career in fostering as the number of children and young people needing a safe place to live continues to rise.

Catherine Boswell, 40, from Buckley, left her job in e-commerce working for Iceland after 11 years to become a full-time foster carer having been inspired by the pandemic to do something more meaningful.

Parents to a blended family of their own, fostering is something Catherine and her husband, Stuart, 42, who works for a cement manufacturer, had been considering for a while, as Catherine grew up with a best friend whose parents fostered. Witnessing the positive impact her friend’s parents had on the children reaffirmed that fostering was something Catherine wanted to do later in life.

In the early days of the first coronavirus lockdown, and like many Britons, Catherine continued her career of more than a decade from her home. But as the weeks went on, she found herself starting to think about escaping the nine to five and doing something more fulfilling.

It was then when she read a story online about the rising number of children in care because of the pandemic and the need for more foster carers which ultimately motivated her to make the plunge into fostering. 

It was only a matter of weeks before Catherine was on the phone with different fostering organisations and local authorities to find the best match for her and her family. In April 2021, Catherine was approved to become a foster carer with Foster Careline – an independent fostering organisation and part of the Five Rivers social enterprise family, which has an office in the Wirral and foster carers across Cheshire.

Speaking about her decision to leave Iceland to become a foster carer, Catherine said: “Fostering was always something I had considered after seeing my best friend’s parents foster when I was younger. However, it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that I had more time to think about my calling in life and started to consider fostering more seriously.

“I was slightly hesitant at first if I had the right qualifications, but I soon realised that I didn’t need an extensive CV to foster. After being approved to become a foster carer, I immediately started a week-long initial training course, which is mandatory. I learnt everything from supporting a child through trauma and safeguarding to behavior management and mental health. My family also went through rigorous training so they could support me to support the children in our care.”

Earlier this year, the couple fostered one teenager and are currently waiting for the arrival of their next foster child. Discussing the most rewarding aspects of fostering, Catherine said: “Having worked in a corporate environment for so long, you can get really comfortable only celebrating big moments or events. What fostering has taught me so far is that it’s the little things that matter most. There are many children in care that don’t believe in themselves or have minimal self-worth because they think they are the reason for being in care. But when you start to see the youngsters who do change and become more confident in their own selves and abilities, it’s so incredible to witness.”

Looking to the future, Catherine shares how they hope to foster for many years to come, she said: “At Iceland, my job wasn’t flexible, and I found I was spending more time in the office than at home with my family. Now I can prioritise my family life, sport practice after school and family game nights after tea without thinking about a work deadline. The pandemic gave me the chance to rethink my work life balance and leaving behind my stressful nine to five job to become a foster carer has been the best thing I’ve ever done. 

“Children in foster care have been through so much, they are so resilient, but they do need a loving and safe home to thrive. If you’re feeling stuck in your job or looking to do something more rewarding, think about fostering. It’ll be the best decision you’ll ever make.” 

The number of children needing foster care in the UK has risen by 36% in the last year. With more children and young people in need of a loving and safe home, fostering can provide the job stability and flexibility, which people are valuing more, post-pandemic. It’s a vocation which can be done from home and is suitable for singletons, couples, and families alike.

Commenting on Catherine’s journey as a foster carer, Pauline Fitzgerald, fostering service manager for Cheshire at Foster Careline, said:

“Catherine made a big change after leaving her career of more than a decade in e-commerce to become a foster carer. Like many of our foster carers, Catherine didn’t have an extensive social care or child-minding background, which you don’t need to become a foster carer. With our training and support, Catherine has been able to provide a safe and loving home to a child in need regardless of her previous job history.

“The pandemic has changed how people want to live their lives and has reminded us that life is too short to not do something you love. And with more people inspired by the pandemic, there is a renewed sense of life to help others and to be in a job that feels rewarding.

 “We offer 24/7 support from qualified and experienced staff and a wide range of specialist training.

 “There is no need for previous experience, but we are keen to hear from people who are nurturing, compassionate and enjoy supporting others, as well as anyone who has questions about fostering and the variety of roles available.”

People from across England, from all backgrounds and communities can be considered to become foster carers but they must be over 21 years of age. This includes single people, co-habiting couples, LGBTQ+ couples and people living in rented accommodation. You will need a spare room for each foster child.

For more information on foster care, contact Foster Careline on 01513 911 345, email carer.enquiries@fostercareline.com or visit https://www.fostercareline.com/.

*Please note, names have been changed to protect the identities of the children in care.