Angela & Bernard celebrate 20 years of fostering with Calon Cymru

Angela & Bernard celebrate 20 years of fostering with Calon Cymru

Recently, we celebrated Angela and Bernard's 20th anniversary as foster carers with Calon Cymru Fostering. Over the last two decades, they have welcomed children and young people into their home, providing short-term, long-term, emergency and respite care to those who needed it most.

We caught up with Angela and Bernard to reflect on their fostering journey, what inspired them to start, and the moments that have made 20 years of fostering so rewarding.

What type of fostering do you do and why?

Throughout our 20 years in fostering, we have provided all types of fostering from short-term to long-term, emergency and respite fostering. We wanted to be able to make as much of a difference as possible and were advised that this would be the best way to do that when we first started fostering. It has allowed us to support many children with a wide range of needs over the years.

Why did you want to become foster carers?

We wanted to make a lasting impact on a child's life. Every child deserves to feel safe, valued and supported, especially those who may have experienced neglect or abuse. We wanted to help children build confidence and know that someone believes in them.

How long have you been foster carers?

We have recently reached the milestone of fostering for 20 years. Well we keep being told it is milestone but it has just been our life.

What did you do before you became foster carers, and were there any transferable skills?

Our biggest transferable skills came from family life. Raising children, spending time with our grandchildren and nieces and nephews. We also opened our home to foreign exchange students over the years. All of this helped prepare us for fostering. Those experiences taught us patience, understanding and the importance of making people feel welcome.

Why did you choose to foster with Calon Cymru?

We were recommended Calon Cymru by friends, and we're so glad we took their advice.

What is your favourite thing about fostering?

Our favourite thing about fostering has been seeing children grow in confidence and creating happy memories for them. Knowing you've made a positive difference in their life is the most rewarding feeling.

What training and support do you receive from Calon Cymru?

We've always received excellent support and training from Calon Cymru. It helps us provide a safe, stable and nurturing environment while supporting each child's wellbeing and development. Knowing that support is always there gives us the confidence to provide the very best care.

Would you recommend Calon Cymru Fostering?

Yes, absolutely. Just as it was recommended to us 20 years ago we still would recommend Calon Cymru to anyone thinking about fostering.

If you could give advice to someone interested in becoming a foster carer, what would it be?

Approach fostering with both compassion and realism. It can be incredibly rewarding, but you're caring for children who may have experienced trauma, instability or loss, so it can also be emotionally demanding.

We would also suggest waiting until your own children are a little older before fostering, as children with more complex needs often require additional time, attention and emotional support. Looking after your own wellbeing is just as important too.

Is there anything else you'd like to share from your fostering journey?

One young boy stayed with us for several years. During that time, he achieved good GCSEs and A Levels before joining the Army at 18, where he went into intelligence.

Within a few years, he had been promoted to Sergeant and was doing incredibly well. He later thanked us for everything we'd done for him and told us that none of it would have been possible if he hadn't come to live with us during those important years.

Today, he's in a wonderful relationship, has bought a beautiful home in West Wales with his partner, and continues to build a successful career while travelling the world.

Stories like his remind us why we chose to foster. Watching a young person grow in confidence, achieve their goals and build the future they deserve is something we'll always be proud to have been part of.