Local Life - Wigan - July 2018

24
A Wigan foster couple have shared
their experiences of foster caring.
Wendy and Steve have been fostering for 13 years
and are looking forward to their summer holiday to
Fuerteventura with their foster daughter Helen* (a
pseudonym name to protect Helen’s identity).
The couple are planning to go with two other
couples who are foster carers, one of which looks
after Helen’s siblings.
Wendy said: “We have a really positive relationship
with the other families and actively keep the
children in touch. We want them to have the same
opportunities as our own daughter, and that all
children should have.”
Joys of fostering
Wendy works in two special educational needs
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From left, Steph Lowe, Steve Lowe, Wendy Lowe
and Tim Liptrot
schools and began fostering when she wanted to
care for a pupil who was going through a difficult
period.
She explained: “The young man came into school
not knowing where he was sleeping that night.
“I said I wanted him to stay with us and was told I’d
need to be an approved carer so we decided that’s
what we would do.
“Over the years we’ve fostered about 30 children. It
really does make a difference to a young person’s
life.
“It can be a really positive experience. You just have
to be flexible and do your research.”
To find out more about fostering visit www.wigan.
gov.uk/fostering or call 01942 487200.