“Our busy household is filled with love, laughter, and resilience” - An LGBTQIA+ couple's fostering journey in North East Lincolnshire

“In 2013, after completing an art degree, our family circumstances changed, leading us to become hands-on grandparents for our granddaughter. This experience inspired us to consider fostering, allowing us to help more children. Over the years, we've welcomed several children into our home, including a sibling group, creating a bustling, loving household.

Our journey has been filled with adventures, challenges, and immense learning. Moving to the countryside provided a peaceful setting for the children's mental health and our family's well-being. We cherish the memories and milestones achieved, advocating for our kids until they can do so themselves.

Fostering has really enriched our lives, offering insights and training to support children from diverse backgrounds. As a gay couple together for 24 years, with a diverse family including grandchildren of different races and a grandchild who is in a same sex relationship, we strive to empower the children in our care to find their voices and be their best selves.

We encourage everyone, regardless of background, to consider fostering. It's a challenging yet rewarding journey, with strong support systems in place. Our busy household is filled with love, laughter, and resilience, and we continue to meet up with children who have moved on, maintaining those precious connections and relationships.

Fostering is a vocation that demands love, dedication, and a great sense of humour. The kids deserve our best, and we are committed to giving it to them.”

Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services at North East Lincolnshire Council said:

“Hearing how Barrie and Tony have dedicated 10 years of their lives to fostering is humbling. They have clearly made a huge difference to the lives of the children that have lived with them over that time.”

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education said:

We want to encourage anyone, no matter their background, to think about fostering with North East Lincolnshire Council. One of the fostering team would be more than happy to discuss your enquiry.”

If you want to find out more about fostering for North East Lincolnshire Council, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/fostering