A Nantwich foster couple have backed a Cheshire East Council appeal to attract more families to become carers.
Karen and Robert Tulip, from Nantwich, already had children of their own before deciding to foster.
Now they are supporting Cheshire East’s appeal during the “Foster Care Fortnight” national campaign, as there are more than 450 children still in care in Cheshire East.
Karen and Robert (pictured) said one of the most powerful emotions for them was the pride they felt when their foster children really connected with their own kids.
“I enjoy being a part of a large family,” she added.
“I love the children wanting to spend time with you and the family at mealtimes, where we are all together and can talk about how our days have been.
“Just sitting and watching everyone trying to get their point across, learning to take turns and the conversation often going off at a tangent.
“They’re the moments I love.”
Margaret Sanders, a foster carer in Congleton, said: “We struggled with one of our early placements and didn’t ask for help straight away.
“Looking back on it, I think we were worried that people might think we weren’t any good if we asked for help. But we let it go on too long.
“When we did ask for help, Cheshire East was absolutely brilliant.
“Now, whenever we feel we are getting anxious about anything, we are not afraid to ask for some advice and support.”
Cllr Jos Saunders, Cheshire East Cabinet member for children and families, said they need many more people like Karen, Robert and Ann to offer families for children in care.
“Choosing to become a foster carer is a fantastic, rewarding life choice and this council will continue to prioritise our search to recruit more local carers from all backgrounds and experiences across the borough,” said Cllr Saunders.
“People like Karen, Robert and Margaret are brilliant ambassadors for a life in foster care and I take my hat off to them for continuing to champion the cause.
“They are wonderful examples of excellent foster carers but we need many more like them and what better time to do that than during ‘foster care fortnight’.
“There are still more than 450 children and young people in care in Cheshire East and we are in much need of loving families to transform their lives.”
To learn more about becoming a carer, call 0300 123 3223 or visit www.foster4cheshireeast.co.uk
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