Dungannon woman shares her ‘fulfilling’ experiences of fostering

As the number of children in need of foster care continues to rise, the Health and Social Care (HSC) Northern Ireland Foster Care Team is appealing to the community of Dungannon and its surrounding areas to consider opening their hearts and homes to vulnerable children.

Part of the call to action comes from Cheryl Beattie, a shoe sales assistant and dedicated foster carer, who is this week sharing her inspiring journey into fostering. Cheryl’s story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how individuals from various backgrounds can make a profound difference in the lives of young people.

“I had thought about fostering for several years before actually making an enquiry,” the Dungannon woman explained. “I had met a lady through work, who always had foster children with her, and I was really curious to know more about what she did. She was the one who sparked my interest in fostering and gave me the contact details of HSC NI Foster Care. I contacted the team in early 2020, during the first COVID lockdown, and began the process of becoming an Approved Foster Carer.”

Despite initial nerves, Cheryl found the assessment process to be positive and encouraging.

“My assessment was a positive experience,” she continued. “The social worker I was working with was really encouraging.

“When it came to the stage of preparing for my first foster care placement I remember feeling sick with nerves! Excited too though. Since being approved I have provided short breaks and short-term foster care to mostly teenagers, girls and boys, between the ages of 12 and 17 years old.

Opting for short breaks and short-term foster care, Cheryl seamlessly integrated her care-giving responsibilities with her full-time job. Her ability to balance work, social life, and hobbies while providing a safe haven for teenagers underscores the flexibility of fostering.

“I still manage to fit in things like the gym and a social life,” she said. “Life can be a little hectic sometimes but I’ve got used to that; I enjoy being busy and useful.

Cheryl continued, “For me, the rewards of fostering is just knowing that I’ve given a young person a safe place to stay.

“I love hearing from kids who I’ve previously looked after; it’s nice when they want to stay in contact.

“If I’d anything to say to someone who was thinking about fostering I would tell them, ‘Do it’. Fostering is not always a full-time or long-term commitment. You can do as much, or as little, as fits in with your lifestyle.”

The Southern Team Foster Care Team is inviting anyone interested in fostering to get in touch to learn more about the different opportunities that are available and find out whether fostering could work for you.

An information session will be held on Thursday 7 March from 7pm – 8.30pm in Clogher Courthouse. Refreshments will be provided.

Alternatively, phone 0800 0720 137 or visit our website, adoptionandfostercare. hscni.net.