Rita has been a foster carer since 2007 and has “never looked back” having provided a safe and secure home for dozens of children and young people in need over the past 14 years.

She moved to the UK with her husband Ngoni from Zimbabwe during traumatic times, leaving her home and all of her belongings.

Having dealt with such huge upheavals in her life, Rita felt her experiences would help in becoming a foster carer for youngsters who need respite, short-term or long-term care.

The couple, who have three children of their own and five grandchildren, have fostered babies, toddlers and teenagers and while, at times, it hasn’t been easy, they believe they can empathise with each child’s loss, whether it’s a parent, a sibling or even their home.

Rita said: “Each child comes to us with different needs, whether they are emotional or behavioural, and it’s important to make them feel at home as quickly as possible by reassuring them and making them feel comfortable in their new surroundings.

“The training we have received has been extremely supportive and we have acquired the necessary skills to look after many different children and help them with their different needs.

“It’s important to share experiences with other foster carers and there are lots of different groups where you can meet other families as well as your own social worker.”

October is black history month and Bolton Council’s fostering team would like encourage more people from black origin to think about fostering a child.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council’s fostering team said: “Matching children with carers of the same culture or lifestyle can allow for a better understanding of their needs.

“It is important that we engage with the black and ethnic minority communities and try and encourage more carers to come forward.”

Rita said: “Sometimes people can underestimate their own capabilities and wonder whether they can actually become a foster carer.

“Growing up in Zimbabwe, with a traditional family, meant there were always lots of children staying in our home, living as a family.

“We would care for them as if they were our own, which is essentially what being a foster carer is all about.

“When I came to the UK, I picked up a leaflet about foster caring and made an enquiry because I knew that we could make a difference.

“It’s extremely rewarding and we haven’t looked back.”

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a foster carer, let the team support you.

For more information visit www.bolton.gov.uk/fostering, email fostering@bolton.gov.uk or call 0800 107 1564.

Dedicated foster carers have been an inspiration

Over the past six months, we have featured many dedicated foster carers who have shared their experiences in a bid to encourage others to begin their own rewarding fostering journey.

Lynette and Andy told us that they foster “for the love of the children” and Kieran knew he “had something to offer a child or young person”.

Sean and Karen believe “it’s important to show teenagers what family life can be like before they become adults” and Emma and Martin offer “a safe place that gives children a sense of security”.

Mark's decision to become a foster carer “wasn't an easy one but it was definitely the right one” and Amanda always tries “to respect each individual's traditions like they would if they were at home”.

Respite carer Marie believes that “the children are so different which makes every day different as well” and Deb and Justin know “there is always someone who can provide help and support” especially with Bolton Council’s buddy team.

If you have been inspired by our foster carers and want to know more about helping children and young people in need, let the fostering team support you.

For more information visit www.bolton.gov.uk/fostering, email fostering@bolton.gov.uk or call 0800 107 1564.