As part of Foster Care Fortnight 2026 and this year’s theme, “This is Fostering”, we are sharing stories that reflect the care, commitment and community at the heart of fostering.
Mandy’s nomination came from someone who has known her for many years through CFT, and who wanted to recognise the difference she has made to children, families and fellow foster carers.
From the very beginning, Mandy stood out as someone others could turn to.
“From the moment I joined the agency many moons ago, she was always someone us newbies could turn to for support and advice. I noticed from the start she was someone that would go above and beyond.”
That willingness to step forward was clear when another foster carer became very poorly. Mandy came forward and took her foster child into her own home, helping to provide stability during a difficult and unavoidable time of change.
For the child, this meant being able to stay within CFT, continue attending a familiar school, and remain close to people and surroundings he had started to know.
“As always, Mandy came forward and took her foster child. This meant the child could attend a familiar school, stay within the agency where he had started to get to know others.”
For children in care, change can be unsettling. In this situation, Mandy’s support helped make a difficult transition feel safer and more familiar. She offered not only a place to stay, but a place where the child could feel included, settled and part of family life.
“The impact is massive on the child. He may not even know it, kids don’t see the bigger picture, but for him to be able to stay within CFT, join a nearby school that he was familiar with, and have other children to play with within the same home has been amazing for his young life.”
Mandy’s care is not limited to one moment. She is described as someone who takes things in her stride, puts her family first, and continues to show kindness even when things are challenging.
“She takes everything in her stride and her family always comes first. If anyone deserves to be nominated, she does.”
Her fostering journey has included difficult moments, including supporting children with complex needs. But Mandy also knows the importance of leaning on the people around her when needed, whether that is her daughters, other foster carers, or members of the CFT team.
That sense of community is part of what makes her story such a strong example of fostering. It shows that fostering is not about doing everything alone. It is about patience, commitment, support, and working together so children receive the care they need.
“Always on hand for a cuppa and support. Always lending a hand or an ear, always faces the challenges with a smile.”
Mandy is described as kind, brave, committed, friendly, trustworthy and reliable. Whether she is supporting children, offering advice to other carers, or simply being there when someone needs her, her presence has clearly made a lasting impact.
“The children, the Children keeps her going, she lives and breathes for the children, if the children are happy she’s happy.”
From adopting her boys to caring for the children she looks after, Mandy’s dedication has left a lasting impression on those around her.
After 12 years within the agency, her nominator’s message was full of admiration and gratitude:
“Everyone needs a Mandy, I wish the world had more of them, I am so honoured to call you my friend.”
If these stories have inspired you to learn more about fostering, we would love to hear from you.
Fostering can make a life-changing difference for children and young people, offering safety, stability and a place to feel part of a family.
There are many different ways to foster, and our team is here to talk you through what it could look like for you.
Get in touch with us through our enquiry form here:
https://thecft.org.uk/enquire-today/
