As part of Foster Care Fortnight 2026 and this year’s theme, “This is Fostering”, we are sharing stories that recognise the commitment, resilience and care shown by foster carers across our community.
Sue and Nathan were nominated by Leanne Jewitt, who wanted to recognise the support they have given to a young person during a particularly difficult period.
“Sue and Nathan have gone above and beyond in supporting a young person whose behaviour has been escalating.”
The situation has involved significant challenges, but Sue and Nathan have remained committed. Even during times when the young person has been disengaged, they have continued to offer consistency, patience and a safe place to return to.
“They have never given up on this young person.”
Their support has not only been emotional. Sue and Nathan have worked closely with school, social workers and other agencies to advocate for the young person’s needs, share important information and help keep him safe.
Sue has also played an important role in supporting his education. She has worked with school to help manage difficult situations, offered strategies, attended when needed, and helped maintain a placement that had previously been hard for him to access.
This kind of commitment can make a real difference. For young people who are facing complex challenges, having carers who continue to show up, advocate and provide stability can help keep important parts of life in place.
Leanne also highlighted the calm and therapeutic approach Sue and Nathan bring to their fostering. They have remained fair in their expectations, flexible in their support, and willing to keep learning so they can better meet the needs of the child in their care.
“they have been flexible and understanding to the young person. They have been resilient and fair in there expectations. Utilising a calm approach.”
Alongside supporting one young person through a complex situation, Sue and Nathan have also carefully managed his brother’s placement and their own birth child. This has not been easy, but their tolerance, understanding and determination have helped them continue.
“They have offered this person a safe secure base to come back to.”
Sue and Nathan are described as down to earth carers who are not fazed by much. They keep going because they want to provide a safe and loving home, even when change does not happen quickly or easily. Their story is a powerful reminder that fostering is not only about the easier moments. It is also about staying steady during uncertainty, offering care when it is not always accepted, and continuing to believe that consistency can matter.
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/
