Royal invitation for Tameside foster carer

Tameside foster carer Dave Atkins has received royal recognition for the difference he’s made to over 70 Tameside children over the course of 36 years.

Dave, 79, from Audenshaw, is a single male, who for over 30 years ran his own joinery business whilst fostering full-time.

In appreciation for how he has changed the lives of so many, Dave was invited to the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

Dave said: “I couldn’t believe it had happened to me - it was fantastic.

“I had to think why am I here and really, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the wonderful young people I’ve cared for over the years, and what they’ve managed to achieve.

“My favourite moment was seeing the King and Queen appear on the balcony and walk down the steps.

“When I was younger, anytime I was in London I’d try and visit the palace and stand outside the gates, I never thought I’d be on the other side.

“It even gave me some inspiration when I was walking around their rose garden, which I’m now trying to grow my own!”

In Tameside, residents are being encouraged to come forward and enquire about fostering so that they can open their hearts and their homes to local children and young people.

With Dave providing over 70 placements for teenage boys over his time fostering with Tameside Council, he said: “I’ve built my own family unit over the years and I’m so proud of every one of them for what they’ve done.

“They really do support me, all of the young lads are so brilliant, and they all show their appreciation.

“It’s so rewarding to see these young people do well in life with their jobs and families, especially after having a challenging start. We need more foster carers to support local children and young people have the best start in life.”

When you become a foster carer in Tameside you become a part of the fostering family where you are paired with a buddy, get invited to social events and awards throughout the year, and join support groups.

Dave began his fostering journey after supporting a young boy who had been living in a derelict house over Christmas and insisted on offering him a job full-time and training him as a joiner.

Dave is coming to the end of his fostering journey, but he said: “Please do enquire about fostering, there’s so many young people there just waiting for an opportunity.

“You’re bringing someone into your life who can benefit from being in your home, I cannot see how anyone would regret it.

“I know times can be difficult but that happens in any family and you work through it with plenty of support, you’re never on your own with any problem so please go for it because these children need you.”

Anyone can foster as long as applicants are 21 years or older, have a spare room (unless you’re fostering a child under the age of two), and can offer a safe and loving home.

The council provides full training, including online opportunities to increase flexibility, support, and an allowance.

Tameside Council and local foster carers run regular drop-in sessions both in-person and online. See a full list of ‘Let’s Talk Fostering’ sessions here.

Anyone who has been inspired by Dave can get in touch by calling 0300 303 0321, emailing enquire@fosterforgm.com or visiting www.fosterforgm.com/tameside