Hollingworth couple show how flexible fostering can change lives

A Hollingworth couple are proving that fostering can flex around busy working lives while making a life-changing difference to local children.

Wayne, 44, a full-time teacher, and Vicky, 45, a part-time teaching assistant, became respite foster carers just over a year ago. Since then, they’ve spent weekends and school holidays welcoming children and young people into their home – all while continuing their careers.

“Respite care works well because we can pick and choose what weekends and school holidays we want to work,” Wayne explained. “Then all it comes down to is a bit of organisation and preparation.”

Their story is part of Tameside Council’s campaign to show that fostering can be flexible, varied and suited to different lifestyles.

The couple were inspired by Wayne’s sister, who fostered for 20 years. Working daily with children in schools also fuelled their desire to offer care in a more nurturing, home-based environment.

“We don’t have our own children, but we spend a lot of time with children in schools,” said Wayne. “We thought we have all of this knowledge and skills, why don’t we apply this to fostering?”

Vicky added: “There’s only so much you can do in schools because you only get so much time with them, and I wanted to do more of the parental and nurturing side.”

After initially fostering through an agency, they decided they wanted to support local children directly by fostering through Tameside Council.

Wayne and Vicky say the support they’ve received from the council has been exceptional.

“Tameside Council really stood out to us because their communication was excellent,” Wayne said. “It has been really friendly and intimate. We’ve had training, support, buddies, and a brilliant Facebook group of other carers.”

Vicky agreed: “Our social worker has been amazing; she’s been with us from the beginning. I expected it to be more intense, but it hasn’t been like that at all.”

They say the gradual process of getting to know the children before caring for them helped build confidence on both sides.

The couple say the joy of respite fostering comes from simple, shared experiences, creative breakfasts, nature walks, football in the park, or trying new activities like bubble-wrap painting.

“I love getting creative with their breakfasts and lunches,” said Vicky. “Sitting down and having our own little chats is really special.”

Wayne added: “It’s not complicated. It’s just spending time with people and enjoying it. We get to do things we love too.”

Despite their short stays, the couple hope the children leave with lasting memories and small lessons that help them later in life.

“It takes a village to raise a child, and we’re just a part of that village,” Vicky said. “They might not be your birth family, but you’re their family and they’re yours for that moment.”

The couple encourage anyone curious about fostering to simply start a conversation.

“Just be brave and ask the questions because there’s no pressure to do anything,” Wayne said.

Vicky added: “We’ve been really honest about what we can and can’t do from the start, and our social worker has always supported us.”

Tameside Council continues to urge more people to come forward to provide stable and loving homes for local children. Full training, support and allowances are provided, and fostering can be tailored to different lifestyles, including short-term, long-term, specialist, emergency and respite care.

Cllr Teresa Smith, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children’s and Families, thanked Wayne and Vicky for sharing their story.

“What you do truly makes the difference and keeps local children at the heart of everything we do,” she said. “A lot of people don’t realise they already have the skillset to become a foster carer.”

Anyone inspired by Wayne and Vicky’s journey can get in touch by calling 0300 303 0321, emailing enquire@fosterforgm.com, or visiting www.fosterforgm.com/tameside.