“I have been single for about 12 or 13 years, and raised my four girls on my own. That had made me put fostering on hold,” said Dawn.

“I had just finished my last project on my Interior Design course at university, so the timing was right without me realising. It all happened quite quickly.”

The 46-year-old now has a 17-year-old at home with her girls aged 16, 18 and 19. Her 21-year-old daughter lives nearby.

“Fostering is an incredible experience – it makes you think in different ways,” she continued.

“I raised my own girls, and you watch them grow up and see them hitting milestones. As I have raised four girls, I knew I could do it again.

“But I don’t think you have to have your own kids to foster. Because this experience has been a lot different to anything I’ve had before.

“Sometimes you need reassurance because things that came naturally to me with my kids, I’ve second guessed myself. That reassurance and support is there in abundance from your social worker. Mine has been brilliant.

“You just have to be there for the young person. Stable and available.

“I think it’s important for people to see that you can foster if you’re single, if you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, you’re a younger person.

“Everyone can do it and offer something.”

Dawn is now helping the teenager prepare for life at university and is proud of her girls for how they’ve adapted.

“They’re teenage girls, and even before we fostered there were a lot of children in the house so things haven’t had to change too much,” she smiled.

“We’ll have quarrels but we set boundaries and I’m so proud of all of them.”

What would she say to those thinking about fostering?

“I’d say just do it,” continued Dawn.

“If you think you might have it in you, then believe that you can. Even if you only have a positive influence on one person – isn’t that enough?

“Whatever you’ve got, that’s what you can offer someone else.”

If you could make a real difference like Donna, our team would love to chat to you. Call us on 01642 201962 or if you’re ready to get things moving, grab a cuppa and start your application online now.

Donna