It was a breath of fresh air

At Fitzgerald Fostering we believe that every child, whatever their previous circumstances, has the right to be safe and happy and should be given every opportunity to thrive in a supportive and loving family environment.

Brothers Jonathan and Adam were 15 and 12 years old when they were placed with experienced Fitzgerald Fostering foster carers Sarah and Simon. Now living independently, the brothers joined Sarah and sat down with us to share their experiences.

Q: Sarah: can you tell us about how Jonathan and Adam were placed with you?

A: We were already fostering with Fitzgerald, and one of the boys we cared for was a school friend of Jonathan’s. The school knew that we were foster carers and when the Safeguarding Lead at the boys’ school was made aware that Jonathan and Adam needed a new placement, she contacted me. Together, we spoke to Fitzgerald and with their help, a week later the boys moved in.

Q: Sarah: had you fostered siblings before?

A: No, they were the first, and we didn’t know what to expect, but they were tremendously close. Jonathan was a real protector of Adam. When they first came, they would sit on the sofa so close together, they’d get into each other’s skin if they could.

And we’ve chosen to foster siblings since fostering Jonathan and Adam because we realise how important it is to keep siblings together.

Q: Sarah: are there any particularly special memories of your fostering journey with Jonathan and Adam you’d like to share?

A: Every day, really. It was a pleasure having them all the time. They fitted into our family and were a joy to have. They really were. Simon and I have four birth children, all grown up now and our youngest son lives in Australia. Like Jonathan, he enjoys cooking and the two of them keep in touch and chat about cooking. We think of them all as our family.

I do remember a lovely day we had together in London, taking the boys on the London Eye and to Trafalgar Square. Making happy memories together.

Through the boys, we are in touch with Jonathan and Adam’s birth parents, who live abroad. We have received emails of thanks from the boys’ father, and that means a lot. It’s really lovely.

Q: Sarah: and what happened when the boys turned 18?

A: Jonathan chose to stay with us when he turned 18 and Adam was still at school. Jonathan did brilliantly and secured an apprenticeship but, along with lots of other young people, when the pandemic hit in 2020 everything changed. For Jonathan, who wasn’t born in the UK, issues also arose around his right to live and work here.  We were very happy to support Jonathan during this process and are pleased that the brothers now have the right to remain.

With this now sorted and Adam now at University, the boys decided they would like to live together independently – and we’re happy that they are just up the road from us so we see each other all the time.

Q: Jonathan and Adam: can you remember how you felt when you first arrived at Sarah and Simon’s?

A: It was a breath of fresh air. Where we were before wasn’t too great, and then to come to Sarah and Simon’s was so nice.  Growing up in care, you need to have your wits about you, and you get to be a good judge of character.  Really quickly we could sense that Sarah and Simon had a good energy, that they are kind people.  We never really felt like foster kids. It felt like we were living with our Mum and Dad. They always want to help us grow, and it always feels like coming home here.

Q: Jonathan and Adam: are there some special memories you could share with us?

A: Jonathan: For me, it was Sarah taking me to my first careers days, that led to my Chef Apprenticeship. I was happy for Sarah to see me in my new baggy chef whites!  If it wasn’t for Sarah and Simon, I wouldn’t be doing this now.  They gave me the confidence I needed.

Adam: My 13^th birthday is a special memory for me. Sarah and Simon helped me to save for a Nintendo Switch, and I still have it now.

Q: Jonathan and Adam: and have there been challenges that Sarah and Simon have helped you overcome?

A: Sarah and Simon have always been there for us, giving us good guidance. The statistics of outcomes for kids in care aren’t good, but when you’ve got role models at home like Sarah and Simon, it makes all the difference. Things like showing you how to deal with your emotions, and how to make the best of our futures. Both of them have played a key role in making us who we are now.

Q: Jonathan and Adam: and tell us what you are doing now, and what’s next?

A: Jonathan: I am now a Chef at a Michelin starred restaurant. I’ve always loved cooking, and one day would like to run my own fine dining restaurant where the menu would be a mix of African and British influences, reflecting my own heritage. I’d also like to set up an apprenticeship scheme for young chefs.

Adam: I have just finished the first year of a Digital Marketing degree. I’d like to help Jonathan with promoting his restaurants.

Thank you, Sarah, Jonathan and Adam, for taking the time to chat with us.

At Fitzgerald Fostering, we support our foster carers 24/7 to give the best care possible to the young people they look after.

If you live in Guildford, Slough, Reading, Bracknell, Farnham, Maidenhead, Wokingham or surrounding areas – please contact us to find out more or call us on 01753550031. At Fitzgerald Fostering, we are with you all the way.