Alyson’s Fostering Story

Alyson is a Swiis Foster Carer in the North West and has been since 2023, but her fostering journey started before joining Swiis. Alyson’s first experience came through supporting her son, who was a full-time foster carer. Alyson stepped in as a short stay foster carer, offering interim support to give her son the chance to rest and take some time for himself.

While balancing short stay foster care with her job, Alyson soon discovered how deeply rewarding fostering is. So, when Alyson was made redundant from her primary job, the decision to become a full-time foster carer felt like a natural transition, as she enjoyed being a short stay foster carer so much.

Alyson soon welcomed an 8 year old boy, K, into her home, and she recalls one of the most memorable times she had with K was a couple of days after he arrived, when the country went into lockdown. While it was a challenging time for many, Alyson found it to be beneficial in helping to create the initial bond with K.

“I think it did us the world of good. There was nowhere to go, nothing to do, and school was closed, so we had the chance to really get to know each other quickly. We spent a lot of time doing crafts at home, cooking, and baking cookies, simple things that helped us bond. I also have a garden, and I love gardening, so he learned a lot out there with me.”

As Alyson and K’s bond developed over the years, in 2023, she decided to transfer foster care agencies to Swiis, which she says was “a really easy process”. And now, with K in his early teenage years, they have both started planning what the future looks like for him.

Looking after younger teenagers means that you have the responsibility to support them in what they want to do in their future. Alyson remembers, “When he first came, he wanted to be a police officer, which then turned into a train driver, and now, K has decided he wants to be a paramedic. He has always wanted to do something that would help people.

“Once I found out that he wanted to be a paramedic, I spoke with the school to see what additional training programmes K can do to help give him some insight. As the school works very closely with St John Ambulance, they were able to introduce us both to the NHS Cadets.”

The NHS Cadets is a youth volunteering programme established by NHS England and is delivered by St John Ambulance, working in partnership with local NHS trusts and healthcare providers. It is available to 14 – 18 year olds who have an interest in working in the health care sector, where they can develop key skills and explore the various opportunities available.

“K is three weeks into the NHS Cadets programme, and he is loving it!”

K’s commitment to his future does not stop there, as he is also a dedicated student. Alyson proudly shares, “K is doing brilliantly at school and has achieved 100% attendance this year! He recently completed a Young Health Activist course, where he explored important topics around health, what is right from wrong, and gained the skills to support and advise his peers. His hard work was recognised with an official accreditation!”

Despite the challenges K experienced in his early years, he continues to show remarkable ambition and determination to create a bright future for himself. He is building positive habits and taking on responsibilities.

“K is very tidy, everything has a place, and he loves to put his clothes away, which is rare for any 14 year old boy.”

Creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive home environment allows the child or young person in your care to feel truly accepted and cared for, which gives them the confidence to grow and reach their potential. That is what Alyson does in her day-to-day role as a foster carer, she shares, “He is not just a foster child, he is part of my family and is treated no differently from anyone else.”

Along with Alyson’s amazing commitment to supporting K, she also praises some members of the Swiis Foster Care team who have helped her through her journey and made a real impact on both hers and K’s experience.

“The Swiis team do a great job. Charlie, our Placement Support Worker, is always organising events and regularly spends time with K, and they have built a great bond. K especially enjoys all the indoor activities Charlie plans, like rock climbing.

“Hannah, our Swiis Supervising Social Worker, has also been incredibly supportive. She is always on top of things, like getting paperwork sorted and helping move things along quickly. It really makes a difference.”

Reflecting on her experience, Alyson offers thoughtful advice for anyone considering fostering teenagers.

“Like with all teens, you have to learn to pick your battles. We have all been through it ourselves, it is a normal part of growing up. But when you foster teenagers, it is honestly one of the most rewarding things you can do.”

Thinking about fostering teenagers?

If you are thinking about becoming a foster carer, contact our recruitment team. They can answer any questions you have and give you information about what support and fostering allowance Swiis can provide.