Terry and Sheila’s Fostering Journey
For Terry and Sheila, becoming foster carers wasn’t a decision made overnight. It was something that had stayed with them for decades – quietly waiting for the right time.
Now, having recently been approved as foster carers with Lorimer Fostering, they’re ready to open their home to children who need care, stability and understanding – and they’re proud to be starting that journey as part of the Lorimer family.
A Seed Planted Long Ago
Sheila can clearly remember where her interest in fostering first began.
“I was about 17 when I went into a children’s home to collect my cousin,” she recalls. “A little girl came up to me and just hugged my leg. That was all she wanted. Just a hug.”
That moment stayed with her. It made her think deeply about the experiences of children in care and the importance of adults who are simply there – offering comfort, safety and kindness.
“It’s none of the children’s fault what they’ve been through,” Sheila says. “That really stuck with me.”
Although life took many turns after that – raising their own family, work, health challenges and caring responsibilities – the idea of fostering never really left them.
“We’ve talked about it on and off over the years,” Terry explains. “Life always got in the way. But the want to do it was always there.”
Finding the Right Time – And the Right Agency
With their own children grown up and their home suddenly much quieter, Terry and Sheila knew the time had come to revisit fostering seriously.
“The house felt empty,” Terry says. “And we knew we had room – not just in the house, but in ourselves.”
When they began approaching agencies, honesty was important to them. Terry had concerns that his past might automatically rule them out.
“I was upfront from the very beginning,” he explains. “A lot of places just said no straight away.”
Lorimer was different.
“Lorimer was the one that said, ‘Let’s have a look. Let’s talk.’ That meant everything to us.”
From those first conversations, through home visits and meeting the team, they felt listened to – not judged.
“It felt real,” Sheila says. “It was personable. We didn’t feel like a number. We felt like people.”
A Thorough and Thought‑Provoking Assessment Process
Terry and Sheila describe the assessment process as rigorous – but in a way that reassured them rather than put them off.
“We always knew it was going to be thorough, and that’s how it should be,” Terry says. “If someone was approved quickly, I’d be worried.”
Working through the training and assessments opened their eyes to experiences many children in care have lived through.
“Some of the modules really hit us,” Sheila admits. “You read these case studies and think, ‘Did that really happen?’ It stays with you.”
They found themselves rereading sections, taking time to reflect, and having quiet moments together to process what they were learning.
“It’s completely different to bringing up your own children,” Sheila explains. “These children come with trauma. You have to understand that.”
Rather than discouraging them, this only strengthened their commitment.
“That’s the point,” Terry says. “You go through all of this for the children. It’s not about us.”
Feeling Supported Every Step of the Way
Throughout the process, support from the Lorimer team made a huge difference.
“From day one, we felt supported,” Sheila says. “There’s always someone there. There’s no such thing as a silly question.”
The opportunity to learn alongside other foster carers was especially valuable.
“Listening to people who’ve actually lived it is so reassuring,” Terry explains. “No matter what you’re facing, someone has been there before and can help you through it.”
They also appreciated how accessible the team felt, whether through training sessions, meetings or quick questions.
“You never feel on your own,” Sheila adds. “That makes all the difference.”
Looking Ahead with Open Hearts
As they prepare for their first child, Terry and Sheila are realistic about the challenges fostering can bring – but they feel ready.
“We don’t see obstacles,” Terry says. “We see ways around them. You go over, under or round – but you don’t stop.”
One area they feel particularly passionate about is keeping siblings together wherever possible.
“If a child’s brother or sister is their only constant,” Sheila explains, “why would you want to take that away from them?”
Their home reflects who they are – busy, warm, welcoming, full of family and traditions.
“It’s not a flash house,” Sheila smiles. “But it’s a home. And that’s what children need.”
With grandchildren excitedly talking about welcoming new friends, and Christmas traditions that centre around togetherness and care, Terry and Sheila are ready to offer stability to children who may never have known it before.
A Message to Anyone Considering Fostering
When asked what they would say to someone thinking about fostering, Terry doesn’t hesitate.
“I’d absolutely recommend Lorimer,” he says. “Yes, it’s hard work. Yes, it’s rigorous. But it’s all worth it.”
Sheila agrees.
“If you really want to foster, lean into the process,” she says. “Do it properly. The reward is that you get to make a difference to a child’s life.”
A Warm Welcome to the Lorimer Family
We’re incredibly proud to welcome Terry and Sheila to Lorimer Fostering. Their honesty, compassion and commitment shine through – and we look forward to supporting them as they begin this next chapter of their fostering journey.
0 comments