‘The Decade Club’ by Daisy Doo*

Hi all,

What a whirlwind 2023 has been. I have been a bit quiet lately, had lots going on. I have a new job, it is possible to work alongside fostering. It depends on the little one living with you and your support network, but it is possible. I have a great team behind me and I am working for a terrifically empathetic employer, a win-win situation. The fact that I work has not impacted my ability to care for Julian, if anything, it has given us a more balanced approach to fostering, I am able to work around term time too.

We were recently invited to join a new club, ‘The Decade Club’.  It was an honour to get together with a bunch of foster carers from Calon to celebrate the first ever Decade club. We were invited to The Towers Hotel and Spa in Swansea to celebrate and enjoy a slap-up meal. Carers that have reached 10+ years fostering for Calon Cymru Fostering, formerly Pathway Care, were recognised for their continued, professional service to the agency. 

We also had the opportunity to meet the new CEO, Peter Mitchell, who after introducing himself, thanked everyone and touched on the future of the agency and the next 10+ years. We all had a wonderful time and look forward to doing it all again next year with other foster carers who have reached the 10-year mark.

Next on the agenda is the Christmas do. Christmas lunches are held regionally to celebrate the festive season and offer another fantastic opportunity to get together as a group to chat and enjoy another slap-up meal, courtesy of Calon Cymru Fostering.

Calon is all about recognition, celebration, professionalism, support and a genuine interest in looking after their carers.

Daisy Doo* and Julian too xx

*Name changed to protect the identity of the foster carer, children and young people in their care