Celebrating the 100th Foster Carer approval with Foster with North East

Denise Skidmore, 67, has become the 100th Foster with North East foster carer approval, and is now fostering with one of our regional partners, Gateshead Council fostering. Reflecting on her journey, Denise shared: 

"My work as a Forensic Psychiatric Nurse took me away from the North East for several years. After retiring early on medical grounds and losing my husband, I decided to return to the region. Fostering had always been in the back of my mind, and I began thinking about what I wanted to do next—I felt I still had a lot to give.  I originally fostered through an Independent Fostering Agency, but I wanted to work with a local authority. I wanted to be part of a bigger community of foster carers.  I also felt that working directly with the local authority would create a clearer, more responsive link between myself and the team supporting the children in my care.

"Fostering has allowed me to give children opportunities they might not have otherwise had. To anyone considering fostering, I'd say—just go for it. The rewards far outweigh the challenges. Seeing a child happy and cared for is worth everything.  As a carer with Foster with North East I'm looking forward to building more links with other foster carers in my area and taking part in training and social events. It broadens your perspective and can be incredibly useful—no matter how long you've been fostering, there's always something new to learn."

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Get specialist support for your foster carer carer approval or transfer journey from the Foster with North East team

Foster with North East is a collaboration between 12 local council fostering services across the North East of England. We are looking for potential foster carers from all walks of life who could offer a safe, loving home for babies, children and young people to help shape their lives. 

Whether you are interested in fostering for weekends, holidays, a few weeks, several months, or even longer, the Foster with North East team can advise on how fostering with your local authority could fit your lifestyle. We guide new and transferring foster carers through the foster carer approval process, so you could become a council foster carer like Denise in as little as 4 months. When you are ready to find out more, you can call 0800 917 7771 or enquire online now.

Read more fostering news, advice and insights from our community