“Empty Nesters”urged to become foster parents

A WARRINGTON fostering agency is urging more families to become foster parents once their children fly the nest for university.
With more than 200,000 18-year olds from across the UK being offered a university place this year, Orange Grove fostercare, which provides fostering services in Warrington is looking for more parents to open up their hearts and homes to welcome children in need of care, support and love.
The latest statistics from Ofsted show that 53,040 children were in care as of March 31 last year – an increase of just over 1,000 compared to the previous year.
To support the growing number of young people entering care, it’s currently estimated that more than 8,000 families are required to become foster parents.
Fostering is a paid role that welcomes people from all walks of life, but those who have brought up their own children will already have the necessary experience and life skills.
Manager Heather Sheridan said: “As children grow up and move on to new adventures, it’s not rare to see parents going through what’s known as ‘Empty Nesters Syndrome’ where they can experience feelings of grief and loneliness.
“While not a clinical condition, research has shown that it can result in depression and a loss of purpose. Instead of focusing on these negative feelings, we want parents to reflect on their life’s purpose and make them aware of how valuable they could be to a foster child.
“As they enter this new stage in life where children are leaving home, they’ll be in the perfect position to welcome a new child as their home will already be set up accommodatingly. Not only this but as they have cared for their own child, they’ll have built up so much experience and care, making them invaluable to a child in need.”
Orange Grove is an independent fostering agency. It currently takes care of around 400 children.
To find out more about fostering with Orange Grove, call 0800 369 8513 or visit https://www.orangegrovefostercare.co.uk/.